Credit clash over civil defence volunteers' fate as Delhi LG orders deployment

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena approved a proposal to terminate all civil defence volunteers (CDVs) on November 1, responding to an appeal from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Saxena’s decision, however, has escalated tensions with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which argues that CDVs are essential for maintaining safety in public transport and other areas. Citing concerns over the security role played by CDVs, especially for women on public buses, the AAP government voiced its intent to approach the Supreme Court if the terminations proceed, setting the stage for another confrontation between Delhi’s LG office and the Chief Minister’s administration.

This issue stems from ongoing disputes over CDV deployment, with Saxena contending that CDVs’ appointments were “irregular” and required legal rectification. The LG’s office argued that their deployment, which includes roles such as bus marshals and disaster management assistants, should align with formal employment protocols. He also suggested that the terminated CDVs be considered for recruitment as home guards. In an effort to alleviate the potential impact on CDVs, Saxena directed Delhi's Chief Minister to initiate steps for transitioning CDVs into legally compliant roles within the city's disaster response and security forces.