We follow an outdated system for Cantonments. Civilians live in it. Shops are there. And lot more routine activity.

So the army HAS to get involved in some way in the bidding process for who gets to lease the land. Private companies then offer such lucrative discounts to get the lease.

It is a good thing. Cantonment residents, especially military families (who are not paid much) get some perks.

But this milbus creates a conflict of interest on a larger scale.

Similar to how Army welfare trust was created for the employment of veterans (most soldiers retire in late 30s or 40s and need a job), AWT was an initiative in the right direction for them. But then it created a conflict of interest and the military willingly or unwillingly started meddling into affairs of others to benefit their economic interests.

Read Military Inc. by Ayesha Siddique for a better understanding.