Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead the centennial celebrations of the Defence Estates Day on December 16, 2025, at Raksha Sampada Bhawan in Delhi, marking a significant milestone for the Department that dates back to 1765 with the establishment of the first Cantonment in Barrackpore. With a focus on excellence in public service and land management, Singh will present the Raksha Mantri Awards to recognize outstanding contributions across 61 Cantonment Boards. The department has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing digitalization through initiatives like the E-Chhawani project, ensuring efficient service delivery to residents. Furthermore, advancements in land survey technologies, such as the use of satellite imagery and AI, underscore its commitment to modernizing defence land management in India.