In a bid to prevent the unauthorized sale of defence and national assets, the Director of Defence Estates (Southern Command) has formally requested the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) to cease registering bungalows or house properties in Pune and Khadki Cantonments.
Concerns over Illicit Transfers: The decision comes in the wake of concerns raised by defence officials regarding the illegal transfer and sale of bungalows and house properties on defence land, specifically those under Class B-3 lease and old grant sites. The Director expressed worry about these transactions occurring without the requisite approval from the competent authority of the Government of India.
IGR’s Response: In response, IGR Hiralal Sonawane clarified that past registrations took place only after obtaining necessary approvals from the national government. He emphasized that properties owned by the defence cannot be registered without official government sanction.
Protecting Defence Assets: Approximately 300 bungalows, along with schools and clubs like Turf Club and New Poona Club, are situated in Pune Cantonment. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) leases these properties to individuals and institutions, with terms typically extending up to 90 years. The directive aims to safeguard these assets valued at thousands of crores.
Sensitizing Registration Officials: The Director of Defence Estates (Southern Command) urged the IGR to sensitize all registrars and sub-registrars about the gravity of such cases. Registrars were advised to bring such matters to the attention of relevant officials and to abstain from registering any sales of leases and old grant properties on defence land within cantonment areas.
Historical Significance: Many of these bungalows in the area have historical significance, dating back to the colonial era. Originally granted to missionary organizations and Parsi businessmen during the British rule, these properties are an integral part of the city’s heritage. The Director’s intervention seeks to uphold the integrity of these assets for the nation.
