PANAJI
On Fire Services Day Thursday, the rain Gods did smile on the firemen sending down gentle showers and a seemingly celebratory sound and light show in the form of thunder and lightning.
But hours earlier, at the official function to mark the day, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chose the day to shower the braveheart firefighters with goodies, promising to upgrade dozens of facilities and also start a special "security allowance" for them.
Speaking at the official function held in the capital city, Sawant said firefighters risk their lives when working on ground zero and promised to begin paying them a 'security allowance' as part of their monthly salary package.
He also promised to ensure that better infrastructure and equipment are made available to the fire force.
In another major announcement, Sawant said the government will appoint community volunteers across the State to aid and assist the fire force in emergencies and when disasters hit in their respective localities.
The male and female volunteers will be adequately trained and appointed as 'Apada Mitr' and 'Apada Sakhi' respectively, Sawant said, adding that they will aid all government agencies engaged in managing emergencies and disasters, including the Fire and Emergency Services.
