23,000 Home Guards on election duty

Mangaluru: Around 23,000 home guards have been appointed on election duty in connection to the upcoming Lok Sabha election, informed Home Guards DIGP Rajappa at a press meet here.

2,300 home guards have been appointed on election duty including those from DK, Udupi, Karwar, Chikmagalur and the western zone. Of them, 850 are from Dakshina Kannada district, 362 are from the coast guard, 660 from Karwar, 650 from Chikmagalur who will be serving on duty, he informed.

The district superintendent of police has held talks with police commissioner regarding the provision of facilities to home guards, similar to the police force including vehicle, lodging, special allowance and all other facilities, he said.

Proposal to increase salary

To a question from the media regarding the lower wages being paid to the home guards from Mangaluru in comparison to their contemporaries in Bengaluru, DIGP Rajappa said that a proposal has already been sent to the government to provide honorarium to Mangaluru staff which is on par with those in Bengaluru.

Home Guards Udupi commandant Dr Prashanth, Karwar Commandant Dr Deepak, DK Commandant Dr Murali Mohan Chuntaru and Deputy Commandant Ramesh were present.

Strict action against acceptance of bribery

To the question by reporters that there is news that the home guards at checkposts are in cahoots with some officials and are collecting hafta during inspection, Mr Rajappa said, No complaint has been received in connection to hafta collection or bribery by the home guard staff. Strict action will be taken on receiving a complaint, he assured.