Mawdiangdiang, Aug 20: “Every action you take reflects not only upon yourself, but upon the institution you represent and upon the State you serve,” said Shri Comingone Ymbon, Minister of Civil Defence & Home Guards, Meghalaya, while addressing the first-ever Rozgar Mela organised by the Department at its Parade Ground in Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
The Minister handed over appointment letters to 445 new recruits of the Department, calling the day a landmark that signified not only the beginning of their professional journey but also the continuation of a proud tradition of service, sacrifice and discipline.
Shri Ymbon highlighted the long-standing role of Civil Defence and Home Guards as pillars of courage and resilience during times of crisis — from natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and cyclones to emergencies such as fires, accidents, and law-and-order situations. He also noted that the recruitment process, completed in a fair and transparent manner despite minor setbacks in the PET in Shillong, reflected the Government’s commitment to merit-based selection.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Civil Defence & Home Guards, welcomed the new recruits to what he described as a “big family” bound by discipline and protocol. He lauded the professionalism of the Central Recruitment Board for completing the process smoothly and in time. Shri Mantri further commended the Minister for his active personal intervention during the PET, particularly in addressing difficulties faced by candidates after heavy rains damaged the field.
Earlier, Shri M.K. Sangma, Director of Civil Defence, Meghalaya, in his welcome address, said that entry into Government service was a bridge fulfilling the aspirations of many. With the addition of new recruits, the Department would be better equipped to serve the State — whether as an auxiliary to the police or in disaster management. He also announced that recruitment of another 233 personnel will take place in the coming months.
He further informed that the duty allowances of Home Guards volunteers deployed in traffic duties will henceforth be paid directly by the Civil Defence & Home Guards Department, rather than the requisitioning agencies, easing long-standing difficulties faced by volunteers.
In a major structural proposal, Shri Sangma revealed that the Department has submitted a plan to the Government to subsume the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion into the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to strengthen its manpower. He added that the Border Wing would be raised again on a voluntary basis with personnel drawn from areas along the Bangladesh border.
The 445 new recruits included:
4 Sub Inspectors
284 Guardsmen
17 Drivers
140 Non-Combatant Employees
The recruitment process, conducted by the Central Recruitment Board over 1 year and 5 months, saw over 22,000 candidates participate in the initial stages. Candidates were shortlisted through the Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), before appearing for written examinations and interviews.
The day’s highlights included a Guard of Honour for the Chief Guest and a band display 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.
The programme was attended by Shri M.K. Singh, IPS, Commandant General of Home Guards; Shri B. Mukhim, Joint Director of Civil Defence; Smti T. Nongneng, Under Secretary, CD&HG Department; and other officers of the Department.
