JOIN USTraining for home guard recruits
The function was attended by University Vice-Chancellor Dr Prabhudeva, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Dr Jayamala and V N Subbarao, former president of Karnataka Media Academy.
The 10-day residential training camp will comprise 14 components, including marching, rescue, first aid, fire fighting, traffic and firing.
Addressing the new recruits, Dr Prabhudeva recalled how one of the two Home Guards in the 26/11 attack in Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) noticed the terrorists launching fire and directed the people to safety. “That is how dedicated the country's Home Guards are. However, it's a pity that they are not paid that well. So, I request the government to give them a deserving salary,” he said.
Women volunteers
Dr Jayamala said she was especially happy to see a sizeable number of women volunteers.
The State Home Guards group was formed in 1962 and currently has 1,526 members; of these, 347 are women. S Gurunatha Reddy, second-in-command, Home Guards, said,
“Ours is a volutary organisation. When there is an emergency situation, we assist the police. Otherwise, our members are deployed at BU, KSRTC, Traffic, RTO, Bangalore Metro, etc. Any person who is Class IV pass and 18 years of age can become a Home Guard.”
Interestingly, more women are applying to become Home Guards, he said.
He said the Home Guards were also in talks with the government to give the members insurance, their own station (as is the case in New Delhi and Mumbai), gratuity and PF at par with the police.
Those interested in joining the Home Guards can contact Gurunatha Reddy at 23142542 / 9845529981.