J&K to employ Ex-Servicemen for guard duties

Jammu & Kashmir Government approves employment of 4,000 Ex-Servicemen to protect critical infrastructure, enhancing security across the Union Territory.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) a proposal for the employment of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) through the Sainik Welfare Board of Jammu & Kashmir to safeguard vital infrastructure across the Union Territory.

According to an Army official, 4,000 Ex-Servicemen volunteers have been identified for this initiative, and the list of critical infrastructure they will protect is dynamic and based on threat assessment. “Among them [the 4,000 volunteers], 435 individuals possess licensed personal weapons, significantly enhancing the capacity to respond effectively to localised security situations,” the official added.

These ESM will be employed for the protection of critical infrastructure in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including power stations, bridges, government installations, and other vulnerable points, officials stated. The initiative builds upon the previous success during the Covid-19 pandemic, where 2,500 ESM volunteered to support the administration.

The ESM volunteers will serve under the overall coordination of the respective District Sainik Welfare Officers (DSWOs) and will function in close coordination with the district administration and local police. The District Collectors of the respective districts will decide on which projects or infrastructure they will be employed at, the Army official stated.

Regarding their role and responsibilities, officials said the role of ESM would be non-combatant, focusing on static guard duties, presence-based deterrence, and local coordination. “Uniforms and basic equipment will be provided through the Sainik Welfare Board with administrative support from district authorities,” the official stated.

Training and orientation programmes are being planned to ensure standardised conduct and efficiency.