Amit Shah reviews security preparedness; civil defence authorities in States to be given emergency procurement powers

Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (May 9, 2025) met the chiefs of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) amid heightened tensions at the western border in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The Directorate of Civil Defence, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has written to all States to grant emergency procurement powers to civil defence authorities in light of the current security environment and the threat of hostile attacks.

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The BSF is deployed along the western border and the CISF is deployed for securing vital installations including airports. The minister reviewed the security preparedness as Pakistan continued aerial attacks along the western border in J&K, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Highlighting Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, the Directorate in a letter titled “augmentation of civil defence measures in the states/UTs” reminded that State governments are empowered to undertake all necessary actions for the protection of people and property, and to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of vital services during a hostile attack.

The provision authorises the use of local authority funds for such emergency measures, giving them precedence over other financial obligations.

The communication said that States and UTs invoke Section 11 and grant emergency procurement powers to their respective Directors of Civil Defence.

“In the current hostile attack scenario, I would like to draw your kind attention towards Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, which inter-alia empowers the State Governments, to take such measures, which in the opinion of the state government necessary for the protection of persons and property from injury or damage, or for ensuring the due maintenance of the vital services, in the event of hostile attack. The funds of the local authority shall be applicable to the payment of the charges and expenses Incidental to such compliance, and priority shall be given to such compliance over all other duties and obligations of the local authority,” reads the letter.

“I shall be grateful, if Section 11 of the CD Rules, 1968, can be invoked and necessary Emergency Procurement Powers to the Director Civil Defence of your state and UT may be granted so that efficient implementation of the necessary precautionary measures can be implemented.”