Military training for 60,000 selected civilians; Ministry of Home Affairs with pilot project

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs is planning to introduce a civil defence program that provides high-end military training to 60000 selected people across 12 states and Union Territories of India.

The first phase will involve a three-day civil defence master trainer course. 600 master trainers, 50 from each participating state and Union Territory, will undergo training at military establishments in the country.

The new decision comes in the wake of tensions in the Middle East and other parts of the globe while also considering the threat posed by India's cantankerous neighbours. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech that proved a catalyst for the home ministry's decision. PM Modi on August 15th weighed in on the need to establish a robust civil defence network that includes modern technologies, including drones and other equipment.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are included in the 12 states selected by the Home Ministry for the civil defence master trainers program.