Port Blair, Jan 21: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands for early filling up of vacant posts of Home Guards
During a recent meeting with the Hon’ble Lt. Governor the Member of Parliament mentioned that no recruitment has been carried out for the vacant posts of Home Guards since the year 2020. This situation is a matter of concern, as vacancies continue to arise every 3 to 6 months, leaving critical positions unoccupied.
He added that the absence of recruitment not only denies short-term employment opportunities to the unemployed youth of our islands but also poses a potential risk to the overall performance of law and order and security arrangements within the jurisdiction of the A&N Police.
He said that he has been approached by former Home Guards who have rendered commendable service in the past stating that due to pendency of the amendment of Home Guard Rules, the department is held up the recruitment process of existing vacancy strength of around 500 Home Guards and until amendment is made, no recruitment will be done.
In this regard he said that as per settled provision of law, any vacancies arising prior to amendment of rules in force, the vacancies must be filled as per existing provisions of law. So, keeping vacancies for more than 03 years without filling up the posts for the above said reason may not be justifiable.
“These individuals, having worked without any adverse remarks and with utmost satisfaction from the department, are eagerly waiting for an opportunity to re-join as Home Guards. Filling up the vacant posts as per existing rule will not only address the immediate need for manpower but will also provide a platform for deserving individuals, including those who have served previously to contribute actively to the security and well-being of our community. This step aligns with our commitment to promoting employment opportunities for our youth and reinforcing the robustness of our law enforcement agencies,” he added.
The Member of Parliament added that many of the ex-Home Guard staffs have served for extended periods for several years and many have crossed their age for applying in any other government job. Their appeal is not just a plea for personal welfare but also an expression of the economic hardship that has befallen their families.
He also highlighted the financial strain affecting widows and single mothers among them, who were previously the backbone of their households. Most importantly many of these ex-Home Guard staffs have no other means of earning.
In this regard he requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to kindly consider the case sympathetically by considering socio economic conditions of former Home Guards staffs.