SRINAGAR: The Home Guards, Civil Defence, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), J&K, have issued a formal rebuttal against a recent report published in a local Urdu daily, which alleged step-motherly treatment of its employees.
The department clarified that the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards is a voluntary force, governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards Act, Svt. 2006, and the Home Guards Rules, 1962.
In an official statement released today, the department emphasized that individuals enrolling in the Home Guards do so as volunteers to serve the community during emergencies and assist in maintaining public order. Unlike regular government employees, Home Guards personnel are civilians who render services during exigencies and are not entitled to fixed monthly salaries.
The statement further clarified that Home Guards receive an honorarium or duty allowance only for the days they are actively engaged. This per-day payment is a token of appreciation for their voluntary service rather than a primary source of income.
Acknowledging the crucial role of the Home Guards in supporting the regular police force and aiding the community during emergencies, the department reiterated its appreciation for their contributions. However, it urged the public to recognize the distinct nature of the Home Guards as a voluntary force with a unique structure and remuneration system, separate from regular government employment.
The department concluded that the concerns raised in the article appear to be based on a misunderstanding of this framework, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and the well-being of all volunteers.
