Evolution of IDES: A Historical Journey from Military Lands to Indian Defence Estates Service

The Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) operates as an organized Group A Central Service within the Government of India, under the Ministry of Defence. The selection process for Indian Defence Estates Service is based on the annual Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC. Established on December 16, 1926, the department has undergone a series of name changes, initially starting as the Military Lands and Cantonments Service, then evolving into the Defence Lands and Cantonments Service. In 1985, it officially adopted the name Indian Defence Estates Service. According to the Indian Defence Estates Service (Group ‘A’) Rules, 2013, IDES consists of 75% direct recruitment and 25% promotion. The history and development of IDES are closely intertwined with the recent history of the nation.

Indian Defence Estates Service Recruitment: Path to Service Excellence

• Recruitment to the Indian Defence Estates Service is done through the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually. The recruitment process for Indian Defence Estates Service includes the following stages:
  • Preliminary Examination: This is an objective-type screening test.
  • Main Examination: It consists of a written examination and an interview.
  • Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who qualify in the Main Examination are called for an interview to assess their suitability for the service.
  • Medical Examination: Candidates must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the prescribed medical standards.
  • Final Selection: The final merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the Main Examination and the interview.

The Organizational Hierarchy of the Indian Defence Estates Service

Organizational Framework of Indian Defence Estates Service: A Three-Tiered Structure

The structure of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) is organized into three tiers.

• HIGHEST TIER: Directorate General of Indian Defence Estates Service

  • At the highest level is the Directorate General, situated in Delhi Cantt.
  • The officers staffing the Directorate General are IDES members, with the Director General, holding the Apex scale (Rs. 80,000/- fixed), leading the charge. 
  • The Directorate General is further supported by one Senior Additional Director General (HAG) and four Additional Director Generals (SAG), each overseeing specific Divisions. 
  • This apex body provides counsel to the Ministry of Defence and Services Headquarters on all matters related to Cantonment and Land.
  • It supervises the implementation of the Cantonments Act 2006, rules, regulations, government policies, and executive instructions. 
  • Directorate General addresses the land and building requirements of user Services through acquisition, requisitioning, or hiring.

• MIDDLE TIER: Principal Directorates of Indian Defence Estates Service

  • In the middle tier, there are six Directorates, aligned with the six Army Commands, situated at Lucknow, Pune, Jammu, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and the South-Western Command established in 2006 at Jaipur. 
  • These Directorates are led by Principal Directors (HAG) assisted by Directors (SAG) and other Staff officers, all belonging to the IDES.

• FIELD LEVEL: Chief Executive Officers and Defence Estates Officers in Indian Defence Estates Service

  • Administration is executed by Chief Executive Officers in the 62 Cantonment Boards and Defence Estates Officers in 37 Defence Estates Circles and four Assistant Defence Estates Offices. 
  • The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the executive head of the Cantonment, responsible for day-to-day administration. 
  • The Defence Estates Officer (DEO) acts as an agent of the Central Government in the realm of land management. Both CEOs and DEOs are IDES officers.

TRAINING INSTITUTE: NIDEM’s Role in Training IDES Officers

• The National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM) functions as the training institute for the department, providing induction training to probationers and in-service training to officers and staff. 
• The institute is led by the Director (SAG) and assisted by two Joint Directors (JAG).

The Workforce Dynamics of Defence Estates Organization

• The Defence Estates Organisation operates under the Ministry of Defence and currently employs approximately 18,251 personnel. The workforce is distributed across various categories:
• The Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) comprises 189 Group ‘A’ officers, including one position at the apex (Secretary) level, seven positions at the HAG (Additional Secretary) level, and 19 positions at the SAG (Joint Secretary) level.
• Group ‘B’ includes Cantonment Executive Officers, Assistant Defence Estates Officers, Senior Private Secretaries, and Private Secretaries, totaling 78 individuals.
• The Technical, Clerical, and Support staff involved in land management functions amount to 984 personnel.
• The civic administration of Cantonments is supported by approximately 17,000 officials working in Cantonment Boards.
• This collective workforce facilitates the diverse functions and responsibilities carried out by the Defence Estates Organisation within the Ministry of Defence.

