Vulnerable home guards cry for better security

In 2006, train blasts killed 17-year-old home guard Hemlata Yadav. On November 26, 23-year-old home guard Mukesh Jadhav was one of the first to fall after gunmen rained bullets at the CST station.

Home guards have to depend upon Civil Defence, right from walkie-talkies to vehicles

In 2006, train blasts killed 17-year-old home guard Hemlata Yadav. On November 26, 23-year-old home guard Mukesh Jadhav was one of the first to fall after gunmen rained bullets at the CST station.

Over 2,500 such home guards are on constant vigil at the city8217;s stations and roads in exchange for a measly Rs 200.

This apart, they get no health benefits and have a static ranking system. Their security has emerged as a new concern following last week8217;s terror attacks.

8220;We are still trying to put together the compensation money that is to be given to Mukesh Jadhav8217;s family. We have over 2,500 home guards who are just as vulnerable of getting killed if there is another attack,8221; said Dr Hemant Gaikwad, Commandant, Home guards, Mumbai.

In discussions that have taken place over the past three days, the Commandant requested Additional Director General of Police B N Raut to ensure that the home guards function in the inner circle of security arrangement, especially at railway stations. 8220;We have proposed that the home guards be given desk jobs and be exclusively entrusted with the task of checking passengers8217; belongings. While it is essential that the home guards are also trained in modern weaponry, it is not possible unless our 303 rifles are replaced with updated guns. Till then, we want our guards safe,8221; said Gaikwad.

The home guards however, feel the present situation demands more than just a desk job. 8220;Had we been trained in weapons, we may have been able to prevent many deaths,8221; said a guard refusing to name himself.

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An officer of the Home Guards Department revealed that even as superiors spoke about the guards8217; safety, the Department neither has a proper communication system in place, nor does it have any training facilities available.

8220;We have to depend upon the Civil Defence for everything, from walkie-talkies to vehicles. The only weapon we possess is the rifle dating back to World War II. We can do nothing about these lacunae as our administration lies with the Civil Defence and despite several requests it will not be transferred back to us. We have been reduced to the condition of beggars,8221; said an officer.

Another home guard said what8217;s really needed is a change in attitude. 8220;We are treated like second class personnel. From time to time we are reminded to take Rs 200 and remain subordinate to the police. We are ordered to not check any bags till a police constable is present,8221; he said.