On the occasion of the Home Guard and Civil Defence Establishment Day, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav lauded the bravery, dedication, and vital role of Home Guard personnel in crisis situations. The Chief Minister, during the state-level event, inspected a parade and honored exceptional personnel with the Chief Minister’s Indomitable Courage Award. The event also saw significant announcements for the welfare of Home Guard forces.
Honoring the Bravery and Service of Home Guard Personnel
The Chief Minister commended the Home Guard personnel for their courage, commitment, and their unyielding service to the nation. He particularly acknowledged their tireless efforts in maintaining law and order and providing essential assistance during disasters, including floods and earthquakes. The Chief Minister praised their unwavering dedication, stating that their loyalty to the country is truly commendable.
“From ensuring law and order to responding to every disaster, Home Guards stand firm without any concern for their lives. Their contribution in safeguarding the nation is unparalleled,” said Dr. Yadav.
Chief Minister’s Major Announcements for Home Guard Personnel
Dr. Mohan Yadav made several crucial announcements during the ceremony to improve the welfare and benefits of Home Guard personnel:
- Chief Minister’s Indomitable Courage Award: As part of the new initiative, the Chief Minister declared that every year, 10 teams will be awarded the Indomitable Courage Award with a cash prize of ₹51,000 each for their exemplary service.
- Abolition of ‘Call-Off System’: A significant change in the operational framework, the Chief Minister announced the abolition of the ‘Call-Off System’ for Home Guards, ensuring better working conditions.
- Increase in Compassionate Grant: The compassionate grant given to the families of deceased or disabled personnel will be increased, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting the families of Home Guards.
- Permanent Housing for Home Guards: The state government has pledged to provide permanent housing for Home Guard personnel, addressing a long-standing issue of accommodation.
- Recruitment of 5,000 New Personnel: In preparation for the Simhasth 2028 (Kumbh Mela), the Chief Minister announced that the government plans to recruit over 5,000 Home Guard personnel to ensure robust security and management of the event.
Focus on Empowering Tribal Youth
Dr. Yadav also shared that the state government is considering the formation of specialized battalions for youth from Particularly Backward Tribes (PBTs) such as Baiga, Bhariya, and Sahariya. This initiative aims to empower tribal youth by providing them with opportunities to serve in the Home Guard force, ensuring their representation and participation in safeguarding the state.
Home Guards: The Backbone of Internal Security and Disaster Management
The Home Guard force, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs of the state, was originally formed on December 6, 1946, during World War II to protect civilians from bombings. Over the years, this force has evolved into a critical component of India’s internal security and disaster management framework.
Though not full-time government employees, Home Guards serve as a voluntary, part-time auxiliary force that is deployed in times of crisis. They have consistently played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, providing disaster relief during floods, earthquakes, and other emergencies, and assisting in large-scale events such as the Kumbh Mela and the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Strengthening the Force for Future Challenges
The state’s Home Guard and Civil Defence force has been a cornerstone in the face of many national and regional challenges. With the upcoming Simhasth 2028, the government’s focus on enhancing the strength of the Home Guard force is timely and crucial. The recruitment of 5,000 new personnel and the initiatives to provide better facilities and benefits demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its security personnel.
The ceremony not only celebrated the contributions of Home Guard personnel but also underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring their well-being, empowerment, and recognition. Through these new measures, the Home Guard force is set to become even more resilient, equipped, and ready to meet the demands of an ever-changing security landscape.
A Vision for the Future
In his closing address, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reiterated the importance of the Home Guard force in maintaining peace and order, especially in crisis situations. He emphasized the government’s vision to continuously enhance the capabilities and welfare of Home Guard personnel, ensuring that they remain a vital pillar of the state’s security and disaster response framework.
