The Fire Services across India play a critical role in offering services such as search and rescue, immediate medical aid, and evacuation during emergencies. However, recent trends reveal a significant surge in fire incidents, impacting both metropolitan areas and smaller cities. Notably, the fifteenth finance commission (XV-FC) highlighted the resource constraints faced by the country’s fire services, underscoring their inadequacy in ensuring comprehensive fire safety coverage for the population.
In response to this pressing need for the expansion and modernization of Fire Services nationwide, the XV-FC recommended a budgetary allocation of Rs. 5,000 crore to reinforce these services at the State level.
Consequently, the Central Government launched the “Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States” on July 4, 2023. The scheme encompasses various measures aimed at bolstering fire services in the States. These measures include establishing new fire stations, strengthening State Training Centres, enhancing capacity through training, procuring modern fire-fighting equipment, fortifying State Headquarters and Urban Fire Stations, technological advancements, and implementing online systems. Detailed information about the scheme is accessible via https://www.mha.gov.in/en/commoncontent/policies-guidelines.
The funding allocation for this scheme operates on a cost-sharing basis. While the Centre is set to provide Rs. 5,000 crore to the States for specified activities, the States are expected to contribute Rs. 1387.99 Crore. Additionally, out of the total central outlay, an amount of Rs. 500 crore is earmarked to incentivize States for adopting legal and infrastructure-based reforms.
Fire Service is a State subject and has been included as a Municipal function in the XII Schedule of the Constitution of India under Article 243 (W). The onus lies primarily on State Governments to allocate resources for reinforcing and equipping Fire Services in line with requirements. They are also responsible for implementing necessary safety measures to protect the lives and property of citizens from fire hazards within their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the Central Government has earmarked Rs. 5,000 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as recommended by the XV-FC, to strengthen fire services at the State level.
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, provided this information in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.