Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir convened a meeting of its VDG Cell at the party Headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, here, today, to deliberate on the welfare, remuneration, and service conditions of Village Defence Guards (VDGs).
J&K BJP general secretary, Baldev Singh Billawaria, media in charge, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, All Cells in charge, Ved Sharma, All Cells co-in charge, Munish Khajuria, BJP VDG Cell State convener, Basant Raj Thakur, and State co-conveners, Ramesh Katoch and Harinder Singh addressed the meeting. It was attended by VDG Cell State Executive members, district conveners, and co-conveners.
Addressing the gathering, Baldev Singh Billawaria lauded the courage and dedication of VDGs, calling them the backbone of grassroots security in Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized that the BJP has always stood firmly with nationalist forces and frontline defenders safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation. Describing VDGs as patriotic sentinels who defend their villages at great personal risk, he assured that the party will strongly pursue their genuine demands with the Government.
Dr. Pardeep Mahotra Media secretary of the party termed VDGs the “first line of defense” at the village level. He highlighted that during terrorist strikes, VDGs Act as the immediate shield, buying crucial time before the police, BSF, or Army reach the spot. He noted that thousands of lives have been saved due to their timely resistance.
Ved Sharma stated that the Cell acts as a structured bridge between the VDG members and the Government. He assured that the VDG Cell will continue to work proactively to highlight policy gaps, welfare concerns, and their service-related issues.
Munish Khajuria stressed that the VDG Cell is not merely symbolic but a functional and responsive platform that ensures continuous engagement, follow-up, and advocacy for the welfare of VDG members.
Basant Raj Thakur raised key issues of VDGs. He said VDGs currently receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 4,000, which is grossly inadequate and unjustified, especially when it leads to the seizure of BPL Ration Cards or Job Cards. As most VDGs belong to economically weaker sections, withdrawal of these benefits causes severe hardship. He demanded that the honorarium be enhanced to Rs 18,000 per month in view of the risks and responsibilities undertaken.
The proceedings were conducted by Ramesh Katoch, while Harinder Singh delivered the vote of thanks.
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