Sambalpur: 106 Home Guard Positions Vacant in Sambalpur, No Recruitment in 8 Years
Sambalpur: Home Guards play an important role in managing traffic and ensuring VIP safety. Despite their significant contributions, they frequently face neglect at the government level, both in terms of job opportunities and working conditions. This problem is especially evident in Sambalpur, where 106 Home Guard positions remain vacant and no new recruits have been hired in the last eight years.
Vacancies Amidst Growing Unemployment
Sambalpur district has an approved strength of 664 Home Guards, but only 558 are currently employed. Filling these vacant positions could provide much-needed employment for local youth. However, despite the need, no recruitment has occurred since 2016. Although a recruitment process began in 2017, it was never completed, leaving the positions vacant.
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Legal and Financial Challenges
In 2008, the High Court prohibited the formation of a Home Guards association, complicating efforts to address their concerns. As a result, their complaints rarely reach the authorities. Home Guards’ daily wage has only increased from ₹572 to ₹596 over the years, despite rising living costs. Many Home Guard members struggle to make ends meet due to stagnant wages.
Strenuous Working Conditions
Home Guards face difficult working conditions. The “no work, no pay” policy requires them to work in all situations, including personal crises such as the death of a family member. Female Home Guards, in particular, do not receive maternity leave, and there is no significant pay disparity between those who have served for 30 years and those who have recently joined, as their compensation is based on daily wages rather than salary.
Overworked and Underappreciated
Despite their efforts—whether standing in the dust on the roads for public service or ensuring public safety—Home Guards frequently receive little recognition or reward. The lack of new recruits has increased the workload of the existing 558 Home Guards, who are now covering 106 vacant positions. As a result, there is a growing demand for the government to implement welfare programs aimed at improving the working conditions of these diligent and unorganized workers.
