In the face of the global pandemic, over 50,000 Civil Defence volunteers have risen to the challenge, assisting local authorities in implementing necessary measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19. The central government has taken steps to procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for these brave personnel using provisions available under the State Disaster Relief Fund.
Deployment and Roles of Civil Defence Volunteers
Civil defence personnel have been mobilised across all Indian states and union territories, with the exception of Ladakh, Daman & Diu, and Puducherry. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Assam have taken the initiative in leveraging their services.
These volunteers operate under the directions of District Magistrates, providing crucial aid to local administrations in enforcing Covid-19 guidelines and policies. Their numerous contributions include supplementing administrative efforts in surveilling suspected and confirmed cases, managing hunger helplines, and helping elderly citizens.
Additionally, they ensure the maintenance of essential supplies by packing and delivering ration and medicines. They also supplement health workers, conduct community awareness drives advocating social distancing and hygiene, distribute PPEs, masks, and sanitisers, and set up community kitchens and shelters for stranded individuals.
Civil Defence in India: A Brief Overview
Civil Defence measures, dictated by the Civil Defence Act, 1968, are designed to tackle immediate emergency conditions, protect the public, and restore critical services and facilities damaged or destroyed by disasters. This Act was amended in 2009 and 2010 to include disaster management as an additional role.
The Civil Defence Act is applicable nationwide and grants state governments the authority to raise corps at the local administration level according to their needs. The District Magistrate, District Collector, or Deputy Commissioner typically serve as Controllers of the Civil Defence.
Objectives of civil defence encompass safeguarding life, minimising property damage, maintaining production continuity, and upholding public morale. In times of warfare and emergencies, these personnel guard hinterlands, support armed forces, mobilise citizens, and assist civil administrations.
Civil Defence in India is primarily a voluntary service, supplemented by a small paid staff which can be scaled up during emergencies.
Central Financial Assistance for Civil Defence
The central government remunerates 25% of the expenditure (50% for North-eastern states except Assam) incurred by the State Government on authorised items for raising, training, and equipping the Civil Defence.