The State Government has requested the Union Government to enhance Central share of financial assistance for Home Guards and Civil Defence to 50-basis point.
Now the Central and State shares for spending towards Home Guard and Civil Defence is 25:75.
As many as 16,865 Home Guards are now serving as an auxiliary force to Odisha police.
They are engaged in maintaining internal security, providing essential services during emergency, traffic management and all sorts of services.
With growing requirement and pressure on the State exchequer rising, the State has appealed to the Centre to hike the share basis to 50:50.
Several State Governments have also put this demand, according to sources.
As the Home Guards are participating in the disasters for rescue operations, they require skill training to face situations. Establishment of a training institute is required, argued the State Government.
Similarly, Civil Defence Organization is having volunteers in several urban zones of the State.
These volunteers are serving in 11 districts of Khordha, Angul, Sundargarh, Koraput, Jagatisnghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrakh, Baleswar, Ganjam, Puri and Dhenkanal.
They have displayed outstanding performance in the time of natural disasters. Civil Defence volunteers have received President and Chief Minister’s awards for their exemplary work during the time of disasters like Cyclone Fani.
The State Government has approached the MHA to enhance the ratio from 25:75 to 50:50 to meet expenditures incurred for the Civil Defence.