BACKGROUNDER
Civil Defence is
in fact a tremendously important component in a system of total
defence of a country which comprise 1) Military, Naval and Air
Defence; 2) Civil Defence; 3) Economic Defence; and 4) Psychological
Defence. When these four components become totally integrated
– one can say the Nation is near its goal. Economic and Psychological
Defences of any country are not of much consequence in modern
warfare if civil defence is not complete. In India Civil Defence
played a major role when we faced threats of aggression from across
the border.
Civil Defence although
existed in India in some rudimentary form, it was properly organized
in its present form only in November 1962 soon after the Chinese
aggression. This was further developed to serve as a major force
in inculcating a sense of discipline among the people which is
needed in times of National Emergency. The Home Guards which is
a vital wing of the Civil Defence had already existed in a number
of States but it was also reinforced and strengthened just before
and after the 1965 conflict with Pakistan. Since then there has
been a better understanding and appreciation and concern among
the people of the necessity of regular civil defence activities
and having a strong and permanent organization.
When internal security
in the country is of great concern now because of the unabated
proxy war launched by our western neighbour with a view to destabilize
the country, Civil Defence becomes more relevant. The cross border
terrorism which is continuing with the active support and aid
of Pakistan has narrowed down the gap between external threat
and internal security. In a situation like this Civil Defence
has a vital role to play in times of emergency.
What exactly is the
role of Civil Defence? It aims at saving life, minimizing damage
to property, helps maintaining continuity of industrial production
in the event of a catastrophe resulting from hostile attack or
any terrorist act. Its volunteers have done an excellent job over
the years in helping the public especially after the 1965 and
1971 wars with Pakistan and later during many natural catastrophe.
Civil Defence is
primarily organized on voluntary basis except for a small nucleus
of paid staff and establishment which is augmented during any
emergency. Till now about 5 lakh volunteers have been trained
in the country. The training is conducted in three tiers namely
Local/Town level, State level and National level. The National
Civil Defence College, Nagpur conducts the various courses in
Civil Defence and Disaster Relief Management since its inception
in 1957. The college has also trained student volunteers from
foreign countries. Some Central financial assistance to the States
for Civil Defence measures are also given on regular basis.
The Home Guard, now
a vital wing of the Civil Defence force was first raised in India
in December, 1946 to assist the State Police in controlling civil
disturbance and communal riots. Subsequently, the concept of the
voluntary citizens force was adopted by several States. However,
after the Chinese aggression the Centre advised the States and
Union Territories to merge their existing voluntary organizations
into one uniform voluntary force to form Home Guards. It now serves
as an auxiliary force to the police in maintaining internal security
and help the community in times of any disaster/calamity etc.
It helps in the maintenance of essential services, promote communal
harmony and assist the administration in protecting weaker sections,
participate in socio-economic and welfare activities. The Home
Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules and recruited
from various cross sections of the society including doctors,
engineers, lawyers, private sector organizations, college and
university students, agricultural and industrial workers who give
their spare time to the organization in serving the community.
The normal tenure of Membership is 3 to 5 years. The amenities
provided to the voluntary force include free uniform and washing
allowance, free boarding and lodging during training, cash awards
and medals for gallantry, distinguished and meritorious services.
They are paid training allowance while undergoing training.
Fire Service is another
important wing of Civil Defence and one knows how the volunteers
and staff of this organization rise to any occasion to contain
any disaster and rescue the people. The fire fighting services
are organized by the States and Union Territories. The Ministry
of Home Affairs renders technical advice to this force and also
arranges soft GIC loans through Ministry of Finance for purchasing
equipments and construction of buildings. Realizing its vital
role, the 11th Finance Commission has allocated over
200 crore rupees for the proper development of Fire Services in
the States and Union Territories. Training of junior level fire
professionals are conducted by the States in the State Fire Training
Schools while the officers are trained in the National Fire Service
College at Nagpur. So far, about 12,500 fire officers have been
trained in this college which included foreign trainees from 12
countries.
Now that the Government
has been giving more thrust on police reforms, it is expected
that the Civil Defence will also be developed and strengthened
considering its vital role in times of National Emergency.
