Concerns of Home Guard Volunteers in Rajasthan
Jaipur News: In Rajasthan, around 30,000 home guard volunteers have various demands, both minor and major, which the Bhajanlal government has started to consider. While the government is showing a positive attitude towards issues like new recruitment, dismissals, and uniform washing allowances, it remains silent on significant demands such as regular employment and gratuity. Given the current situation of home guard volunteers, it can be said that ‘the government is giving a little, but much more is needed.’
Government’s Agreement and New Recruitment Plans
Government’s Agreement and New Recruitment Plans
Home Guard Minister Babulal Kharadi, after a lengthy discussion with Home Guard Director General Malini Agarwal, stated that the government is seriously considering long-pending minor issues. He also urged volunteers to work with honesty and dedication. Announcing new recruitment, Kharadi mentioned that new hires would be made, including those from the 2022-23 recruitment cycle that had been stalled. Candidates who had previously applied will be included, and new applications will also be accepted. Additionally, efforts are being made to remove the ten-kilometre barrier for recruitment, allowing opportunities for candidates from the entire district or bordering areas.
Increased Allowances and Committee Formation
Furthermore, the government has agreed to increase the uniform washing allowance and to form a committee of commanders and other officials to address the long-pending cases of dismissed personnel.
Concerns Over Insufficient Solutions
‘A Drop in the Ocean’
Jhalakan Singh Rathore, the national president of the Home Guard organization, likened the government’s efforts to ‘a drop in the ocean.’ He emphasized that the more significant issue is regular employment. Even with new recruitment, if volunteers do not receive regular work, they will remain unemployed.
Rathore accused the government of trying to placate the personnel by addressing minor issues while ignoring their primary demands for regular employment, gratuity, and salaries comparable to police constables in other states. However, Home Guard Director General Malini Agarwal stated that the department is reviewing matters related to home guards and welfare schemes.
