The Defence Estates Office (DEO) in Pune circle has found out that its historic properties are being used illegally. Issues such as the improper utilisation of residential properties for commercial purposes, unauthorised constructions, and in certain instances, the sale of bungalows to builders are in direct violation of explicit directives by the competent authority. Concerns have been raised concerning officials, builders and politicians working together to acquire old grant bungalows (OGBs). These issues raise concerns about adherence to regulations. Authorities emphasise the need for strict checks to prevent unauthorised transactions involving defence properties.
The Defence Estates Office (DEO) in Pune circle has found a list of irregularities in at least 20 old grant bungalows (OGBs) and leased properties within the Pune Cantonment Board's jurisdiction. The issues range from the inappropriate use of residential properties for commercial activities to unauthorised constructions, and, in some instances, the outright sale of bungalows to builders, in violation of explicit orders requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the competent authority.
Amitkumar Mane, the Defence Estates Officer for Pune circle, stated that an ongoing survey within the Pune cantonment limits is being conducted by a team of officials. The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Principal Directorate, Defence Estates of the Southern Command. Action against violators will be recommended based on this report.
The Pune cantonment boasts 290 OGBs, while the Khadki Cantonment Board possesses 60 such properties strategically located, ranging from one to four acres in size and valued in the hundreds of crores at current market rates.
One of the key issues highlighted in the survey pertains to the improper transfer of OGBs, often involving collusion between occupants, builders, and politicians. Some Defence Estates Office sources allege that even their own officials have been complicit in such activities, leading to the acquisition of OGBs by unscrupulous entities.
Notably, the Director General Defence Estates (DGDE) in Delhi revealed a modus operandi employed by builders. They approach occupants with lucrative deals, secure an NOC for repairs, submit building plans for approval to the cantonment office, and, during this process, sell the property. Following the sale, they applied for a change in ownership title to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Saurav Ray, Principal Director of Defence Estates (Southern Command), issued a letter on December 6 to Inspector General of Registration (IGR) officials, urging them to refrain from registering defence properties that change hands in violation of rules. The letter emphasised that lease and old grant properties cannot be sold or transferred without the approval of the competent government authority.
In response, IGR Hiralal Sonawane asserted that his department does not register any defence property without appropriate documents and NOCs from competent authorities. He suggested that if the Defence Estates Office and cantonment authorities wish to halt such registrations, they should refrain from issuing NOCs at their levels.
Despite the complex nature of the cases and the Ministry of Defence's stringent scrutiny, concerns have been raised regarding the sale of OGBs through illegal practices. Defence officials argue that investigations into unauthorised constructions or sales should be conducted impartially to prevent collusion, corruption, and malpractices. Moreover, they advocate for the issuance of NOCs by the defence ministry itself to curb potential misuse of delegated powers.
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