India-Pakistan Conflict: Amid the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, the Bihar government has decided to significantly increase the number of Civil Defence volunteers in the state. Currently, the state has around 2,000 active volunteers.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Pratyaya Amrit, on Friday directed all District Magistrates to take steps toward expanding this force. A meeting was also held with officials from the NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra, NSS, and Scouts and Guides to discuss mobilising their volunteers for support.
The Disaster Management Department also has 9,000 trained disaster volunteers who, along with Civil Defence volunteers, will be deployed for public awareness campaigns. Amrit also announced that the daily honorarium for Civil Defence volunteers will be increased.
Currently, Civil Defence volunteers receive a daily remuneration of Rs 400, which will now be increased to Rs 700. In addition, they will be provided with separate uniforms for official duties.
How To Register As Civil Defence Volunteers
Those aged 18 and above can register as Civil Defence volunteers by contacting the District Magistrate's office in their respective districts.
These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the district administration, particularly during emergency situations and mock drills. Pratyaya Amrit also announced that in light of the current wartime scenario, control rooms will be established in all police control rooms across the state to ensure better coordination and response.
He stated that emergency preparedness measures have been put in place across the health sector, following directives from the Central Government.
On Friday, a high-level meeting was held with directors of all medical colleges, including AIIMS and IGIMS, to review the situation. Civil surgeons from every district were also briefed via video conferencing.
Control rooms are being established across the state and the availability of ambulances, stretchers, and essential medicines has been thoroughly assessed. Comprehensive arrangements are underway in accordance with central government guidelines to ensure a prompt and coordinated healthcare response.