Village Defence Guards Scheme On August 14, just a few days before the country’s Independence Day, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs granted clearance for the establishment of the Village Defence Guards Scheme-2023 (VDGS) in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed his appreciation for the initiative and extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This scheme is essentially a revised version of the previous Village Defence Guard (VDG) scheme. In this essay, we will explore the Village Defence Guard system, its origins, and the benefits, documentation, and eligibility criteria associated with the program. We will also discuss how to enrol in this program.
Village Defence Guards Scheme 2024
The Village Defense Guards Scheme, abbreviated as VDGS, was introduced exclusively for the state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 14th. It is a security-focused initiative that is part of the broader Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav program, with the primary objective of enhancing security in the border regions of Jammu.
This is a defence-oriented program that was recently unveiled exclusively for the state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 14th. It was introduced in conjunction with the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to bolster security in the border areas of Jammu. According to the authorities, individuals holding the village defence cards will be entrusted with the task of protecting community installations and infrastructure within their village boundaries, commencing from August 15th. These selected individuals will remain on duty around the clock, both during the day and at night, with the primary mission of defending their regions against potential terrorist threats.
VDGs will be categorized into two groups: the first comprises individuals with valid arms licenses, who have been supplied with weapons by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the second includes those with valid licenses who either possess their own weapons or are prepared to acquire them independently.
History of Village Defence Guards Scheme Committee
Previously, as of September 30, 1995, this initiative was referred to as the Village Defense Committee. It involved collaborative efforts of the Indian Army and the Police in providing training to community volunteers. Under this program, VDCs were equipped with firearms, which they used to protect their communities against acts of terrorism and related activities. The primary focus was on safeguarding the most vulnerable villages situated in the hilly regions of Jammu. Members of the VDC provided valuable assistance to the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in their counter-terrorism efforts. Over time, there has been a persistent desire among VDC members for this committee to be more organized and for decisions to be made regarding their compensation.
Village Defence Guards Scheme Overview
| Scheme Name | Village Defence Guards Scheme |
| Started by | Central Government |
| Objective | Provide self-protection and security in villages near the border |
| Beneficiaries | Citizens of Jammu Kashmir |
| Job type | Paid, Official Site: – https://jkhome.nic.in |
Village Defence Guards Scheme Objectives
The goal of this initiative is to establish a small group of volunteer civilians in rural areas, particularly in border regions and the remote areas of the Jammu division. The scheme also aims to enhance self-protection and security for villages located in close proximity to the border. In essence, the primary objective is to safeguard these border villages both during the day and at night by enlisting volunteer guards. Members of this program have expressed a long-standing desire for more formal organization and compensation options. Consequently, this scheme was launched to ensure the well-being of these guards.
Benefits And Key Aspects Of The Village Defense Guards Scheme
The Village Defense Guards Scheme aspires to achieve the following objectives:
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Formation of a small contingent of volunteer armed civilians in designated villages situated along the borders and deep within the Jammu division. Their role includes instilling a sense of self-protection, ensuring the safety and security of these villages, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and monitoring trans-border movement.
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Village Defense Guards (VDGs) will be tasked with defending community installations and infrastructure within their respective villages, conducting regular day and night patrols.
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Given the security situation in the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, particularly in the vulnerable regions, the scheme was revised to counteract terrorist threats originating from across the border and to enhance the security framework within the Union Territory.
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VDGs will be organized in groups of no more than 15 individuals, patrolling specific areas during day and night shifts.
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VDGs will be classified into two categories: those possessing a valid arms license and weapons provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and those with valid licenses who either own or are willing to procure weapons independently.
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This newly formed entity will be known as the “Village Defense Group” and will be led by a former army officer.
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The district administration will carefully select members from the applicants submitted by these groups, who will be contributing their time and efforts on a voluntary basis.
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Of the two groups under this scheme, one group will receive a monthly compensation of Rs. 4,500 per individual, while the second group, comprising voluntary members of the Village Defense Group, will be paid a uniform monthly rate of Rs. 4,000.
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Village Chowkidars and Lumberdars in “vulnerable locations” will extend their support to the Village Defense Groups.
Eligibility Criteria For The Village Defense Guards Scheme Are As follows:
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Former servicemen and ex-police personnel from the village.
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Physically fit young men who possess the skills to handle arms and ammunition and are willing to actively contribute to the well-being of the community and the security of the village.
How to Apply for the Village Defense Guards Scheme
As of now, no specific online or offline application procedure has been outlined for individuals to apply for the Village Defense Guards Scheme, as stated by the relevant authority. The information provided above is the extent of what is currently available. If any further details regarding the scheme are provided by the governing body, we will keep you informed through our website. Please stay connected for updates.
Conclusion
In this revised scheme, “It is an expression of the people’s willingness to actively and voluntarily participate in efforts to thwart the nefarious plans of anti-national elements and safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.” Happy Independence Day!