The state government will set up border wing of Home Guards and the personnel will be posted along the Indo-Nepal border to assist SSB and act as the second line of defence. This was stated by Sainik Welfare and Home Guards minister Anil Rajbhar in lucknow on Tuesday. “UP Government has plans to raise a border wing of Home Guard like Punjab. They will be posted along border areas and work in tandem with Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) along Indo-Nepal border. This will also solve the problem of Home Guard personnel not getting adequate duty,” Rajbhar said.
“Once posted at border areas, Home Guard personnel will get salary from the Centre which will indirectly help the state to save its resources,” thee minister added.
“The government is concerned about the plight of Home Guard jawans who get a paltry Rs 350 per day. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to give them a raise which will come into effect from the next fiscal,” Rajbhar said without elaborating on the quantum of raise. The minister also said that the government has decided to replace private security guards in state-run offices with Home Guard jawans.
“At present only 60,000 Home Guard jawans get employment. Once new projects are enforced, we will be able to provide additional employment to 25,000 Home Guard jawans. Efforts are on even to deploy them in BHU,” he said. On Civil Defence, the minister said, “There are at present 15 units in operation in the state which will be increased by 15 more. Volunteers of Civil Defence will train farmers and also tell them how to market pickle and papad,” he said.