Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh today gave away Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence 2021 on the occasion of 96th Raising Day of Directorate General Defence Estates in New Delhi. The recipients were awarded for innovation and digital achievements in the fields of health, education, and sanitation along with public service and land management. Since classes were being run online due to COVID-19 pandemic, the awards in the field of education were not considered. This year, a new award has been instituted by the Defence Minister for achievement in the implementation of 'e-Chhawani' project. These categories are Swachh Chhawani Swasth Chhawani, Digital Accomplishments, Innovation in Public Services,  Land and Record management,  Improvement in Cantonment General Hospital, and Implementation of 'e-Chhawani' Project.<br />'' <br />''<br />''Congratulating the award winners, Mr Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that the awards will encourage all the winning organizations to work for the betterment of Cantonment Boards. He said these awards are testimony to the perseverance and commitment of DGDE towards nation-building. The Minister lauded the efforts of the DGDE towards management of 17.98 lakh acres of land and the civil administration of 62 cantonments across the country. He appreciated the fact that the DGDE is constantly striving to provide modern facilities to Cantonment areas and meet the growing aspirations of the military officers, soldiers, their families as well as the civilian population of more than 20 lakh people. <br />