The Ministry of Defence (MoD) denotifies civil areas of 10 cantonments which will be merged with concerned state local bodies

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Earlier, in 2023, MoD had notified the state governments to consider merging civil areas of cantonments with neighbouring state municipalities.
- Military areas of cantonments will be declared as military stations under the complete control of the army.

About Cantonments
- An area where military troops are garrisoned and is primarily dedicated to housing soldiers. However, civilian populations are also present.
- Genesis: Established by East India Company after the battle of Plassey in 1757.
  - Barrackpore (Calcutta) was first Cantonment established in 1765.
- Currently there are 62 cantonments in India.

Administration: Local self-government of the Cantonments is the subject matter of Union Government (Entry 3 of Union List).
- However, concerned State Government can implement any scheme in Cantonment areas and such schemes are already being implemented by all State Governments.
- Cantonments are currently administered under the Cantonments Act, 2006 in accordance with the 74^th Constitutional amendment act.
- Cantonments are administered by Cantonment Boards, which performs civic duties such as providing public health, water supply, primary education etc.
  - Cantonment’s Station Commander is Board’s ex-officio President.
  - Number of elected members varies from 2 to 8 based on their Category.