25,000 homeguards should not be released, UP government U-turn

New Delhi, October 16, 2019, Wednesday

The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has blocked the decision to release 25,000 homeguards from their jobs. There was heavy criticism of the government over the issue. The government has hit the U-turn in 24 hours.

Homeguards as well as soldier welfare minister Chetan Chauhan have said that no homeguard will go to work under any circumstances. The hours of duty of the Homeguard are determined as per the requirement of different departments of the Government.

Earlier, the government had rendered 25,000 homeguards useless by a clause. After deciding the equal pay of the police, the cost of government treasury increased and the Yogi government made them compulsory.

According to a TV channel report, the Yogi government had rendered 25,000 homeguards useless under the pretext of cost overruns. Additional Director General of Police VP Jogdand announced this through an order.

Not long ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the salary of homeguards and police in Uttar Pradesh should be equal. The state government should pay homeguards as much as the police. At that time, the Yogi government paid homage guards equal to the police as the Supreme Court upheld. It was now announced that the cost of the budget was overstated, so HomeGuards' service was canceled.

Presently the number of homeguards was reduced by 32 percent in the maintenance of law and order. VP Jogadund said the decision was taken at a meeting with the Chief Secretary of the state on August 28. Homeguards were pleased when the Supreme Court verdict came. But now 25,000 youths have become useless. So far 49 thousand homeguards have been rendered useless in Uttar Pradesh.