"Review Home Guards circular restricting participation in non-Governmental programmes"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2025: The Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association (MHGEWA) has submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary.

Government of Manipur, and the Commandant General, Home Guards-cum-Director General of Police (DGP), seeking immediate review or setting aside of a circular issued on December 23, 2025 by the Commandant, Home Guards (VA), Manipur.

The representation, signed by MHGEWA president Y Mangi, stated that the circular directs Home Guard volunteers to obtain prior permission from the office of the Commandant, Home Guards (VA), Manipur, or the competent authority before attending or gracing any non-governmental programme, press meet, or similar event.

MHGEWA contended that Home Guard members are governed by the Manipur Home Guards Act, 1966, and the rules framed thereunder.

Citing Sections 2(c), 5 and 6 of the Act, the association pointed out that a Home Guard is a person appointed under the provisions of the Act and that the organisation is regulated by a distinct statutory framework.

It further referred to the "Manipur Home Guards Rules, 2022", framed by the Home Department on November 3, 2022 in exercise of powers under Section 13 of the Act.

The association emphasized that Home Guards render voluntary service, with a term of office of three years, subject to recall for further terms until the age of 60 years.

Unlike the police or other uniformed services, Home Guards are not governed by the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, or the Assam Police Manual adopted by the State, particularly in matters relating to disciplinary proceedings, the representation stated.

The association also highlighted the need for continuous coordination between Home Guards and MHGEWA, citing its "Welfare Scheme of Home Guard Personnel", launched in 2021, which provides financial assistance to retired or deceased Home Guard members from a corpus fund built through member contributions.

Assistance under the scheme is distributed twice a year, it said.

The association argued that without proper synchronisation between the Home Guards organisation and MHGEWA, welfare initiatives risk failure due to lack of coordination and resources.

It further claimed that there is no comparable welfare scheme currently run by the office of the Commandant, Home Guards (VA), Manipur.

MHGEWA also expressed concern that the December 23 circular could restrict the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

It maintained that, in the absence of any subversive activity, Home Guard volunteers should be free to associate and participate in programmes organised by MHGEWA.

Describing the circular as "improper, arbitrary, mala fide and a colourable exercise of power", the association asserted that it was against the interests of Home Guard volunteers and warranted administrative review.

In view of these submissions, Y Mangi urged the Chief Secretary and the Commandant General, Home Guards-cum-DGP, to set aside or review the circular at the earliest in the interest of justice.

Notably, MHGEWA, a registered society under the Manipur Societies Registration Act, was formed in 1992 for the welfare of Home Guard volunteers and to safeguard their service-related interests.

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