Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced that ‘aapda mitras’ (disaster response volunteers) will be given priority in the proposed recruitment of 41,424 home guards in the state. The chief minister said that while ‘aapda mitras’ were currently serving on a voluntary basis, their inclusion in the home guards would ensure that they receive an honorarium from the govt. He emphasised that the move aims to both strengthen the state’s disaster response mechanism and provide financial support to trained volunteers. Highlighting their role, Yogi said that ‘aapda mitras’ are actively involved in rescue and relief operations during floods, accidents and other emergencies across Uttar Pradesh. “Their experience and ground-level training make them valuable assets for public safety and disaster management,” he noted. Officials said that candidates who have completed the Aapda Mitra training programme conducted under the aegis of the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (UPSDMA) will be granted additional weightage in the recruitment process, as per official provisions.According to the guidelines, certificate holders will receive three extra marks over and above the marks already allotted. The move aims to encourage trained disaster response volunteers to participate in govt services.
