The Hindu : Women home guards unit for every district

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 07, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Women home guards unit for every district

By K.T. Sangameswaran

CHENNAI FEB. 6. With the selection process completed, all districts can now boast of a separate women home guards unit.

Unlike as in the past, women now constitute more than one-fifth of the total strength of home guards in the State.

Only on Tuesday, was a passing out parade for 600 home guards for Chennai, including 360 women, after a one-month training. Previously, the number of WHGs in the organisation was just 550 out of a total strength of 10,560.

Because of the small numbers, the WHG services were available only in Nagercoil, Madurai, Tiruchi, Chennai, Vellore and Coimbatore, police sources said.

Considering the role played by the volunteers, particularly women, and their disproportionate representation in the organisation compared to men, the State Government decided to increase the strength of WHGs from 550 to 2200 last year.

Vacancies in various units were also filled up.

The Government hiked the daily allowance in Chennai city for special call-outs from Rs. 31 to 75 as the personnel were also involved in the overall efforts at crime prevention.

The daily allowance for special call-outs in districts was Rs.35.

It is pointed out that the WHGs acquitted themselves well in the discharge of duties and responsibilities.

Their services are required more for rescue and relief operations during natural calamities, such as floods. Women were deployed as part of bandobust arrangements.

With a view to equipping the volunteers, who function along with the police, the home guards were being given training in first aid, watermanship and rescue courses.

Training in civil defence was imparted to a few in Nagpur.

About 60 per cent of the home guards were government servants.

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