Rebutting a report published in a local Urdu daily regarding the step motherly treatment with its employees, the Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF, J&K, has issued a clarification regarding the voluntary nature of Home Guards.

According to the rebuttal issued here today in this regard, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards is a voluntary force constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards Act, Svt. 2006, and governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards Rules, 1962. As per these regulations, individuals enroll as volunteers to serve the community during emergencies and assist in maintaining public order. The voluntary nature of this service implies that members are not regular government employees but are civilians who offer their services during exigencies.

Given the voluntary status of the Home Guards, members receive an honorarium or duty allowance for the days they are actively engaged. This is a fixed per-day payment and is not equivalent to a regular monthly salary. It's important to note that this honorarium is not intended to serve as a primary source of income but as a token of appreciation for the voluntary services rendered.

The Home Guards play a crucial role in supporting the regular police force and aiding the community during emergencies. Their contribution is invaluable and deeply appreciated. However, its essential to recognise the foundational principles of the Home Guards as a voluntary force with a structure and remuneration system distinct from regular government services.

The department said that, in view of above explained facts, the concerns raised in the article stem from a misunderstanding of this unique framework.