More home guards to be hired: CM

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 7

Chief Minister Harish Rawat has announced an additional grant of Rs 100 during inter-district posting, and training allowance will be equal to duty allowance for home guard jawans in the state. He said the strength of home guard jawans would be increased from 6,411 to 10,000. Vacancies would be filled in three phases in Garhwal and Kumaon, he said at a parade organised to mark the foundation day at Home Guards and Civil Defence headquarters here today.

Rawat said home guards had proved their mettle in every field. “The role they played during natural

disaster, especially Kedarnath tragedy in 2013, is highly appreciable. They have contributed to streamline traffic across the state. Over 1,200 home guards rendered their services during Ardh Kumbh Mela, Kanwar Mela and Char Dham Yatra,” Rawat said.

He said the home guard jawans should remain alert for any emergency-like situation due to disasters in the near future. “They are also contributing to tackle forest fires and contributing to civil defence works. Every possible step will be taken to appoint a large number of home guards and PRD jawans in government departments across the state,” he said.

According to the Chief Minister, women home guard personnel are also performing their duties, and forerunner in streamlining the traffic. He announced to set up civil defence offices in the five districts. Rawat said civil defence personnel could also play a pivotal role to deal with natural disasters.

Meanwhile, five armed home guard platoons, including a women platoon, exhibited their drill skills in the ceremonial parade. Rawat felicitated 12 officers for their commendable works.

Home Guard and Civil Defence Minister Preetam Singh, District Magistrate Ravinath Raman, SSP Sweety Agarwal and Commandant (Home Guard) RS Meena were also present.