Bhubaneswar: In an appeal to the public, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday urged citizens to enrol as volunteersin the state’s civil defence wing while directing the expansion of civil defence operations from its existing coverage of 12 districts.The chief minister, in a video message to the public, emphasised that safeguarding people’s lives and property within the country is a collective responsibility.He stated that security and service are paramount duties, and encouraged young individuals to step forward and join the civil defence organisation as volunteers, driven by patriotic sentiment.”With a sense of nationalism, I urge the general public, especially the youth, to volunteer for the civil defence organisation. The youth are our hope, trust, and symbol of strength. Let us further strengthen the spirit of service and nationalism,” Majhi said. According to the chief minister, interested persons can submit their applications to district collectors, who serve as civil defence controllers in districts. According to govt officials, there is no age limit and neither the requirement of a minimum educational qualification to serve ascivil defence volunteers.”These volunteers will receive training and will assist the public when required, guided by principles of service and patriotism. Currently, the civil defence organisation operates in 12 locations statewide. Instructions have been given to establish new units in other regions as required,” Majhi said.The chief minister expressed confidence that many individuals, particularly young people, will step forward with a spirit of service and nationalism.The development comes days after the Centre asked all states to strengthen their civil defence preparedness amid tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror strike.”We have already initiated efforts to strengthen our civil defence wing. On May 8, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja instructed district collectors to boost volunteer enrolment to enhance the state’s wartime response capabilities,” a govt official said.Bhubaneswar: In an appeal to the public, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday urged citizens to enrol as volunteers in the state’s civil defence wing while directing the expansion of civil defence operations from its existing coverage of 12 districts.The chief minister, in a video message to the public, emphasised that safeguarding people’s lives and property within the country is a collective responsibility. He stated that security and service are paramount duties, and encouraged young individuals to step forward and join the civil defence organisation as volunteers, driven by patriotic sentiment.”With a sense of nationalism, I urge the general public, especially the youth, to volunteer for the civil defence organisation. The youth are our hope, trust, and symbol of strength. Let us further strengthen the spirit of service and nationalism,” Majhi said. According to the chief minister, interested persons can submit their applications to district collectors, who serve as civil defence controllers in districts. According to govt officials, there is no age limit and neither the requirement of a minimum educational qualification to serve as civil defence volunteers.”These volunteers will receive training and will assist the public when required, guided by principles of service and patriotism. Currently, the civil defence organisation operates in 12 locations statewide. Instructions have been given to establish new units in other regions as required,” Majhi said.The chief minister expressed confidence that many individuals, particularly young people, will step forward with a spirit of service and nationalism.The development comes days after the Centre asked all states to strengthen their civil defence preparedness amid tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror strike. “We have already initiated efforts to strengthen our civil defence wing. On May 8, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja instructed district collectors to boost volunteer enrolment to enhance the state’s wartime response capabilities,” a govt official said.