National News

Modern Civil Defence Volunteer Force

August 17 , 2026 17 hrs 0 min 16 0

The Prime Minister announced a “massive, modern” Civil Defence volunteer force on 15 August 2026 during the Independence Day address at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
The proposed force will strengthen civilian protection during modern security challenges and emergency situations.
India’s Civil Defence system is governed by the Civil Defence Act and Rules, 1968.
Civil Defence volunteers support warning systems, evacuation, rescue, first aid, fire-fighting and protection of critical infrastructure during emergencies.
The new volunteer force will receive modern training and advanced emergency-response protocols.
Home Guards are a related auxiliary force under State control and assist the police, civil administration and disaster-response teams.