In a significant move to bolster the welfare of home guards, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a series of new infrastructure and healthcare benefits for the personnel. The announcements were made on Saturday during the 63rd Raising Day celebration of the home guards in Lucknow.
New Infrastructure and Healthcare Benefits
The Chief Minister declared that every police station in the state will now have a dedicated duty room for home guards. This space will allow them to rest and securely store their uniforms, essential service documents, and personal belongings. This initiative addresses a long-standing need for proper facilities for the auxiliary force.
In a major health welfare push, CM Adityanath directed concerned officials to prepare a proposal for extending cashless healthcare benefits to home guards. The proposed scheme is planned to be on the lines of the central government's Ayushman Bharat program, ensuring accessible medical treatment for the personnel and their families.
Recognizing Service and Sacrifice
Addressing the jawans, the CM underscored their critical role in the state's security framework, calling them "the strength of the government and the faith of society." He noted that since its formation on December 6, 1963, the home guards organization has acted as a protective shield for the police.
Yogi Adityanath highlighted their invaluable service during the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically recalling how home guards escorted buses to bring stranded migrant workers back safely. He informed that the government has provided Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the families of personnel who died in the line of duty. So far, over Rs 143 crore has been disbursed to 2,871 dependants.
Digital Reforms and Honours
The CM also spoke about the digital reforms introduced by the department through its official website and the ‘Home Guard Mitra’ mobile app, aimed at streamlining services and communication.
During the event, the Chief Minister felicitated officers and personnel who were awarded President's medals on Independence Day 2024. Those honoured for distinguished service included:
- Vinay Kumar Mishra (Deputy Commandant General)
- Ghanshyam Chaturvedi (Divisional Commandant Grade-2, Agra)
- Vinod Kumar Yadav (Junior Instructor, Central Training Institute, Lucknow)
The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Minister of State for Home Guards Dharamveer Prajapati, Principal Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DG Home Guards MK Basal, along with senior police officers, personnel, and their families.
Paying tributes on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the CM said Ambedkar taught the nation to rise above caste, region, and language and embrace an identity rooted in Indian nationalism. He added that the disciplined presence of uniformed forces inspires public trust, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for greater respect towards those in uniform.
