Mainstreaming Civil Defence in Disaster Risk Reduction Scheme launched

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on 20 August 2014 launched a Plan Scheme of Mainstreaming Civil Defence in Disaster Risk Reduction at a function at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The scheme was launched with an aim to enhance the capacity of States to respond to all natural and man-made disasters.

For implementation of the scheme the government has allocated around 290 crore rupees during 12th Five Year Plan for Civil Defence to the scheme. During the 12th five year plan, the scheme will be implemented in 32 States and Union Territories in India. Number of rural districts covered under the scheme would be increased from 100 to 240 districts.

Aim of the scheme
• To enhance the community’s capability to face disaster and minimize losses of life, property and avoid disruption of normal life after any disaster
• It is government’s efforts towards raising public awareness towards disasters and creating a Disaster Resilient Community

Singh also released a publication Mainstreaming Civil Defence in Disaster Risk Reduction plan scheme. Civil Defence medals were presented to the awardees during the launch function.

Apart from this, the Home Minister also asked the officials to firm up a proposal to introduce a syllabus on Civil Defence in CBSE curriculum.