Pune: President Pratibha Patil allotted land meant for defence personnel

New Delhi: An RTI disclosure has revealed that President Pratibha Patil has been allotted defence land, the size of which is six times more than she's eligible for, in Pune to construct a bungalow.

The President has been allotted 2,61,00 sq ft of defence land in the Khadki cantonment area. Former defence personnel have protested this alleging that there is insufficient land for defence personnel and their families.

An RTI filed by them now shows that the President is eligible to only 4500 sq ft of a government bungalow or a 2000 sq ft bungalow hired by the government. The President cannot construct on the government land. The protestors allege that she is building a bungalow on the allotted plot.

The President has been allotted 2,61,00 sq ft of defence land which is 6 times more than she is eligible for.

President's office, however, said that the government's defence establishment owns the land.

"The President has not allotted any land to herself. The government's defence establishment owns the land and will continue to do so. The land was not earmarked for defence personnel. No specific area or restriction for the accommodation for the president. No illegality has been committed," the statement by the President's office said.

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