Guardians of the Nation: The Multifaceted Roles of Defence Estates Organization

• Oversight of Defence Lands, totaling approximately 17.57 lakh acres.
• Governance of 62 Cantonment Boards, recognized as local self-government institutions, within cantonments as stipulated by the Cantonments Act of 2006.
• Transformation of Cantonments into modern townships, involving the provision of quality school education for all children, healthcare services for residents, and the establishment of a social care system catering to the needs of the elderly, differently-abled individuals, and other disadvantaged segments of society.
• Acquisition, hiring, and requisitioning of immovable properties to fulfill defense requirements.
• Conducting regular surveys of defense land.
• Periodic audits of defense land with a focus on optimizing its utilization.
• Maintenance of accurate and digitized records of lands, ensuring regular updates.
• Establishment and upkeep of state-of-the-art archives for preserving historical records, including the restoration and conversion of old or damaged paper records into more durable formats.
• Prevention of encroachments and unauthorized constructions on defense lands, including their removal.
• Disposal of defense land as needed.
• Handling of legal matters related to land acquisition for defense purposes.
• Resolution of litigation concerning the ownership of defense land.
• Execution of quasi-judicial functions conferred by special laws such as the Cantonments Act of 2006, the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act of 1971, the Arbitration Act, and the Rent Control Act.

Appointment of IDES officers in other Organisation/ Bodies 

IDES officers have the opportunity for deputation to various entities such as the Central Government, State Governments, Autonomous Organizations, Subordinate Organizations, PSUs, and participation in the Central Staffing Scheme.

• Career progression in the Indian Defence Estates Service

  • During their career progression, IDES officers experience salary increments and promotions based on factors like Performance Appraisal Reports, vigilance clearance, and a comprehensive assessment of their overall record
  • A committee comprising senior civil servants from the Directorate General of Defence Estates, Ministry of Defence, and UPSC is responsible for scrutinizing the officer’s performance.
  • The pinnacle position within the organization is that of the Director General Defence Estates, a Secretary-level post within the Government of India.

• Comprehensive Perks and Benefits in the Indian Defence Estate Service (IDES)

  • Being an officer in Indian Defence Estate Service (IDES) comes with not only a competitive salary but also a range of enticing perks and benefits that enhance the attractiveness of this profession to potential candidates.
  • The advantages and perks of working for the  Indian Defence Estate Service (IDAS) are numerous. 
  • The Government of India ensures that IDES Officers receive spacious 2 or 3 BHK housing, complementing their well-structured salary. 
  • Transportation costs are covered, and additional amenities such as security guards and household helpers are provided by the IDES Officers also benefit from health-related coverage, ensuring that their m Indian Defence Estate Service (IDES) 
  • Medical expenses are taken care of. 
  • Moreover, they enjoy the privilege of free international phone calls, as well as the provision of electricity and water.
  • For those seeking continuous professional development, the opportunity to pursue courses of study is available. 
  • Additionally, IDES Officers can look forward to retirement benefits, including a pension plan, ensuring financial security post their dedicated service.
  •  Overall, the comprehensive package of salary, perks, and benefits makes a career in the  Indian Defence Estate Service (IDAS) an appealing and rewarding choice.

IDES Career Trajectory

The duties and responsibilities of IDES officers are diverse and undergo significant evolution across different stages of their careers, reflecting a dedication to effective land management, legal proficiency, and the well-being of cantonment residents.

IDES Probationary Phase: Nurturing Legal Acumen and Land Management Prowess

• As IDES officers commence their professional journeys, the initial stage entails a probationary period.
• During this phase, officers undergo comprehensive training to develop a nuanced understanding of the legal intricacies governing defence lands.
• Concurrently, they acquire foundational knowledge in the principles of land management and cantonment administration. 
• This early training forms the basis for their subsequent roles, enabling officers to make meaningful contributions to the overarching goals of the Defence Estates Organization.

