The Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) was formed in the year 1985. IDES is one of the Group ‘A’ Central Civil Services of India.

The cadre controlling authority for IDES is the Ministry of Defence.

Cadre size: 134 posts (direct recruitment – 75%, promotion –25%).

Department Organization

*. Hierarchy:
-Ministry of Defence
- Director General Defence Estates
- Principal Director: Command Headquarters (Northern, Eastern, Western, Southern, and Central)
-Land Administration Municipal Administration of Cantonments
-Defence Estates officers Cantonment Executive Officer (for each circle for each cantonment)

Functions of the Officers:

*. Defence land management and audit.

*. Acquisitions, requisition, hiring and relinquishment of defence lands.

*. Handling litigations and court cases pertaining to defence lands including those arising out of acquisition.

*. Defending the title of the government in defence lands

*. Independent audit of defence land usage

*. Provide civil and municipal administration.

*. Construction and maintenance of roads, infrastructure, street lighting, public parks, libraries, public markets, schools, hospitals etc.

*. Supply of clean drinking water

*. Preparing and implementing town planning scheme

*. Formulation and execution of taxation policy including assessment, imposition, remission and refund of taxes

*. Registration of birth and deaths

*. Conducting election and census related activity in the cantonment area