Ministry of Home Affairs and Indian Army Launch Joint Training Programme for 600 Civil Defence Master Trainers

Why Is It in News?

On 23 October 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced a first-of-its-kind joint training initiative with the Indian Army. In the first phase, 600 Civil Defence Master Trainers are proposed to receive specialised training by the second week of November 2026.

About

The initiative is being implemented by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Indian Army.

The programme aims to strengthen India's Civil Defence network through modern training, improved emergency-response capabilities and a structured Master Trainer model.

Following the specialised training, each Master Trainer will train additional Civil Defence Volunteers in their respective State or Union Territory. This approach is designed to expand the reach of training and improve preparedness for emerging security threats and emergencies.

Key Points

1. Announced by: Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. Training partner: Indian Army.
3. Announcement date: 23 October 2026.
4. First-phase target: 600 Civil Defence Master Trainers.
5. Participating States/UTs: 12.
6. Allocation: 50 Master Trainers from each participating State/UT.
7. Training duration: Three days.
8. Training deadline: The second week of November 2026.
9. Implementing agency: Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards (DGFSCDHG).
10. Training areas:
11. Threat Awareness: Modern and hybrid warfare, drone awareness and air-raid threats.
12. Protection and Emergency Response: Critical infrastructure protection, fire safety, CBRN awareness, casualty management, search and rescue.
13. Communication and Coordination: Emergency communication, cyber hygiene, digital resilience, civil-military coordination and incident command.
14. Participating States/UTs: Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
15. Multiplier effect: Each Master Trainer is expected to train 100 Civil Defence Volunteers.
16. Potential reach: The programme could extend specialised preparedness training to approximately 60,000 Civil Defence Volunteers.
17. Importance: The initiative aims to strengthen civil-military coordination, emergency preparedness and protection of critical infrastructure.