(a) whether the authorities of the Mhow Cantonment Area had issued
demolition notices to some of the Bungalow holders;
(b) if so, the details alongwith the reasons therefor;
(c) whether any order to stop demolition has been issued by the
Government in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the elections to Cantonment Board in Mhow are being
held regularly; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. The Defence Estate Officer, Mhow
Cantonment had issued notices for demolition of unauthorized
structures/constructions in bungalows held on Old Grant Terms
wherever required under the law. The Government had directed the
Cantonment authorities on 4.2.2004 not to take any further action to
demolish till a decision is taken regarding land disputes. The
Defence Estate Officer, thereafter, suspended action to demolish the
unauthorized structures/constructions.
(e) & (f): Yes, Sir. Elections have been held regularly till
1997. The last term of the Board, as extended, expired on 2.3.2003.
Meanwhile, as Cantonments Bill, 2003 has been introduced in
Parliament and the same is under consideration of Standing
Committee, no elections have been held in any of the Cantonments.
The Boards of all the Cantonments, where the terms have expired,
including Mhow Cantonment have been varied under Section 13 of the
Cantonments Act, 1924.