Question : CONVERSION OF DEFENCE LAND INTO PRIVATE LAND

(a) whether the Government have accorded sanction in respect of a defence land measuring 6.10 acres and located at Tarbund Secundrabad Cantonment for amendment of GLR of Secundrabad Cantonment thereby converting the valuable defence land into private free of cost;

(b) if so, whether this amendment was contradictory to the advice of Director General of Defence Estate;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor and present market value of the land;

(d) whether GLR is amended in every case after referring the matter to Ministry of Law;

(e) if so, the number of cases in which GLR has been amended to convert Defence land into private free of cost during last three years, year-wise;

(f) whether the Government have received any complaint in this regard; and

(g) if so, the details with the action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) to (c): In view of a dispute over the title of B.No.205 Tarbund, in Secunderabad Cantt., the case was examined in the Ministry in consultation with Ministry of Law and Justice (Department of Legal Affairs) and it was decided to declare the said property as private property. The current market value of the subject property has been assessed by the Defence Estates Office as Rs. 14.87 crores.

(d) & (e): No, Sir. Ministry of Law are consulted whenever considered necessary. No case excepting the property mentioned above has been declared as private property during the last three years.

(f) & (g): Yes, Sir. As the decision in this case was taken on the advice of Ministry of Law, no further action was considered necessary.