In a significant move to bolster the welfare and operational efficiency of the Uttar Pradesh Home Guards, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Saturday that dedicated rooms will be reserved for them at every police station across the state. The announcement came during the foundation day celebrations of the Uttar Pradesh Home Guards, marking a step towards formalizing their presence within the police infrastructure.
From Auxiliary to Integral: A Force Recognized
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Home Guards are no longer seen as merely an auxiliary force. He stated they have evolved into a crucial pillar for the state, contributing significantly to law and order, traffic management, the Dial 112 emergency service, election duties, prison security, disaster control, and the security of public buildings. Their role in managing mega-events like the Maha Kumbh Mela and ensuring the smooth conduct of examinations was also highlighted.
Adityanath pointed out that the home guards, attached to police stations, previously had no specified space to keep their uniforms and essential documents. The new directive aims to resolve this long-standing logistical issue, providing them with a formal base of operations.
Healthcare and Honors: Enhancing Welfare
Alongside the infrastructure upgrade, the CM directed the concerned department to prepare a proposal for providing cashless healthcare facilities to home guards personnel, modeled on the central government's Ayushman Bharat scheme. This move is aimed at securing their health and well-being.
The Chief Minister underscored the long-overdue recognition the force is now receiving. He revealed that in a testament to their service, three jawans were awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service in 2024, along with 11 for Meritorious Service. In 2025, three more personnel received the honor. Additionally, 38 commendation discs were awarded by the Government of India.
"Previously, Home Guard soldiers were neglected, but today they are being honored by the President and the Home Ministry," Adityanath remarked, celebrating their elevated status.
Valor in Crisis and Future Recruitment
The CM praised the force's exemplary service during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Home Guards personnel risked their lives to accompany transport vehicles and ensure the safe return of stranded migrant workers to Uttar Pradesh. In recognition of such sacrifices, the government provides a grant of Rs 5 lakh to the family of personnel who die in service. To date, over Rs 143 crore has been disbursed to the dependents of 2,871 deceased personnel.
Looking ahead, Adityanath informed that the government's recent announcement to recruit 45,000 new Home Guards personnel is already underway. Priority will be given to appointments in the home districts of candidates, enabling them to serve their local communities more effectively. Furthermore, training in disaster management will equip them to act as capable first responders during relief operations. The CM noted that over 4,000 youth have already been trained as 'Disaster Mitras' in collaboration with the Disaster Management Department.
Established on December 6, 1963, the Uttar Pradesh Home Guards have served as a protective shield for the state police, and these new initiatives aim to further strengthen and honor their indispensable contribution.
