Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh govt is set to procure more than 10 lakh cartridges for 5.56 mm SLR rifles to provide weapons-handling and firing practice to 41,424 newly recruited home guards.The cartridges will be procured through the Special Task Force at an estimated cost of ₹3.55 crore, according to the home guards department. The department will also purchase 155 5.56 mm SLR rifles at a cost of around ₹1.44 crore for training purposes.Officials said this would be the first time in Uttar Pradesh that more than 10 lakh cartridges are being procured specifically for training.The recruitment process for 41,424 vacant home guard posts is currently in its final stage, with the physical efficiency test (PET) nearing completion. The recruitment results are expected to be declared by Sept end. Following the declaration of results, medical examinations and police verification of the selected candidates are scheduled in Oct.Director general of home guards DK Thakur said preparations were underway to ensure that the training programme equips the new recruits with the skills required for their duties.During the 90-day training programme, the recruits will be trained in home guard duties, discipline, assistance in maintaining law and order, disaster and emergency response, as well as weapons handling and firing.The training is proposed to begin in Nov and is expected to conclude by Jan 2027.The newly trained home guards are likely to be deployed in the field from Feb 2027.7,600 more home guard posts to be filledAfter completing the recruitment process for the 41,424 posts, the department plans to issue an advertisement for recruitment to another 7,600 vacant home guard volunteer posts.According to the department, UP has a sanctioned strength of 1,18,348 home guard volunteer posts, against which 69,324 personnel are currently serving.The recruitment board is in the final stage of selecting candidates for the 41,424 posts.
