Posted On:
23 OCT 2026 3:12PM by PIB Delhi
In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India to build a vibrant Civil Defence Network with first-of-its-kind Joint Training Initiative with the Indian Army. A three-day specialized training for Civil Defence Master Trainers to be conducted in 12 States/UTs in the first phase.
In his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15 August 2026, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the vision of building a vibrant Civil Defence network, equipped with modern systems, technologies and contemporary preparedness capabilities to address emerging security challenges. In furtherance of this vision, the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards (DGFSCDHG), Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Indian Army, is undertaking a first-of-its-kind pilot initiative to strengthen Civil Defence preparedness through specialised training of Civil Defence Master Trainers by Indian Army.
In the first phase, a total of 600 Civil Defence Master Trainers, with 50 from each participating State/UT, are proposed to be trained by the second week of November 2026 through a three-day specialised training programme at designated Indian Army training establishments. The participating States/UTs are Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The initiative seeks to enhance the preparedness of Civil Defence personnel to respond effectively to contemporary security threats, hostile situations and emergencies. The training will cover three broad areas:
- Threat Awareness: Modern and hybrid warfare, drone awareness and air-raid threats.
- Protection and Emergency Response: Critical infrastructure protection, fire safety, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) awareness, casualty management, search and rescue.
- Communication and Coordination: Emergency communication, cyber hygiene, digital resilience, civil-military coordination and incident command.
A key feature of the initiative is its multiplier effect through a structured Master Trainer model. Following the specialised training, each Master Trainer will impart further training to 100 Civil Defence Volunteers in their respective State/UT. This cascading mechanism has the potential to extend specialised preparedness skills to 60,000 Civil Defence Volunteers across the 12 participating States/UTs, thereby significantly expanding the reach and impact of the initiative.
The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening civil-military coordination and institutional preparedness by combining the Indian Army’s operational expertise with the Civil Defence volunteer network. It will enhance preparedness for emerging threats, coordinated emergency response and critical infrastructure protection. Based on the outcomes of the pilot phase, the initiative is envisaged to be expanded to the remaining States/UTs in a phased manner, furthering the Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a robust, responsive and future-ready Vibrant Civil Defence network.
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RK / RR / PR