Mumbai News: Finance Department Flags Errors In Civil Defence Volunteers Pay Hike Proposal; Compensation Has Seen No Raise In 15 Years—Reports

Mumbai: A proposal by the state government to increase the manpower and salary of volunteers in the Civil Defence Force has reportedly hit a snag, with the Finance Department identifying several discrepancies, according to sources.

The Civil Defence Force, an organization crucial for providing domestic services during emergencies, including wartime and its aftermath, has seen its workload increase, particularly during the Indo-Pakistan conflict. The force conducts regular mock drills, blackout training, and demonstration programs.

The government's attention was drawn to the shortage of personnel and the insufficient honorarium paid to volunteers during the Indo-Pak conflict. This prompted the proposal for an increase. However, the Finance Department has raised questions regarding the proposed changes according to a report by Lokmat.

One key issue highlighted is a 2017 report from the then director stating that 437 personnel were not required. The Finance Department is also scrutinizing the proposed direct hike in the daily honorarium from ₹150 to ₹500, noting that the current ₹150 honorarium aligns with central government norms.

Despite the Home Department's positive stance on the proposal, the Finance Department has sought clarification from the Civil Defence Force on several aspects.

The proposal submitted to the State Home Department outlines that while there are 437 sanctioned posts within the state's Civil Defence Force, only 130 are currently filled. The proposal also includes a request for essential equipment. Currently, volunteers are called upon during emergencies and receive a daily honorarium of ₹150, a figure the proposal suggests should be increased to at least ₹500.

Sources within the Civil Defence Force have pointed out that the honorarium for its volunteers has remained stagnant for the past 15 years, contrasting sharply with the five-fold increase in the honorarium for Home Guards during the same period. A representative from the Civil Defence Force stated the organization's need for increased manpower and affirmed their commitment to providing the government with a comprehensive explanation regarding the proposal. The Finance Department's queries now await a response from the Civil Defence Force.

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