The Army wants cantonments across the country to be converted into military stations after separating civilian areas from them. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) informed Parliament of a proposal for this.

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"The Army has suggested excision of civil areas of Cantonments and converting military pockets into military stations," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said in a written reply to a query in Rajya Sabha,At present, 62 cantonments are operational in 19 states across the country in a total area of 1.57 lakh acres. Approximately 21 lakh people are living in the cantonments, according to official data.

"Cantonments, with a 250-year history, are important institutions that bear testimony to the harmonious co-existence of civilians and defence personnel," said Bhamre.

The Army wants to convert cantonments into exclusive military stations to improve operational readiness of the force.

Asked whether the government has plans to abolish the cantonments, Bhamre said there is no such proposal.

To a separate question on whether the government is considering introducing compulsory military training for school children, Bhamre said 'no'.

Replying to another question, Bhamre said a joint military exercise between Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force is planned to be held in India later this year.