Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the Defence Estates Day celebrations on December 16, 2025, at Raksha Sampada Bhawan in Delhi Cantonment, marking the centenary of the Defence Estates Department, which manages India’s largest government landholding under the Ministry of Defence. Originating from the first cantonment in Barrackpore in 1765 and formally established on December 16, 1926, the department has evolved through key sites like Danapur, Meerut, Ambala, and Delhi, driving robust defence land administration. Singh conferred Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence in Defence Land Management and Municipal Administration to 61 cantonment boards nationwide, highlighting milestones like the e-Chhawani project delivering 100% online services to over 20 lakh residents, full digitization of legacy records via Raksha Bhoomi, and advanced AI-driven tools including a Centre of Excellence for satellite and drone initiatives, alongside National Water Awards for conservation efforts.​