Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced groundbreaking reforms for home guards during the 62nd Home Guard Foundation Day celebrations at the Ridge Ground, Shimla. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the CM introduced maternity leave for women home guards for the first time, extending it to 180 days. He also increased the daily allowance for home guards posted outside the state from ₹60 to ₹500.
In a bid to bolster the workforce, CM Sukhu declared the recruitment of 700 new home guard posts, with provisions to be included in the next budget.
The event witnessed a grand parade featuring 12 battalions and 17 contingents, including male and female home guards and bands. Highlighting the importance of public participation in disaster management, the CM announced plans to establish SDRF headquarters at Palampur and Kangra, along with strengthening the communication system. He also approved new telephone numbers for the SDRF control room to enhance operational efficiency.
During the March Past, the Shimla Battalion was adjudged the Best Battalion and awarded accordingly, while Commandant General Satwant Atwal received the Best Unit Award. The 6th Battalion Mandi claimed the top position in the inter-battalion band competition. Vinod Kumar and the late Praveen Kumar were honored for their exemplary services. Praveen Kumar’s wife, Meera Devi, and Vinod Kumar’s son, Surendra Kumar, accepted the awards on their behalf.
In a significant boost to infrastructure, CM Sukhu inaugurated 10 new buildings under the Home Defense Department. These include administrative and training facilities such as the Corps Training Center at Parala and Home Defense Company office buildings at Paonta Sahib, Renuka Ji, Moginand, Kafota (Sirmaur), Karsog, Anni, and Sunni. He also unveiled the Home Guard Barrack at the Central Training Institute, Sargheen (Shimla), and a residence for the Home Defense Commander in Kullu.
The announcements reflect the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare and operational capacity of home guards, as well as strengthening disaster management systems across Himachal Pradesh.
