Works of Defence Rules, 2025

On 3-4-2025, the Ministry of Defence notified the Works of Defence Rules, 2025 to streamline and enhance the efficiency of Defence Department’s civilian workforce. The provisions came into force on 3-4-2025.

Key Points:

1. Manner of giving public notice by Collector:

   • Collector will have to give public notice containing the substance of the declaration made by the Central Government which will also contain the details regarding extent and nature of restrictions imposed;

   • Public notice issued will be effected by adopting all possible methods for giving wide publicity including the following measures also:

     • Publication in at least 2 newspapers (1 in vernacular language);

     • circulation amongst the local offices of panchayat, municipality, development authority and any authority;

     • uploading the said notice on the official website of the District;

     • pasting the said notice at convenient and conspicuous places in the locality.

2. Determination of compensation by Collector: For making an inquiry and award, Collector will have to determine the market value of land to determine the compensation by adopting the following criteria:

   • Market value of land belonging to the same category, specified in Indian Stamp Act, 1899 for registration of sale deeds/ agreements to sell, in the area, where the land is situated;

   • Average sale price for similar type of land of comparable area situated in the nearest village or nearest vicinity area, whichever is higher.

   • The land will be categorized as agricultural, residential, commercial or any other land.

3. Compliance with timelines:

   • Collector will have to issue public notice within 15 days of declaration made by Central Government;

   • In case, the Collector did not issue public notice within 15 days, the Central Government can designate any other officer to perform the functions of Collector.

4. Use of emergency provisions can be invoked in case of national emergency.

5. Representation against Collector’s award: Land owner can make a representation within 30 days from the date of determination of compensation to an authority at least 1 rank higher than Collector.