Shillong, June 5 : The East Khasi Hills District today commenced a crucial 7-day training program for its ‘Yuva Aapda Mitra’ (Young Disaster Friend) Volunteers, aiming to equip a dedicated force of young first responders for effective disaster preparedness and response. The inaugural ceremony was held at the Assam Rifles Public School, Laitkor.
S. Warjri, Additional Deputy Commissioner & CEO of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), East Khasi Hills District, officially inaugurated the program. He was joined by notable attendees including Col. Deepak Nambiar from the 61st Meghalaya Girls Bn. NCC, and P. Lyngba, District Disaster Management Officer, East Khasi Hills District.
The training is organized by the DDMA, East Khasi Hills District, as part of the ‘Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme (YAMS).’ YAMS is a flagship initiative of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), designed to foster a well-trained youth volunteer force for disaster management.
Expert trainers from the Central Training Institute, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Mawdiangdiang, along with Master Trainers of Yuva Aapda Mitra, will conduct the comprehensive training sessions.
Under the scheme, a total of 600 young volunteers from four prominent youth organizations – the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs), and Bharat Scouts & Guides – will receive specialized training. The volunteer distribution includes 200 NCC cadets, 100 NSS volunteers, 100 NYKs members, and 200 Scouts & Guides. The training will be delivered in batches, with the first batch of 65 NCC cadets beginning their instruction today, June 5, 2025.
The primary objective of the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme is to cultivate a spirit of voluntary contribution among the youth and systematically integrate them into disaster management activities through a structured institutional mechanism. This program is expected to significantly bolster community-based disaster response capabilities and enhance local resilience across the district.
Each selected volunteer will undergo a rigorous 7-day training curriculum covering essential aspects of Disaster Management, Search & Rescue operations, and First Aid. Upon successful completion of their training, every volunteer will be provided with an Emergency Responder Kit (ERK) containing vital rescue materials. Furthermore, they will be covered under a three-year insurance scheme offering protection against life risk, injury, and disability.
These newly trained volunteers will be mobilized and utilized during various disaster preparedness exercises and emergency response situations within the district. Their participation is anticipated to be crucial in saving lives and mitigating the adverse impacts of disasters.
The District Administration and DDMA extended their sincere gratitude to all stakeholders and urged continued support from institutions, families, and communities to encourage youth participation in this vital initiative for the safety and well-being of the district.
