Home guards appeal Govt to implement SC order on 'duty allowance'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 08 2015 :
Manipur Home Guards' Welfare Organisation (MHGWO) has appealed the State Government to implement the Supreme Court order dated March 11 on payment of duty allowance to the Manipur home guards at the rate which come to a minimum of the pay to which the police personnel (constables) of the State are entitled at an early date.
In a appeal forwarded to the Principal Secretary Home; the DGP/DG and the Commandant Home Guards, MHGWO President Y Mangi Singh stated that the appeal was made on behalf of all Home Guard personnel serving in the Manipur Police/Home Department for "perusal and necessary action" .
Recalling the origin and role of home guards, Y Mangi Singh said that the revised roles assigned to home guards include serving as an auxiliary to the police and assist in maintaining internal security assisting communities in rendering emergency service during natural calamities, accidents and epidemic.
The home guards had also been providing services to transport; promoting communal harmony; protecting weaker sections of the society etc.
After reviewing the origin and the roles of home guards, the Supreme Court observed that the State Government should pay them the duty allowance at such rates, total of which 30 days (a month) comes to minimum of the pay to which the police personnel of State are entitled.
The Apex Court asked the State Government to pass appropriate orders in terms of the observation on an early date "preferably within three months" .
The Supreme Court passed the order after dealing with the question as to whether home guards in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Delhi are regular appointees in the "cadre/services of Home Guards" and if not whether they are entitled for regularization of their services.
The Apex Court dismissed the plea seeking regularization of services.
However, it considered the case of paying duty allowance to the home guards.