The Gujarat government has increased the retirement age for home guards from 55 to 58, offering significant relief to personnel. The change was made through an amendment to Rule 9 of the Mumbai Home Guards Rules, 1953.
The home guards force, formed on December 6, 1947 in the then Greater Mumbai State, supports the police in maintaining law and order and assists during natural or man-made emergencies.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the force has long served as an effective auxiliary to the police. Home guards, who work on an honorary basis, help with election duties, traffic control, night patrolling, VIP security, and festival or religious event bandobast. He added that the increased retirement age will boost morale and enable personnel to serve for an additional three years.
The government believes the extension will allow home guards to continue contributing to public service while also helping them manage their family and social responsibilities more effectively.