VDGs are first line of defense, BJP firmly stands with them: Sat Sharma

• BJP holds crucial meeting with VDGs, vows strong advocacy for their rights

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a crucial meeting with Village Defense Groups (VDGs) at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, aimed at acknowledging their contribution to local security and addressing their long-pending concerns.

Sat Sharma, President, J&K BJP, Sunil Sharma, leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly, & General Secretary, J&K BJP and Rakesh Mahajan, BJP All Cells Incharge addressed the meeting, The delegation comprised of more than 300 VDGs was led by Basant Raj Thakur, BJP VDG Cell Convenor.

Ramesh Katoch, Suresh Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Harinder Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Surjeet Singh, Uttam Chand, Raj Kumar Ashok Singh, Pawan Kumar, Kirpal Singh, Girdhari Singh, Vijay Kumar, Kuldeep Singh and others were among the prominent VDG members present in the meeting.

During the meeting, the VDG representatives presented a detailed memorandum highlighting the critical issues faced by the VDG personnel. They stressed that the VDGs, who have played a vital role in maintaining grassroots security in border and remote areas, must be duly recognized, 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. They strongly urged that automatic weapons be provided to all VDGs, and outdated weapons must be replaced with modern arms for effective functioning. They all raised the demand for minimum 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 defense 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 stated.

Sunil Sharma echoed strong sentiments for the VDGs and said that they are not just volunteers, they are frontline warriors. It is unjust that many are still unpaid or underpaid. Their welfare is not a matter of charity but of justice. He 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 that the issues faced by the VDGs are priority for the BJP and added that BJP will continue to push for policy implementation to ensure their dignity. 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.