NEW DELHI: Shailendra Nath Gupta assumed the office of Director General of Defence Estates recently. A 1990-batch Indian Defence Estates Service officer,Gupta has a distinguished career in Cantonments and Defence land management.

Prior to this appointment, the officer has served in various capacities including CEO of various Cantt Boards, Defence Estate Officer of various circles, staff officer, Director Defence Estates, Central Command and Principal Director, Defence Estates, Eastern Command.

Directorate General of Defence Estates is responsible for the management and maintenance of approx. 18 lakh acres of defence land across the country. It operates under six commands, 38 Defence Estates Circles and 61 Cantonment Boards.