Village Defence Guards Scheme 2025 is a security program started in Jammu and Kashmir to protect villages near the border. It focuses on building teams of local volunteers to keep the community safe and watch over the area. Let’s look into what this scheme is, who can join, and the benefits it offers.
About Village Defence Guards Scheme 2025
This new scheme was officially approved on August 14, 2024, just before Independence Day. It is an updated version of the earlier Village Defence Committee scheme. The main idea is to organize local volunteers in Jammu’s border areas to protect their villages and people from harmful activities. This scheme helps improve security in sensitive regions by involving villagers directly in protecting their homes and community.
On August 15, volunteers called Village Defence Guards (VDGs) began their duties of guarding community spaces day and night. VDG members fall into two groups: those who already have weapons and licenses given by the J&K Police, and those who have valid licenses and can get weapons on their own.
A Look Back: History of VDG
Earlier known as the Village Defence Committee (VDC) starting September 30, 1995, the program trained village volunteers with the help of the Indian Army and Police. These volunteers got firearms to protect communities from terrorism, especially in remote and hilly villages of Jammu. VDC members have long wanted a more organized setup with clear payment options, which led to this new scheme.
Main Details of the Village Defence Guards Scheme
| Scheme Name | Village Defence Guards Scheme 2025 |
| Launched By | Central Government of India |
| Main Objective | To provide security and self-protection in border villages of Jammu and Kashmir |
| Beneficiaries | People living in Jammu and Kashmir villages near the border |
| Type of Job | Paid volunteer security services |
Main Objectives of Village Defence Guards Scheme
- Create small groups of armed volunteers from village communities near Jammu’s border to protect their areas.
- Make sure the safety of village people and important infrastructure from terrorist threats.
- Help stop illegal cross-border movements by having regular patrols.
- Provide a well-organized and paid security system with leadership from ex-Army officers.
Benefits and Important Points of VDGS 2025
- Formation of volunteer armed groups in villages close to the border and remote Jammu division areas.
- VDGs protect communal places and patrol during both day and night to keep villages safe.
- Changes to the scheme aim to improve security to stop terror activities supported from across borders.
- Groups consist of up to 15 people patrolling specific zones for better coverage.
- Two categories of VDGs: one with police-issued arms and weapons; the other with personal licensed weapons.
- A former army officer leads the Village Defence Group for strong guidance.
- District administration carefully selects volunteers on a fully voluntary basis.
- Monthly payments differ: Rs. 4,500 for one group and Rs. 4,000 for voluntary members in the second group.
- Village Chowkidars and Lumberdars will support the defence groups in at risk areas.
Who Can Join Village Defence Guards Scheme?
- Ex-servicemen and former policemen living in the village.
- Young, able-bodied men skilled in handling arms and who want to contribute to village safety.
Applying for the Village Defence Guards Scheme
Right now, there isn’t a separate online or offline application process announced for this scheme. The local authorities will choose volunteers from village groups. Keep an eye on official sources or trusted websites for any new information about how to join.
The Village Defence Guards Scheme 2025 is a chance for people like you to take part in protecting your village and nation. It shows how everyone can come together to keep their homes safe from any threat.