SHILLONG, DEC 5: Director of Civil Defence & Home Guards MK Sangma said the state’s Central Training Institute of Civil Defence and Home Guards was selected as one amongst 17 CTIs in the country to implement this Central Scheme for Training and Capacity Building of Civil Defence.
34 Master Trainers were successfully trained under Phase I of the scheme that include 16 Master Trainers from Tripura and 2 Master Trainers from Mizoram apart from 18 Master Trainers from the State, Sangma said while addressing at the 63rd Raising Day of the Civil Defence & Home Guards on Friday.
Sangma outlined significant advancements, including the installation of air raid sirens across all districts and the plan to expand the reach of these Air Raid Siren to the Sub Division and Block Level will also materialise with the approval for procurement of Air Raid Sirens under the Preparedness and Capacity Building Scheme (P& CB) of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
He added that the Civil Defence offices in 7 districts of the state, are engaged in training the 4 th batch of Civil Defence Volunteers and Wardens under Phase II of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme which has a target of training 360 CD Volunteers and Warden by the end of this month.
He also apprised about the successfully completion of the recruitment process for 445 posts—including sub-inspectors, guardsmen, drivers and non-combatant staff in record time but also for conducting the first ever Rozgar Mela.
Sangma informed about the Government approval in restructuring the SDRF and Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) as a semi-volunteer force as originally sanctioned by MHA, to strengthen the State’s disaster response capacity.
The subsumption of 708 permanent posts of the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion into two Battalions of SDRF consisting of 304 personnel each will be organised as 1 st SDRF Bn based in Shillong and catering to the Eastern Range and the 2 nd SDRF Battalion based in Tura and catering to the Western Range of the State.
The Director of Civil Defence to lead the SDRF as its Inspector General and the Joint Director of Civil Defence to assist him as the Dy. Inspector General of SDRF. Infrastructure upgrades and the establishment of new leadership positions were also emphasized as critical steps toward building a modern and efficient force.
In terms of infrastructure, he added that we continue to build and upgrade office complexes and training facilities across the state, including the new office building for Civil Defence & Home Guards at Jowai, which will serve as a modern hub for administration, training and coordination in the Jaintia Hills region. Plans are afoot to construct a permanent office building of the Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards at the Department’s land in Mawkasiang. This important office of the Department is presently operating from Horse Shoe Building at Lower Lachumiere.
The Chief Guest further stressed the importance of community-based training, awareness and community capacity-building, youth participation, students, teachers, NGOs, government officials and strong partnerships with local institutions to build a resilient society.
He noted the growing challenges posed by climate change, urbanization and technological shifts, and highlighted the evolving role of Civil Defence and Home Guards in addressing multi-hazard emergencies.
Sangma encouraged community leaders, Dorbar Shnongs, Nokmas, traditional institutions, NGOs and faith-based organisations to be partners in the initiative of building a resilient community and urged volunteers to remember that when they participate in Home Guard training, they are serving the state and nation, building valuable skills—leadership, discipline, first aid, disaster response, and becoming a role model in your locality.
He concluded by saying “ordinary citizens, when trained, organised and inspired, can do extraordinary things for their community”.
The programme commenced with the Chief Guest taking Salute and Review Parade followed by March Past of 4 (four) contingents 1 platoon from Border Wing Home Guards, 1 Platoon from the Central Training Institute with Brass band and Pipe band which was led by Shri. John Kennedy Diengdoh, Deputy Controller of Civil Defence, East Jaintia Hills, Khliehriat as parade Commander and Shri. Mark A. Thubru, Inspector, District Training Centre, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin as the parade 2 nd In-Command. Pynkhambor Harris Khongsngi, Commandant, Border Wing HG Bn. Shillong delivered the welcome address.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the President’s Meritorious Service Medal by the Director, Civil Defence & Home Guards Department to Prafulla Basumatry, Havildar, Border Wing Home Guards Bn., Shillong.
He also presented the DG Disc & Commendation Certificate New Delhi, 2024 (Gold, Bronze, and Silver) to 5 recipients to honour their distinguished service, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the Organisation.
R.P. Khongwar, Jt. Commandant General, Home Guards, Meghalaya presented the Director General of Civil Defence & Home Guards, Meghalaya Commendation Certificate, 2025, to acknowledge the personnel who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, discipline, and service excellence within the state.
The event also featured a dynamic Demonstration by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), showcasing skills in rescue operations, disaster mitigation techniques, and rapid response mechanisms. The demonstration was followed by an impressive Band Display, adding ceremonial grandeur to the celebration.
Others present on the occasion were T Nongneng, Under Secretary, Civil Defence Home Guards Department, Nehru D Marak, Adviser, Civil Defence & Home Guards and retired Officers of the Department.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by B. Warjri, Commandant, Central Training Institute, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Mawdiangdiang.
