Shillong, Sept 02: The Passing out Parade of the 5th Basic Course of 239 Guardsman and Equivalent Ranks in the Civil Defence and Home Guards Department was held today at the Parade Ground, Civil Defence& Home Guards Complex, Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
The Hon’ble Minister of Civil Defence& Home Guards, Shri Brening A. Sangma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest reviewing the parade contingents and witnessed the Oath Taking Ceremony of the new recruit Guardsman & Equivalent Ranks.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Brenning A Sangma congratulated all the recruits on successfully completing their basic training and commended their commitment to duty, discipline and service.
He highlighted the significant responsibilities associated with wearing the uniform and emphasized the vital role of Civil Defence, Home Guards and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) as first responders during disasters, emergencies, accidents and other critical situations.
The Chief Guest encouraged the new Guardsmen to continuously enhance their capabilities in rescue operations, first aid, emergency response, crowd management, communication and disaster preparedness, while upholding the core values of “Discipline, Duty and Dedication.”
He stressed the importance of maintaining integrity, courage, humility, compassion and respect for the public in the discharge of their duties. Appreciation was also expressed to the Commandant, instructors of the Central Training Institute, and the families of the recruits for their valuable support and contribution.
Concluding the address, the Chief Guest urged the recruits to carry forward the values instilled during their training and make their uniform “a symbol of integrity, courage and service,” while reminding them to “Serve with pride. Serve with honour. Serve with humility.”
Shri. Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of Civil Defence & Home Guards Department lauded the trainees for their exceptional discipline, endurance, and resilience displayed during the Passing Out Parade which was marked with intermittent rainfall.
Informing the gathering about the various developments in the Civil Defence & Home Guards department, the Commissioner & Secretary stated that the recent move to subsume 708 permanent posts in the Border Wing Home Battalions into two battalions of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was a beautiful initiative where with minimal financial implications the Department was able to achieve two important objectives- assigning a dedicated manpower to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and reverting the Border Wing Home Guards battalion into a semi-voluntary organization as mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
He further stated that in achieving these objectives the State Government will now be able to claim for Central Government reimbursement for expenditures related to the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion.
Recalling the Rozgar Mela held last year where appointment letters were distributed to 445 newly recruited personnel in the Civil Defence and Home Guards department, the Commissioner & Secretary praised the Directorate of Civil Defence & Home Guards conducting a four-phase recruitment process for 445 personnel flawlessly and without controversy, setting an example for other departments.
Highlighting the security service that the Department was providing to the State, the Commissioner & Secretary said that Home Guards are increasingly being demanded for providing security to vital installations and government offices in the State.
He further stated that the recent approval of the Government to rename the erstwhile Meghalaya Secretariat Home Guards (MSHG) as the Meghalaya Industrial Security Force (MISF) is an important step towards meeting the need for a more professional security service in the State.
Earlier in the day the Chief Guest and Shri Dalton P. Marak, IPS Inspector General of Police (Special Branch / Border and Chairman, Central Recruitment Board (CRB), Meghalaya Police felicitated the trainees who excelled in physical training, drill performance and overall conduct during the course were given special awards.
From amongst the trainees trained at CTI, Shillong Fourbornson Wahlang secured two major honors, winning both the Overall Best award and the award for CD Subjects. Yoolanki Khongiong also claimed two titles, topping the charts in both Indoor and HG Subjects.
The Outdoor award went to Wesper Langbang, while Graceeduce Suchiang was recognized for Exemplary Conduct. In physical disciplines, Mackiour Ch. Momin won the PT award, Raymond Pynshai Lyngwa took home the Weapons Training award, and the Drill award was jointly shared by Sankirangbah Suchiang and Bankerlang Rani.
Trainees trained at DTC Jowai were awarded across six distinct categories. Kamnibait Phyllei was named the Overall Best performer of the cohort. Sengseng D Sangma received the award for CD Subjects, and Poibiang Lamare was honored for HG Subjects.
The athletic and technical disciplines saw Astin D Sangma secure the PT award, Chatarly Tyngkan win the Drill award, and Mebanjop Kurbah take home the award for Weapons Training.
The trainees commenced their basic training on 22ndNovember 2025, undergoing a comprehensive training programme of approximately nine months and one week at the Civil Defence& Home Guards Training Centre (CTI), Shillong, and the District Training Centre (DTC), Jowai.
During the course of training, the trainees underwent instruction in Physical Training, Drill, Weapons Training, CSSR, Medical First Responder (MFR) topics, Field Craft, Battle Craft, Jungle Training, High-Rise Rescue, Field Machines, the Civil Defence Act, the Disaster Management Act, departmental functions and hierarchy, and the roles and responsibilities of personnel.
As part of their training and community-oriented activities, the trainees were also involved on a monthly basis in the Clean Shillong Campaign, led by JIVA CARES.
The other highlights of the day include an impressive march past, Shri B. Mukhim, MCDHGS, Joint Director of Civil Defence delivered the welcome address; Shri B. Warjri, MCDHGS, Commandant of the Central Training Institute (CTI) of Civil Defence & Home Guards administered the oath and read the Training.
The recruit Guardsman professionally demonstrated unarmed combat technique and a Cultural Programme showcasing the spirit of blending traditions with discipline, dedication and vibrancy of the passed out personnel.
The occasion was elevated by the esteemed presence of Shri Merinpole K. Sangma, MCDHGS, Director of Civil Defence & Inspector General State Disaster Response Force, Shri R. P. Khongwar, MCDHGS, Joint Commandant General of Home Guards, officers, parents, honoured guests, retired Officers and well wishers. The vote of thanks was delivered by Smti. B. Kharkongor, MCDHGS, Divisional Commandant of Home Guards, Shillong Home Guards Division.
