 "More than 15 thousand home guards will be recruited in Delhi, LG distributed joining letters before assembly elections")
In an important step ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has distributed appointment letters to 1,669 newly selected Home Guard volunteers. The recruitment will help augment the city’s security force, with 19% of the selected candidates being ex-Civil Defense Volunteers (CDVs) and 181 posts being filled by women. The LG Secretariat claimed, this recruitment policy highlights the administration’s commitment to provide employment opportunities, especially to those affected by previous policy changes.
Approval for recruitment of 10,285 new Home Guard jawans: Earlier this year, Saxena had approved the recruitment of 10,285 new Home Guard personnel, including personnel with CDV, with CDV being given preference on the basis of their service record. CDV jobs were abolished in November 2023 with the approval of then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. There were several hurdles related to the appointment of Home Guards, including court cases affecting 7,939 posts, but the proposal was pushed forward to speed up the recruitment process.
Joining letters issued to 1,669 candidates: Following legal challenges, it was ensured that 2,346 candidates who cleared the rigorous Physical Measurement and Efficiency Test (PMET) and written test were appointed without delay. After this, the medical test was conducted, in which 1,669 candidates cleared the examination successfully and were given joining letters.
The government has announced plans to further strengthen the force, aiming to add 15,000 more Home Guard volunteers. With this expansion, Delhi’s security apparatus will be strengthened by over 25,000 personnel. The recruitment drive launched in January 2024 originally had 1,09,001 applicants, however only 32,511 appeared for the PMET. Special emphasis was placed on transparency and fairness in the entire recruitment process, documentation was ensured along with CCTV coverage. Let us tell you that the Delhi Assembly elections are to be held in February 2025.