Jammu/New Delhi: A day after Jammu BJP leaders met Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and demanded revival of the village defence committees (VDCs), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday ordered the constitution of Village Defence Groups (VDGs) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Village Defence Guards (VDG), earlier called VDC (Village Defence Committee) used to help the government to fighti militancy. It was set up in the mid-90s along the remote hilly villages of Jammu region including Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Ramban, Poonch and Rajouri.
However, some of the VDC members were also involved in a number of criminal cases soon after the graph of militancy came down in Jammu.
According to an order, the Under Secretary to the Government of India (MHA) has written a communication to Chief Secretary of J&K, informing him that the issue regarding revised scheme of village defence groups (VDGs) has been examined in the Ministry and a few decisions have been taken.
“The members of the Village Defence Group shall be designated as Village Defence Guard (VDG),” the order reads.
It further reads that in more vulnerable areas, persons (VI category) who shall be leading/ coordinating the VDG would be paid of Rs. 4500 per month and other persons (V2 category) who are members of these VDGs on voluntary basis will be paid a uniform rate Rs. 4000 per month.
“VDGs will function under the direction of SP/SSP of the concerned District,” the communication reads.
The revised scheme will, however, be made effective only after apprising the High Court, the order reads.
“In case of vacancy, the decision to fill up the same will be taken later,” the communication reads underlining that competent authority has approved it.
Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah in the meet with BJP leaders said each VDG will have eight to 10 members and all of them will have equal rank,”
Meanwhile, BJP on Wednesday also said the revival of village defence committees (VDCs) as village defence groups (VDGs) will ensure their financial empowerment, besides boosting the security grid in the Union territory.
The party demanded that VDGs should be equipped with modern weapons so that they can give a befitting reply to militants in mountainous and remote areas.
"The revival of VDCs by renaming them VDGs and considering other genuine demands, including financial empowerment, will boost Jammu and Kashmir's security grid," state BJP general secretary Sunil Sharma told PTI.