Taking cognisance of pathetic condition of Home Guards, the State police department has decided to send a proposal stating several welfare measures to the State Government.
State Inspector General of Police (IG) Ram Singh Meena said on Tuesday. After its approval, the kin of a Home Guard died during duty will be given Rs one lakh ex-gratia and job to one of the family members in the department of Home Guards.
Earlier, the ex-gratia amount was given to mere Rs 10, 000, he added. IG Meena said that the welfare schemes have been prepared for the home guards. Around 6, 700 home guards are serving in different wings of the police department and State Government.
Home Guards are giving their contribution in maintaining law and order, crime and traffic and working as computer operators and receptionists in the police department.
In return they get mere Rs 200 per day. Attending emergency duties is one among the long list of duties of home guards. Home Guards are being rewarded on a par with police constables for their doing an effective job in cracking cases. Referring to the schemes proposed for the welfare of home guards, he said that after their retirement, Home Guard personnel will be given Rs 50, 000 as gratuity.
“In the proposal, we have also provided medical help to home guards. Home Guards will get one time medical expenses amounting to Rs 5, 000. If Home guards are received minor injuries during duty hour, they will be given Rs 50, 000. If he receives serious injury during duty the he will get Rs 75, 000. Currently they are getting mere Rs 1000 as medical expense,” he added.
The police officer further said that Home Guards are handling all the jobs at par with the constables. Home guards are rendering services in law and order, traffic and crime wings of the city police, besides working as drivers, computer operators and receptionists in the police stations.
“We are presenting awards and rewards to the home guards along with the police constables for their meritorious services,” he added.
IG Meena further said that the various welfare schemes are being implemented by the State government for the benefit of home guards and their family and a reservation of up to five per cent has been accorded to them in the recruitment of constables.
The facility of age relaxation has also been available for home guards when they apply for any posts in police and fire services departments, he added. Observers said that Home Guards also discharge duty like police personnel. Home Guards are appointed for a period of few years and they are normally discharged from service upon expiry of the said period or re-appointed.
But Home Guards are not being given adequate salaries for the fulfillment of their basic needs in the State. There have been incidents where home guard personnel have even committed suicide due to financial constraints.