Shillong: Meghalaya’s Minister in charge of Civil Defence and Home Guards, Comingone Ymbon, informed the House on Monday that the engagement of Home Guards volunteers is strictly voluntary, with no entitlement to regularisation or permanent retention of service.
Responding to a query from VPP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit during the Budget Session, Ymbon underscored that prolonged engagement does not confer rights to permanent service or entitlements.
He noted that the department serves as a nominating agency for volunteers, with Requisitioning Agencies governing their engagement and payment.
Basaiawmoit raised concerns about delayed salaries and lack of perks for volunteers, urging the government to address these issues. Ymbon acknowledged the challenges and assured efforts to address them.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma acknowledged the genuine concerns but reiterated adherence to existing rules. He clarified that Home Guards are paid on a daily wage basis and termed their service voluntary.
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MLA Charles Pyngrope proposed a system to ensure timely payment by depositing funds directly into volunteers’ accounts. Sangma agreed to examine the suggestion but cited procedural challenges.
Leader of Opposition Ronnie V Lyngdoh advocated for a security cover for volunteers to provide financial stability, a proposal the Minister promised to consider.
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