Parliament Question: Aapada Mitra programme in Himachal Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2155 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 11TH MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 20, 1947 (SAKA) AAPADA MITRA PROGRAMME IN HIMACHAL PRADESH 2155 DR. SIKANDER KUMAR: Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has conducted community awareness programs and trainings to ensure local residents recognise and trust the trained Yuva Aapda Mitras as official first responders in Himachal Pradesh; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any initiatives are taken to encourage greater involvement and leadership of women and individuals from diverse backgrounds in disaster risk management under this scheme, if so, the details thereof; and (d) the measures being taken to ensure long-term retention and continued motivation of volunteers after their initial training and insurance period ends across the country? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI) (a) to (d): Yes Sir. Under Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme (YAMS), trained Yuva Aapda Mitras are provided structured training in disaster response, search and rescue, first aid, and basic life support as per the guidelines provided by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Community-level awareness activities, mock drills, demonstrations, and coordination exercises are conducted in collaboration with District Disaster Management-2- R.S.US.Q.NO. 2155 FOR 11.03.2026 Authorities (DDMAs), local administrations, and emergency services to familiarise residents with the role of Yuva Aapda Mitras and integrate them into the local disaster response mechanism. As part of encouraging women’s leadership and greater involvement, NDMA has made provisions for inducting women / female volunteers as Aapda Sakhi under YAMS. Provisions for women volunteer was also there under the earlier schemes of Aapda Mitra and Up-scaling of Aapda Mitra Scheme (UAMS). Under Aapda Mitra, 660 out of total targeted volunteers of 6000 are women/female volunteers. Under UAMS, 19,060 out of total targeted volunteers of 1,00,000 are women/ female volunteers. Under YAMS, as per updated information, a total of 25,279 volunteers have been trained so far, out of which 7,333 are women/female volunteers. UAMS as well as YAMS promotes the culture of preparedness, strengthens coordination with local authorities and enhances both self-reliance and overall community resilience in disaster-prone region. *****