The Award Function of Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi was held by the Goa State Disaster Management Authority in association with Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services at the Institute of Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji-Goa on 24 th May 2022 at 11:00 hrs. wherein 37 Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi across the State of Goa were awarded Certificates. Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon. Chief Minister of Goa was the Chief Guest for the function and Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Shri. Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Revenue), Government of Goa, Shri. Kunal Satyarthi, Joint Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority, Smt. Mamu Hage, IAS, Collector (North), Shri. Rajendra A. Haldankar, Divisional Officer also graced the occasion.
Shri. Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services congratulated all the 15 Aapda Sakhi and 22 Aapda Mitra for undergoing 12 days training programme. He informed that the Government of India has introduced Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi Scheme, wherein the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority have signed the MoU for implementation of the Scheme.
He stated that the Director, Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, has been nominated as the Nodal Authority for implementation of the Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi Scheme. Under this Scheme the Government of India providing central funds of Rs. 1,58,000,00/- (One Crore Fifty Eight Lakhs only). An amount of Rs. 94,80,000/- (Ninety Four Lakhs Eighty Thousand Only) has already been released by the Government of India. The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services being the Nodal Authority for implementation of the Scheme in the State of Goa, in association with the State Disaster Management Authority have enrolled 350 Community Volunteers (Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi) from North and South District, who will be assisting the Community during any disaster. The training for the remaining Community Volunteers will be completed by December 2022. He further stated that the Aapada Mitras/Aapada Sakhis who have been trained are capable of assisting the public during any Disaster in the State. They have been trained in various component of Disaster Management such as Basic Concept of Disaster Management, Disaster Preparedness, Basic Search and Rescue, Earthquake and safety, Flood/Cyclone/Tsunami, Medical First Aid, Rope Rescue and improvised Techniques & Flood Rescue Techniques Exercise.
Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon. Chief Minister, Govt. of Goa in his speech congratulated the Aapda Mitra & Aapda Sakhi community volunteers. He stressed the importance of the Aapda Mitra & Aapda Sakhi scheme with regard to the erratic climatic conditions, wherein Community Volunteers involvement is beneficial for early response & mitigation. He further stated that the proposal of inducting the Aapda Mitra & Aapda Sakhi on volunteer basis on the same lines as that of Home Guards shall be considered in the near future.
Further Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon. Chief Minister alongwith Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary Govt. of Goa distributed the Certificates to the 37 Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi.
Shri. Kunal Satyarthi, Joint Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority in his speech praised the performance of the Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi Further he applauded the departments contribution in providing Training to the Community Volunteers. He further stated that such training should be extended to the Scouts & Guides, NCC & NSS volunteers. He also stated that the Aapda Mitra/Aapda Sakhi should enhance their skill so as to improve their performance as a first responder in any disaster. He further informed that the Insurance Policy alongwith Emergency Response Kit containing Personal Flotation Device, Torch, Safety Gloves, Pocket Knife, First Aid Kit , Gas Lighter, Whistle, Water Bottle, Rucsack Bag, Mosquito Net, Rain Coat, Gum Boots & Safety Helmets will be delivered to them shortly.
Shri. Ajit Kamat, Asst. Divisional Officer compered the function & proposed the Vote of Thanks.
