New Delhi, October 24: The Union Home Ministry is partnering with the Indian Army to train civil defence personnel under a pilot project expected to reach around 60,000 volunteers across 12 states and Union Territories.
The programme will begin with 600 master trainers, including 50 from each participating state and UT. They will attend a three-day course at designated Army training centres, with this phase proposed to be completed by the second week of November 2026. Each trained participant will then teach 100 volunteers in their respective regions.
The pilot covers Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Training will focus on recognising threats, protecting people, responding to emergencies and improving communication and coordination.
The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day call to strengthen civil defence through modern systems and technology. The ministry aims to use the Army’s experience to help volunteers respond more effectively during emergencies and support the protection of essential infrastructure.
