Delhi govt okays proposal, 10000 Civil Defence Volunteers to return for anti-pollution work: Atishi

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Saturday that around 10,000 Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs) who were dismissed as bus marshals last year will resume duties for a period of four months starting next week. These volunteers will focus on enforcing various anti-pollution measures.

The Delhi government has approved a proposal allowing their re-engagement, she confirmed.

Starting Monday, call-out notices will be issued to the CDVs, and registration can begin at the respective district magistrate offices on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Within two to three days after registration, CDVs will be deployed to manage pollution hotspots, control dust pollution, and prevent garbage burning, Atishi said in a press briefing.

Originally, CDVs were assigned as bus marshals in 2018 by the Kejriwal-led government to enhance women’s safety, but they were dismissed in October 2023, allegedly due to a conspiracy by the BJP, the chief minister claimed.

“However, under Kejriwal’s leadership, AAP leaders and ministers stood with the dismissed bus marshals, securing the return of their jobs,” she added.

Atishi also mentioned that the Delhi government plans to submit a proposal to make the CDV positions permanent.

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The CDVs were removed on November 1, 2023, following objections from the finance and revenue departments, which argued that CDVs were intended for disaster mitigation duties, not for roles as bus marshals.

(With inputs from PTI)