Gujarat govt raises retirement age for home guards from 55 to 58

In a major relief for home guard personnel, the Gujarat government has approved a three-year increase in their retirement age. An amendment has been made to Rule 9 of the Mumbai Home Guards Rules, 1953, raising the retirement age from 55 to 58 years.

The home guards force was established on December 6, 1947 in the erstwhile Greater Mumbai State to assist the police in maintaining law and order and to support internal security operations during natural and man-made disasters.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the force has been functioning as an effective auxiliary to the police. Home guard members, who serve on an honorary basis, assist the police in election duties, traffic management, night patrolling, VIP security, and religious or festival bandobast, among other daily responsibilities. He added that the new decision will boost morale and allow personnel to serve the nation with dedication for an additional three years.

The extension will not only allow home guard members to continue serving society longer but will also help them better manage their family and social responsibilities, given that they serve in an honorary capacity.