HG, CD & SDRF rebuts news regarding Mal-treatment to its
employees
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 11: Rebutting a
report published in a local Urdu daily regarding the step motherly treatment
with its employees, the Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF, J&K, has
issued a clarification regarding the voluntary nature of Home Guards.
According to the rebuttal issued here
today in this regard, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards is a voluntary force
constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards Act, Svt. 2006, and
governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards Rules, 1962. As per these
regulations, individuals enroll as volunteers to serve the community during
emergencies and assist in maintaining public order. The voluntary nature of
this service implies that members are not regular government employees but are
civilians who offer their services during exigencies.
Given the voluntary status of the
Home Guards, members receive an honorarium or duty allowance for the days they
are actively engaged. This is a fixed per-day payment and is not equivalent to
a regular monthly salary. It's important to note that this honorarium is not
intended to serve as a primary source of income but as a token of appreciation
for the voluntary services rendered.
The Home Guards play a crucial role
in supporting the regular police force and aiding the community during emergencies.
Their contribution is invaluable and deeply appreciated. However, its essential
to recognise the foundational principles of the Home Guards as a voluntary
force with a structure and remuneration system distinct from regular government
services.
The department said that, in view of
above explained facts, the concerns raised in the article stem from a
misunderstanding of this unique framework.