Overview

• The Maharashtra government and the University of Mumbai signed an MoU to introduce a Civil Defence course in engineering colleges starting next academic year, carrying a weightage of 25 marks.
• The course will train students in rescue operations and collaboration with emergency agencies during crises, including war-like situations.
• Proposals to increase sanctioned staff, upgrade vehicles and sirens, and improve training equipment have been submitted, with positive indications of government support.
• Volunteer daily allowances, currently set at ₹150, are proposed to increase to ₹500, addressing long-standing concerns about compensation.
• Recent mock drills across Maharashtra mobilized 10,000 volunteers, highlighting the critical need for enhanced civil defence capabilities amid Indo-Pak tensions.