UD Min to hold talks with MoD for development in Cantt areas

To ensure that Cantonment Boards also become part of various central programmes, Urban Development minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said he will hold consultations with Defence Minister Manohar <g data-gr-id="17">Parikkar</g> on the issue so that benefits of schemes also reaches to all those living in these areas.

Naidu also asked Cantonments to enthusiastically participate in 'International Yoga Day' events, adding that some people had needlessly tried to create a controversy over it.

Speaking at an event here, Naidu said it was a typical situation that while Cantonments were like Municipalities, but there was not so much clarity legally. "Their control is with the Defence, so state government and Union government naturally say that since they have the control, they should develop them," he said.

Emphasising that who does the development work was not an issue, Naidu said schemes and facilities offered by the Union government should reach all areas and those living in Cantonments were also Indian citizens.

Naidu assured that he would discuss issues involved with the Defence Minister so that a constructive solution could be found.