Hyderabad: The defence ministry has outlined a third modified proposal for the excision of civil areas from cantonments, aimed at transferring proprietary rights and responsibilities to state governments and municipalities, after the All India Cantonment Board Employees Federation threatened to go on a strike against some of the earlier provisions.The modifications are intended to streamline administration and ensure a seamless transition while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.According to the official notice, the ministry of defence (MoD) will transfer all proprietary rights and assets in the excised areas to the respective state governments and municipalities at no cost. However, ownership of vacant land parcels will remain with the MoD.The state government will have the discretion to reallocate the land as deemed appropriate. If any transferred land is sold or leased, then 50 per cent of the income that is generated will be shared with the Centre and the remainder used for the benefit of the excised area. Areas designated by the Centre will be preserved as open spaces.The services and conditions of cantonment board employees will be protected post-excision. Employees in schools and hospitals will be transferred to the state government or municipality. Those unwilling to take a transfer may be moved to local station headquarters or army establishments, or be absorbed into central organisations.Voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) benefits will be shared between the Cantonment Board and the state municipality. Staff quarters will be transferred proportionate to the number of relocated staff.A portion of the cantonment board’s closing cash balance and investments will be transferred to the municipality. Issues related to collection of toll tax or vehicle entry fees will be decided by a committee formed to finalise the terms of the MoU.Fire brigades located in excised areas will be transferred to the municipality free of cost. Offices and immovable assets such as godown facilities will be available to the municipality rent-free for up to six months post-excision. Water and electricity supply facilities will continue to be provided based on actual consumption, with costs shared on mutually agreed terms until alternative arrangements are made.All moveable properties and stores will be divided between the municipality and the board as per a mutually agreed ratio. A detailed list of assets will be maintained by the defence ministry and the state government.The state government will ensure that roads in the excised areas remain well-maintained.
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