Jammu, Jul 04: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir on Friday held a crucial meeting with Village Defence Groups (VDGs) at party headquarters here to “acknowledge their contribution” to local security and to address their long-pending concerns.
Sat Sharma, President, J&K BJP, Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly, & General Secretary, J&K BJP, and Rakesh Mahajan, BJP All Cells Incharge, addressed the meeting, which was attended by more than 300 VDGs, led by Basant Raj Thakur, BJP VDG Cell Convenor.
During the meeting, the VDG representatives presented a detailed memorandum highlighting the critical issues faced by the personnel. They stressed that the VDGs, who have played a vital role in maintaining grassroots security in border and remote areas, must be duly recognised, supported, and equipped.
The VDGs demanded that all unpaid volunteers be brought under the Union Home Ministry’s 2022 policy for VDGs, which ensures honorarium and support. “The automatic weapons must be provided to all VDGs, and the outdated weapons must be replaced with modern arms for effective functioning,” they said. They raised the demand for a minimum of 15 members in groups of VDGs.
Another major concern highlighted was the duty posting policy, which currently forces many VDG members to perform duties in far-off thanas or outposts, defeating the original objective of village-level protection. The VDGs requested that personnel be permitted to serve within their native villages, allowing them to protect their own people, which was the core vision behind the formation of VDGs.
Furthermore, the VDGs demanded that they be covered under insurance policies akin to Police Constables, brought under the EPF scheme, and be given retirement and pension benefits. They also called for a substantial increase in their monthly remuneration from the existing Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000.
Addressing the gathering, Sat Sharma hailed the VDGs and termed them as the first line of defence in sensitive areas and assured them that the party would strongly take up their demands with the concerned authorities. “Your service in protecting our borders and villages is invaluable. The BJP acknowledges your bravery and commitment. We are committed to resolving your legitimate issues and will ensure your voices are heard at the highest levels,” he said.
Sunil Sharma echoed strong sentiments for the VDGs, saying they are not just volunteers but frontline warriors. “It is unjust that many are still unpaid or underpaid. Their welfare is not a matter of charity but of justice,” he said. The LoP assured the VDGs that the BJP will ensure that they get all their due rights and said that the party will raise their issues at every appropriate platform.
Rakesh Mahajan said the issues faced by the VDGs are a priority for the party. “The BJP will continue to push for policy implementation to ensure their dignity,” he said.
Basant Raj Thakur thanked the senior leadership for their attention and support. He said, “The VDGs are the backbone of rural security in Jammu and other regions. We don’t ask for privileges, only for what we rightfully deserve as protectors of our people.”
The VDG representatives expressed gratitude for the engagement and left with renewed hope for tangible action.
