Maharashtra govt launches civil defence course in Mumbai Univ curriculum

In a move to enhance emergency preparedness and encourage youth participation in crisis response, the Maharashtra government is set to introduce a civil defense course within the University of Mumbai’s academic curriculum.

This initiative comes amid heightened attention to emergency response readiness following the Indo-Pakistan conflict, which prompted extensive mock drills across the state.

To support this effort, the state is also working to strengthen the Directorate of Civil Defence, which is currently hampered by challenges such as a shortage of personnel, inadequate daily allowances for volunteers, and insufficient resources, including vehicles, ambulances, and sirens.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Directorate of Civil Defence and the University of Mumbai, confirming the course’s inclusion in the university’s curriculum.

“Students who wish to serve the nation while pursuing their education will get an opportunity through this course,” said Prabhat Kumar, Director of Civil Defence.

He explained that the course will be offered across all engineering colleges affiliated with the university and carry a weightage of 25 marks.

Students enrolled in the course will receive training in rescue operations and life-saving skills for use during emergencies.

They will also be equipped to support government bodies such as disaster management authorities, fire departments, and hospitals, particularly in times of crisis or conflict.

The renewed focus on civil defense has followed mock drills recently held in coastal districts as well as in Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, aimed at increasing awareness and preparedness among both volunteers and the general public.

These drills involved around 10,000 personnel from Civil Defence, Home Guards, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency services.

An official involved in the operations said that civil defense services are in the process of being revitalized, with plans underway to address longstanding deficiencies.

Despite a sanctioned strength of 420 staff members, the directorate currently functions with only 135 personnel statewide.

In districts like Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, some units operate with just one full-time government employee.

“In emergencies, Civil Defence needs its ambulances and vehicles. However, many of the existing vehicles are in poor condition, with some on the verge of being scrapped,” the official said.

Currently, volunteers receive only ₹150 per day as an allowance. A proposal has been submitted to raise this amount to ₹500.

Alongside the suggested increase in the daily stipend, proposals have also been submitted for additional manpower, training tools, and functional sirens. The government, the official noted, is responding positively to these requests.