Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Announces 180-Day Maternity Leave for Women Home Guards

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that women Home Guards will receive 180 days of maternity leave. Additionally, the daily allowance for Home Guards deployed outside the state will increase from Rs 60 to Rs 500. These announcements were made during the 62nd State-Level Raising Day celebrations of the Himachal Pradesh Home Guards and Civil Defence.

The government plans to fill 700 vacant Home Guard positions to strengthen the force. Drone stations will be established at all district headquarters to improve disaster management capabilities. A new landline number will also be sanctioned at the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Control Room for public assistance.

Enhancing Disaster Management Capabilities

The SDRF is set to receive advanced equipment, including drones with higher payload capacities. Currently, the SDRF has drones capable of lifting up to 5 kg. Funds will be allocated for constructing the SDRF headquarters in Palampur and the Kangra Unit campus, as well as enhancing communication systems.

A parade led by Parade Commander Vinay Kumar featured 17 contingents, including a women's contingent led by Platoon Commander Lata Rahi. Various district contingents showcased their skills under their commanders' leadership. The event highlighted disaster management techniques themed "Surakshit Himachal" and included a Battle March Past by Home Guard Jawans and a musical performance by the Home Guard band.

Commitment to Disaster Preparedness

Chief Minister Sukhu praised the efforts of Home Guards, Fire Department personnel, and SDRF during last year's monsoon disaster. Over 500 people died, and more than 15,000 were left homeless in this devastating event. To enhance disaster preparedness, the state plans to train one percent of its population as Civil Defence volunteers over five years.

The Home Guards have conducted around 31,000 rescue and relief operations in the past decade, saving 3,600 lives and protecting properties worth over Rs. 10,000 crore. The government is improving SDRF infrastructure and designating Home Guards as First Responders during natural disasters, integrating them under SDRF for faster response.

Infrastructure Development and Future Plans

The state has established four new fire stations in Nadaun, Deha, Indora, and Kotkhai over the last two years. Additionally, 240 posts have been created in the Fire Services Department, with approval granted for procuring eight fire vehicles to enhance departmental operations.

The Chief Minister inaugurated Home Guards Department buildings valued at Rs. 15.05 crore. The state's commitment to improving disaster response infrastructure continues with these developments.