The Ministry of Defence has started the process of bringing about amendments to The Works of Defence Act, 1903 to accommodate the needs of the changing times. Disclosing this at a meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to his ministry, the Defence Minister Mr. AK Antony said all stakeholders will be consulted and the process will be completed at the earliest.

The 109 year old Act provides for imposing restrictions on use and enjoyment of land in the vicinity of Works of Defence so that such land may be kept free from buildings and other obstructions.

Members of Parliament, cutting across party lines, strongly put across the view that the Act of 1903 is proving to be a painful one for those civilians living close to defence depots because of its stringent and restrictive provisions. While agreeing with the concerns expressed by the MPs, Mr.

Antony informed that defence establishments especially the defence depots were set up over a century ago in deep jungles or vacant lands far away from human habitations. However, over the years human activity and habitation have expanded and in certain areas these have come very close to the depots.

The Defence Minister said the government has decided that all depots will be modernized and brought on par with the best practices being followed in some of the advanced countries of the world. Besides members of Parliament,Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma, Secretary, Defence Production Shekhar Agarwal and other officials of the Ministry of Defence attended the meeting.