Delhi Govt extends Home Guard volunteers tenure by a year

New Delhi: Delhi Government has extended the tenure by one year of around 2,500 Home Guard volunteers, who were to be discharged in February next year.

Speaking on the occasion of Raising Day of the force, Director General (Home Guards) Jatinder Kumar Sharma today said that the extension has been given as a special case with the help of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.

"It is an immense pleasure for me to inform that nearly 2,500 volunteers of the Delhi Home Guards who will be nearing the completion of their tenure in February next year have been granted an extension by the Delhi Government," Sharma said.

Delhi Home Guards works as a support to the Delhi Police in the security and defence of the capital.

During the programme, three home guard officials were felicitate with President's medal for meritorious service and eight others were awarded with Director General's Nishkam Seva Padak on the occasion.

The DG also said that a volunteer organisation, the tenure of the Home Guards is three years which is further extendable by two years.

"Last year during the elections, these volunteers were given one more extension as a last chance. This was the final extension, so this year we made a request again and with the help of the government especially the L-G, the decision was made two days ago," Sharma added.

According to Sharma, the issue of promotion to be granted to Home Guards with 10 years' experience subject to the condition of maximum age of 45 years will also be taken up with the L-G.

A circular issued by the Department of Home (General) had raised concerns of the Home Guards who have been in service for more than 10 years of age but have exceeded the age limit.

"We want the force to grow as any other organisation and hence we will take up the issue with the L-G, Sharma said.

"Around 2,000 Home Guards have worked in the Uttrakhand elections and their performance was even better than the authorities. The force deserves its due and we are committed towards working for it," he added.