LS resumes discussion on Cantonment Bill

New Delhi, Aug 17 (UNI) The Lok Sabha today resumed discussion on the Cantonment Bill, 2005 with a majority of participants seeking strengthening of self-governments, giving due representation to women and SC/ST and broadening of the financial base of all the 62 cantonments of the country.

Supporting the Bill, Mr Alok Mehta (RJD) sought bringing of all the 600 military stations of the country under the purview of the Bill and more relaxation to civilians living in cantonment areas.

Mr Babu Rao Midiyam (CPI-M) and Prmodh Panda of CPI also supported the Bill but pointed out the British legacy of the cantonments should go and women should be included in cantonment boards.

However, Maneka Gandhi (BJP) wanted that the cantonments act as custodian of the country's heritage and healthy environment and 'exclusivity' being enjoyed by the cantonments be retained at any cost.

However, Yarren Naidu (TDP) wanted regular election to the cantonments as part of democratisation process but he was sore over the double taxation system adopted by Scunderabad and some other cantonments. There should be a provision for giving funds to the cantonment for development from all the Centrally-sponsored schemes like Bharat Nirman Scheme.

Mr Mohan Singh (SP), Mr D.R Shandil (Cong) wanted there should be a provision for providing funds for the upkeep of heritage buildings in the cantonment areas.

The debate of the Bill, already adopted by the Upper House, would continue tomorrow.

UNI JSS RL GC1650