Civil defence course to be introduced in Mumbai University curriculum

Civil defence wing of the Central Railway conduct a drill at CSMT on May 7. Pic/Kirti Surve Parade

The Maharashtra government has decided to introduce a civil defence course in the Mumbai University curriculum, acknowledging the key role the volunteer-based emergency response mechanism can play during emergencies amid a spotlight on the Indo-Pakistan conflict that necessitated security drill exercises. The government is also trying to strengthen the Directorate of Civil Defence, beset by multiple issues ranging from manpower crunch to paltry daily allowance and logistical problems, including inadequate sirens, vehicles and ambulances.

The Directorate of Civil Defence and the University of Mumbai recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), finalising the inclusion of the civil defence course in the academic curriculum, Prabhat Kumar, director of civil defence said. This course will be taught in all engineering colleges affiliated with the University of Mumbai and will carry a weightage of 25 marks. "Students who wish to serve the nation while pursuing their education will get an opportunity through this course," Kumar said, adding that students will be trained in rescue operations and saving lives during emergencies.

They will also be prepared to work alongside government and civic agencies, such as disaster management cells, fire brigades, and hospitals, especially during emergency and war-like situations. The spotlight on civil defence has intensified following drills conducted across coastal districts and Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

These drills aimed to raise awareness among volunteers and the general public. The drills involved around 10,000 volunteers from civil defence, Home Guard, NDRF, and other emergency response agencies. An official said the government is taking appropriate steps to strengthen civil defence, and its revival is underway.

The Directorate of Civil Defence has long struggled with shortages in manpower, vehicles (including rescue vans and ambulances), sirens, and training equipment. However, these requirements are likely to be fulfilled soon, the official said. Although the sanctioned manpower for civil defence is 420 personnel, operations are being carried out with only 135 staff members across the state. The official said some units, like those in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, have only one full-time government employee each.

"In emergencies, civil defence needs its ambulances and vehicles. However, many of the existing vehicles are in poor condition, with some on the verge of being scrapped," the official noted. Volunteers currently receive a daily allowance of R150 for their service. A proposal has been submitted to the government to increase this amount to Rs 500 per day. He added that in addition to the proposed allowance hike, proposals for increasing manpower, training equipment, and sirens have also been submitted.

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