Hyderabad: The expert committee constituted by the ministry of defence to look into ways of modernising cantonment boards held its first meeting on September 17 and decided to seek the views of all stakeholders in drawing up the terms of reference. Comments or suggestions are invited from the public till October 20, 2018.
The terms of reference include study of the existing Cantonment Act and to make specific recommendations for suitably amending the Act to make the government structure of cantonment boards more modern and democratic. Also to make specific recommendations regarding the building by-laws in the cantonments and to make recommendations on levy of service charges by the cantonment boards for all entities. The expert committee of six members and a chairman was formed to resolve issues related to cantonments all over the country. Sumit Bose, former revenue secretary, is the leading man of the committee. The committee is empowered to call for records, interview officers and visit cantonments across the country.
Residents of cantonments are happy with the defence ministry’s decision to form this expert committee and are ready to share their suggestions for the democratisation of the cantonment.
