Smt Shobha Gupta, a 1990 batch officer of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), on September 30, 2025, assumed charge as Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE). During her distinguished career, she has served in several important appointments including Chief Executive Officer of various Cantonment Boards, Defence Estates Officer of different Circles, Director Defence Estates, Central Command, as well as Principal Director, Defence Estates, South-West Command and Western Command.
She is widely recognised for her professional competence, integrity and dynamic leadership. The Directorate General of Defence Estates is entrusted with the management of approximately 18 lakh acres of defence land across the country.
It operates under six Commands, 38 Defence Estates Circles and 61 Cantonment Boards, playing a vital role in defence land management and civic administration in Cantonments.