Parliament Question: Modernisation of Cantonment Administration

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3623 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13th March, 2026 MODERNISATION OF CANTONMENT ADMINISTRATION 3623. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Kasauli Cantonment Board has temporarily halted auctions of shops, sheds and kiosks in Market Bazaar pending finalisation of revised policy guidelines; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of units affected and the revenue realised prior to the pause; (c) whether the proposed Cantonment Board Rules, 2026 are under consideration of the Government, if so, the details thereof including the expected timeline for its approval; (d) whether representations from traders and public representatives have been received and suitably examined and if so, the details thereof; and (e) the interim measures taken by the Government to safeguard livelihoods and ensure smooth implementation of the revised auction framework across cantonment markets in the country? A N S W E R MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI SANJAY SETH) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (a) & (b) Yes. Out of a total of 68 stalls/shops/sheds, e-auction of 63 units was initiated by Cantonment Board Kasauli. The revenue accrued from these 63 units is Rs.1.18 Crore per annum (approx). (c) Yes. The draft rules propose reservation in allotment of Cantonment Board shops in favour of ex-servicemen and other eligible categories. Objections / suggestions shall be invited from the interested persons prior to the framing of rules. …2/-:2: (d) The representations received from stall-holders and also from SDM, Kasauli and DC, Solan have been examined by Cantonment Board Kasauli. Further, the shopkeepers were given personal hearing by the Cantonment Board during the meeting held on 20.02.2026. (e) DGDE has directed the Cantonment Boards to keep the ongoing / proposed auction proceedings in abeyance till the notification of the rules since the proposed provisions will directly impact the policy framework relating to reservation and allotment of shops by the Boards. The Cantonment Board Kasauli has resolved to extend the occupancy rights of the existing lessees by private treaty for a further period of one year subject to prior sanction of GoC-in-C under section 267 of the Cantonments Act, 2006 or till finalization of the proposed rules, whichever is earlier. *****