. The payment of the application fee can be made until January 3, 2025. Additionally, applicants will have the opportunity to make corrections to their application forms from January 4 to January 5, 2025.](https://highereducationplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Beige-Black-Modern-Professional-Fashion-Photographers-Facebook-Cover-1-360x180.jpg)
As tensions escalate along the India-Pakistan border, the Maharashtra government is stepping up efforts to revamp its Civil Defence infrastructure. In a key move, a Civil Defence course will soon become part of the engineering syllabus at colleges affiliated with the University of Mumbai, aimed at training students to assist in emergencies and national crises.
Despite recently conducting mock drills across coastal districts and cities like Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Civil Defence agency continues to face severe challenges — including staff shortages, inadequate vehicles, and outdated equipment.
Recognising these issues, the government is working to strengthen the agency. “The course will be introduced from the upcoming academic year and carry a 25-mark weightage,” said Prabhat Kumar, Director of Civil Defence. “It will prepare students to assist in rescue operations and work alongside government and civic bodies during emergencies.”
The initiative follows a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Directorate of Civil Defence and the University of Mumbai. The course is expected to not only boost student awareness but also help address the agency’s manpower gap.
Currently, Civil Defence functions with just 135 personnel, despite a sanctioned strength of 420. Some districts like Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg operate with only one full-time government employee each. “Many vehicles, including ambulances and rescue vans, are in poor condition and may soon be decommissioned,” an official noted.
Volunteer participation remains high, with nearly 10,000 individuals involved in the latest drills conducted in coordination with the Home Guard, NDRF, and other emergency services. However, volunteers are currently paid a nominal allowance of Rs 150 per day. A proposal to raise this to Rs 500, along with increased funding for equipment and manpower, is under government review.
Officials remain optimistic about receiving approval for the proposed upgrades, marking a significant step toward revitalising Maharashtra’s Civil Defence apparatus amid growing national security concerns.
