New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- In a major cadre restructuring exercise in the last 84 years, the Delhi Fire Services has got more than 2,300 additional posts, strengthening emergency services in the national capital, an official statement said on Saturday.
The move comes in the backdrop of a string of fire tragedies in different parts of the city that claimed several lives. Four persons died in a fire in Mangolpuri Industrial area in a late night fire on Friday.
Safety of citizens and their property is our top priority, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, adding that the fire services will be strengthened to meet future challenges.
Gupta has approved 2,345 additional posts across various categories in the Delhi Fire Service (DFS). For the first time in the department's 84-year history, such a large-scale cadre restructuring is being undertaken, the statement said.
The initiative will increase the sanctioned posts from 3,096 to 5,441. The chief minister said it was essential to strengthen the fire service in line with the city's growing needs.
Under the restructuring, the number of posts will be increased across various ranks and categories, including Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Divisional Officer, Assistant Divisional Officer, Station Officer, Sub-Officer, Leading Fireman, Fire Operator, Peon and Gardener.
This will increase the availability of personnel at every level, from senior supervisory positions to frontline staff engaged in firefighting and rescue operations. It will also help streamline the department's organisational structure, ensure better discharge of responsibilities at different levels and improve its efficiency during emergencies, it said.
Every minute matters in the event of a fire or any other disaster. Adequate trained manpower, a strong leadership structure and the ability to respond quickly play a decisive role in protecting people and their property, the chief minister said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.