Government Revises Allowances for Civil Defence Volunteers

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued a new directive significantly revising the various allowances paid to Civil Defence Volunteers across the country. This latest move aims to enhance the financial benefits for volunteers, thereby strengthening the implementation of civil defence measures across vulnerable regions.

Background and Policy Framework

The Ministry’s directive refers to several past communications, including:

• Ministry of Home Affairs Letter No 27/4/63-E.R.I dated 6th April 1963
• DGCD, MHA Letter No 17018/41/93-DGCD (CD) dated 3rd February 1997
• DGCD, MHA Letter No II-29012/41/96-DGCD (CD) dated 23rd October 1996

The original policy outlined the implementation of Civil Defence measures in vulnerable areas, categorized as CD Towns/Districts. It was decided that expenditure on implementing these measures would be shared between the Central Government and the State Government. Initially, the financial burden was to be borne by the State Government, with subsequent reimbursement by the Central Government based on a prescribed cost-sharing ratio.

Key Changes in Allowances

The updated rates, outlined in a letter dated 12th September 2024, provide an upward revision for different types of allowances given to volunteers. Below is a summary of the revised allowances:

Type of Allowance	Old Rates	Revised Rates
Duty Allowance (When called out for duty, exercise, rehearsal)	₹ 31 per head per day	₹ 150 per head per day
Parade/Training Allowance (When called out for parade/training for more than one session)	₹ 14 per head per training session (2.5 hrs)	₹ 140 per head per day for more than one session (Exceeds 2.5 hrs)
Parade/Training Allowance (When called out for parade/training for less than one session)	₹ 28 per head per day for more than one session	₹ 70 per head per day for sessions exceeding 2.5 hrs
Out of Pocket Allowance during Camp Training	₹ 12 per head per day	₹ 60 per head per day
Messing Allowance during Camp Training	Free boarding + ₹ 16 per head per day	Free boarding + ₹ 80 per head per day

Implementation and Reimbursement

The State Government/Union Territory Administrations are advised to implement the revised rates by issuing parallel sanctions in consultation with their Finance Departments. The revised rates are applicable from 4th September 2024 onwards. The expenditure involved in paying the revised allowances will be shared between the Central Government and the State Government, making it poolable and shareable.

The Ministry has emphasized that the initial expenditure is to be borne by the State Government, with reimbursement claims submitted to the Central Government in accordance with the prescribed sharing percentage.

Supersession of Previous Orders

This letter supersedes DGCD, MHA Letter No II-29012/41/96-DGCD (CD) dated 23rd October 1996. The new directive is issued with the concurrence of the Department of Expenditure ID Note No 9(3)/99-E.II dated 26th July 2024, and the Integrated Finance of Ministry of Home Affairs Dy No 3490995 dated 17th December 2022.

Next Steps for Authorities

The Chief Secretaries/Administrators of all States and Union Territories have been instructed to take immediate action to revise the allowances in their respective jurisdictions.