By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 7 Dec: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Home Guards Foundation Day celebrations in Nanurkheda here to Saturday. On this occasion, he inspected the rally parade and also distributed scholarship cheques to the meritorious children of Home Guards personnel. Additionally, the Chief Minister released the Home Guards and Civil Defence Department Souvenir 2024 and the departmental calendar for 2025.
During the event, Dhami made several key announcements for the welfare of Home Guards. He announced that Home Guards deployed at altitudes above 9,000 feet would now receive an additional incentive of Rs 200 per day, similar to police and SDRF personnel. He added that Trained Home Guards deployed with SDRF would receive an incentive of Rs 100 per day. The uniform allowance for gazetted and non-gazetted officers and employees of the department, currently given every three years, would also now be provided annually.
Dhami also declared that the ex-gratia amount for Home Guards retiring at the age of 60 will be increased by Rs 50,000 from the Home Guards Welfare Fund.
Congratulating the Home Guards on the occasion of the Foundation Day, Dhami said the dedication shown by the Home Guards in course of duty, exemplifies national service. He highlighted their vital role in maintaining law and order, managing traffic, and supporting events such as the Char Dham Yatra, Kumbh Mela, and Kanwar Yatra. Their swift action during natural disasters showcases their commitment to serving the state, he added.
Dhami also reminded the gathering that many welfare initiatives have been undertaken by the state government for the Home Guards. He shared that a state-of-the-art indoor firing range is under construction in Premnagar, Dehradun, to enhance weapon training for Home Guards. He also shared that CSD canteen facilities, similar to those provided for Army personnel, have been introduced for Home Guards. It was also informed that the government has approved 12 casual leaves annually for Home Guards and introduced maternity leave for women personnel. The Chief Minister stated that the plans for nine company office-transit camps and emergency search and rescue centres across the state, with an investment of over Rs 13 crores, will enhance Uttarakhand’s disaster management capabilities.
