Proposal envisages district-level and border-area teams to support Home Guards, Civil Defence personnel during emergencies
Kashmir Leader Desk
Jammu, November 13: A delegation of the Centre for Activities for Advanced, Strong and Progressive India (CAASPI), Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and submitted a proposal for setting up Social Defence Volunteer Groups to strengthen emergency response mechanisms at the district level and in border areas.
The proposed groups are envisaged as support units for existing Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel, with the capacity to function as Joint Quick Reaction Teams during disasters and other situations requiring trained manpower.
The delegation comprised prominent citizens, including Justice Tashi Rabstan, former judge of the J&K and Ladakh High Court; Kuldeep Khoda; B.R. Sharma; Dr S.P. Vaid; Dr Ashok Bhan; Major General S.K. Sharma (Retd); K.B. Jandial; and Advocate Rameshwar Singh Jamwal.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the need for a coordinated volunteer-based support mechanism that could assist existing emergency response personnel, particularly in districts and vulnerable border areas.
According to the proposal, the Social Defence Volunteer Groups would work alongside Home Guards and Civil Defence teams during disasters or other emergencies requiring additional trained manpower.
The delegation also raised issues concerning the welfare of pensioners, particularly the extension of facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
The meeting brought into focus two key areas of public concern — strengthening local-level disaster response capacity and improving healthcare facilities for pensioners.
