Government Details Plan to Monetise Enemy Properties Across India

The Government has outlined a robust legal and administrative framework to monetise enemy properties in India, detailing valuation methods, auction reforms, institutional strengthening, and revenue generated so far, while ensuring transparency and faster disposal through policy and procedural measures.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma
Updated : 4 February 2026, 3:44 PM IST
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New Delhi: The Government of India has outlined a structured and law-backed mechanism to monetise enemy properties located across the country, aiming to unlock significant economic value while strictly adhering to existing legal frameworks. This information was shared in the Rajya Sabha in response to an unstarred question on February 4, 2026, by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Legal Framework Governing Enemy Properties

The disposal and monetisation of enemy properties are carried out under the Enemy Property Act, 1968, along with a series of rules, procedures, and guidelines framed over the years to ensure transparency and legality.

These include the Enemy Property Rules, 2015; Guidelines for the Disposal of Enemy Property Order, 2018; procedures for the sale of enemy shares issued in 2019; and mechanisms for the disposal of immovable enemy properties notified in 2020.

Together, these instruments provide a comprehensive legal foundation for managing and monetising such assets.

Valuation Before Disposal

Before any enemy property is sold or monetised, a detailed valuation process is undertaken. For immovable properties, a Valuation Committee headed by the District Magistrate of the concerned district determines the value.

In cases where the property is valued at more than ₹1 crore, an additional market valuation is conducted through government-empanelled valuers. These valuation reports are then examined by the Enemy Property Disposal Committee, which submits its recommendations to the Central Government for final approval.

Revenue Generated So Far

As of January 28, 2026, the Government has successfully sold movable and immovable enemy properties worth approximately ₹2,930 crore. This reflects the scale of assets involved and the potential contribution of monetisation to public revenue when managed efficiently.

Steps to Fast-Track Monetisation

To accelerate the disposal process, the Government has introduced several administrative and procedural reforms. A key notification issued in April 2024 designated District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, and certain CEPI officials as ex-officio custodians, thereby decentralising authority and speeding up decision-making.

Additionally, to attract more bidders, the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) requirement for auctions has been reduced from 10% to 5%, while the time allowed to pay the sale amount has been extended from 21 days to 120 days.

Auction Reforms and Occupant Purchase Options

In cases where properties fail to attract bids across three e-auctions, the Government has allowed a 10% reduction in reserve price before re-auctioning. Moreover, enemy properties valued below ₹1 crore in rural areas and below ₹5 crore in urban areas can now be offered directly to current occupants for purchase, providing a pragmatic solution for faster disposal.

Strengthening Institutions and Transparency

To improve outreach and transparency, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued for the publicity of enemy property auctions. At the same time, the headquarters of the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) has been strengthened by posting regular officers, enhancing institutional capacity and oversight.

Location : 
  • New Delhi

Published : 
  • 4 February 2026, 3:44 PM IST

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