Odisha Govt to Recruit Women as Firefighters, Says CM Majhi
Bhubaneswar: Odisha government plans to recruit women as firefighters and rename the post of “Fireman” to “Firefighter” or Agni Yodha, declared Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday. According to him this will be done through necessary amendments.
CM Majhi made this declaration while addressing the state-level firefighter recruitment ceremony in Bhubaneswar.
The CM congratulated the newly appointed firefighters and highlighted the significance of their role in saving human lives. He announced the addition of 941 new personnel to the fire services department, filling 826 fireman vacancies and 115 fireman driver posts.
He also revealed plans to fill 10,000 posts in the Home Department and 1.5 lakh government positions over the next five years.
Majhi praised Odisha Fire Services for their exemplary work during disasters, particularly citing their bravery during the Bahanaga rail accident. With 346 fire stations across the state, he noted that the department serves as a first responder under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and has received Rs 394 crore from the Disaster Mitigation Fund and Rs 201 crore from the 15th Finance Commission to enhance its capabilities.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the need for courage, compassion, and commitment in firefighters while suggesting amendments to urban safety regulations for high-rise buildings.
