New Delhi, Dec 6 (UNI) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for revamping of the Civil Defence for making the organisation more effective during disasters and peacetime.
Addressing the raising day function of Civil Defence and Home Guards here, Mr Singh said there is no doubt about the utility of the Civil Defence organisation and it has served the nation on numerous occasions earlier in times of natural and man made disasters.

“You were at the forefront in providing assistance to people during disasters”, said Mr Singh.
“But with changing times, there is a need to provide leadership role at ‘warden level’ by giving opportunities to young blood in the organisation,” he added.

The Minister advised that the Civil Defence organisation should also perform proactive role in addition to the reactive role.
“The revamp of the organisation should follow recommendations made by the Group of Ministers after the Kargil War and other Committees’ recommendation in the past with an aim to make optimum use of Civil Defence,” Mr Singh maintained.
The issue like appointment of committed wardens, establishment of dedicated training institutions and making them financially sound should also be examined.

Mr Singh asked MHA officials, state police, National Disaster Response Force to examine the role and responsibilities of volunteers of Civil Defence and Home Guards for their optimum utilisation.

The Home Minister appreciated Civil Defence and Home Guards Director General Sanjay Kumar for organising the Raising Day and Medal Investiture ceremony at the national level for the first time.
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