Assistant Defence Estates Officers (ADEO)

• Upon successfully completing the probationary period, officers step into the role of Assistant Defence Estates Officers (ADEO). 
• In this junior scale position, they take on responsibilities that extend beyond training. 
• ADEOs play a pivotal role in executing land surveys, a crucial task for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of defence lands.
• Their duties also encompass basic administration within cantonments, contributing to the day-to-day functioning of these crucial military installations.
• This stage marks the initiation of officers into the operational intricacies of their roles, providing hands-on experience in the fundamental tasks that underpin defense land management.

Defence Estates Officers (DEO)

• As IDES officers progress in their careers, they advance to the role of Defence Estates Officers (DEO). 
• This mid-level position signifies a substantial increase in responsibilities. DEOs are entrusted with efficiently managing defence lands, including addressing complex legal issues related to land acquisition and ownership.
•  In addition to administrative duties, DEOs play a pivotal role in ensuring the overall well-being of cantonment residents, overseeing healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other amenities crucial for the holistic development of these communities.

Principal Directors (HAG)

• The Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) marks the subsequent phase of an IDES officer’s career. 
• At this stage, officers assume the role of Principal Directors, occupying leadership positions at the regional level. 
• These senior officers oversee Directorates aligned with various Army Commands, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. 
• They provide mentorship to junior officers and maintain vigilant oversight over regional land management and administration.
• The responsibilities of Principal Directors extend beyond mere execution to strategic oversight, contributing significantly to the effective functioning of the Defence Estates Organization at a broader regional level.

Director General Defence Estates (DGDE)

• The zenith of an IDES officer’s career is the attainment of the Apex Scale, wherein officers ascend to the esteemed position of Director General Defence Estates (DGDE). 
• As the head of the entire organization, DGDEs hold a Secretary-level post within the Government of India. 
• This role comes with a plethora of responsibilities reflecting the highest echelons of leadership. 
• Beyond administrative responsibilities, DGDEs represent the organization at the highest levels of government, acting as key stakeholders in decisions impacting national security and military infrastructure.

Career Progression Factors:

• Throughout their career trajectory, IDES officers are subject to various factors influencing their progression. 
• Performance Appraisal Reports (PAR) serve as a critical tool for evaluating an officer’s work, while vigilance clearance ensures adherence to ethical and legal standards. 
• The overall record of an officer undergoes thorough scrutiny by a committee of senior civil servants, shaping promotions and advancements in their career trajectory.

IDES Officers: Navigating Legal Complexities, Public Service, and Holistic Development

• Beyond the delineated career stages and associated responsibilities, IDES officers have the opportunity for deputation to various entities, both within and outside the government.
• This offers them a chance to apply their skills and expertise in diverse settings, contributing to the broader public service landscape.
• In addition to their primary roles, IDES officers play a pivotal role in handling intricate legal affairs related to land acquisition and ownership.
• This involves navigating complex legal landscapes, representing the interests of the Defence Estates Organization in legal proceedings, and ensuring the organization’s compliance with pertinent laws and regulations.
• Furthermore, IDES officers actively contribute to public service through their involvement in the development and welfare of cantonments.
• This entails overseeing the provision of essential services such as education and healthcare for residents. 
• Their role extends beyond administrative and legal domains to encompass a commitment to the holistic development and well-being of the communities they serve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the roles and responsibilities of IDES officers exemplify a trajectory marked by a commitment to efficient land management, legal expertise, and a dedication to the welfare of residents in cantonments. From their formative years as probationers to assuming the pinnacle position of Director General Defence Estates, IDES officers navigate a complex terrain, contributing significantly to the nation’s defense infrastructure and the well-being of communities within cantonments.