Shillong: In a step towards strengthening the state’s disaster response and internal security framework, the Meghalaya Civil Defence & Home Guards Department on Wednesday held its first-ever Rozgar Mela at its Parade Ground in Mawdiangdiang, Shillong, where 445 new recruits were handed appointment letters.
Meghalaya Minister of Civil Defence & Home Guards, Comingone Ymbon, who presided over the event, described the day as the beginning of a new chapter for the recruits and a continuation of the department’s tradition of service, sacrifice, and discipline.
“Every action you take reflects not only upon yourself but upon the institution you represent and the State you serve,” Ymbon told the new recruits. He acknowledged the department’s legacy of courage and resilience during natural disasters, accidents, and law-and-order situations.
Speaking on the recruitment drive, Ymbon highlighted the government’s commitment to a fair and transparent process, adding that despite minor setbacks during the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) in Shillong, the process was completed smoothly and on time.
Commissioner & Secretary of Civil Defence & Home Guards, Vijay Kumar Mantri (IAS), welcomed the new recruits, describing the department as a disciplined yet family-like organisation. He praised the Central Recruitment Board for its professionalism and credited the minister’s active involvement for resolving logistical challenges during the recruitment, especially during the rain-hit PET.
In his welcome address, Director of Civil Defence, MK Sangma, said that the new appointments would enhance the department’s ability to serve the state in times of crisis and as an auxiliary to the police. He also announced plans to recruit an additional 233 personnel in the coming months.
Sangma addressed a long-standing issue of delayed duty allowances for Home Guards volunteers deployed on traffic duty, saying that payments would now be handled directly by the department, instead of the requisitioning agencies.
He further informed that a proposal has been submitted to convert the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion into part of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to strengthen the unit. The original Border Wing will be re-raised on a voluntary basis, drawing personnel from areas along the Bangladesh border.
The appointments include 4 Sub-Inspectors, 284 Guardsmen, 17 Drivers, and 140 Non-Combatant Employees. The recruitment process, which spanned over a year and five months, saw more than 22,000 applicants participate in the initial Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and PET, followed by written tests and interviews.
The event also featured a Guard of Honour for the Chief Guest and performances by the Brass Band of the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion and the Pipe Band of the Central Training Institute of Civil Defence & Home Guards.
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