Delhi HC seeks govt, police response on home guards PIL

New Delhi [India], Feb 9 (ANI): Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Delhi government and Delhi Police on a PIL seeking direction for framing rules and policies to provide basic amenities like pension, provident fund, ESIC to Home Guards.
The petition stated that the brave officers of the Home Guards who are deputed to the service of Delhi Police, governed by the Bombay Home Guards Act, 1947 as extended to the Union Territory of Delhi (an Act to Provide for the Constitution of Home Guards), work in highly tense, chaotic and challenging environment.
The petitioner also outlined that there is no financial security to them besides a lack of facilities for clean drinking water, sanitation and regular health care where they are deputed on duty for more than eight hours a day in extreme weather conditions in winter, summer and rainy seasons.
All respondents have been directed to file a reply on this PIL till April 15, which is based on RTI Reply of DG Home Guards.
The reply of RTI given by the Directorate General mentioned that the Home Guards serve as an auxiliary to the police and assist in maintaining internal security and assist the community in any kind of emergency.
In addition to that work, the home guards also organize functional units to provide essential services such as motor transport, pioneer and engineer groups, fire- brigades, nursing, and first aid, the operation of water and power supply in installations etc.
The homes guards also promote communal harmony and give assistance to the administration in protecting weaker sections of the society and also participate in socio-economic and welfare activities such as adult education, health and hygiene, development schemes and such other tasks as are deemed useful, the petition mentions. (ANI)