MHA to Build 60,000-Strong Civil Defence Network Across 12 States, UTs

The Union Home Ministry will launch a pilot initiative to build a 60,000-strong civil defence volunteer network across 12 states and Union Territories, with the Indian Army providing specialised training to strengthen emergency preparedness.

According to an official statement, 600 civil defence master trainers, comprising 50 from each participating state and Union Territory, will undergo a three-day specialised training programme at designated Indian Army training establishments. The training is scheduled to be completed by the second week of November 2026.

The initiative, being undertaken by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day announcement of a modern and vibrant civil defence network equipped to address emerging security challenges.

The programme aims to improve the ability of civil defence personnel to respond effectively to contemporary security threats, hostile situations and emergencies, the ministry said. The specialised training will focus on three key areas: threat awareness, protection and emergency response, and communication and coordination.

Following the training, each master trainer will be responsible for training 100 civil defence volunteers in their respective state or Union Territory. The initiative is expected to expand the reach of civil defence preparedness by developing a network of 60,000 trained volunteers. The 12 participating states and Union Territories are Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The joint training initiative marks an effort to strengthen coordination between the civil defence network and the Indian Army, while equipping volunteers with skills to respond to evolving security situations and emergencies.

The ministry said the pilot project would advance the government's vision of a civil defence system supported by modern technologies, improved preparedness and contemporary response capabilities.