There has been no recruitment in Delhi’s fire department for 15 years, more than one-fourth of the posts of firefighters are vacant.

After 22 people lost their lives in the Malviya Nagar fire, questions have been raised on the functioning of Delhi Fire Service. Meanwhile, during the investigation, a shocking information has come to light. Actually, Delhi Fire Service (DFS) is struggling with problems like shortage of staff and poor communication system. According to sources, there has been no recruitment in Delhi Fire Department for the last 15 years. More than one-fourth of the posts of fire fighters are lying vacant. BJP has held the previous government i.e. Aam Aadmi Party responsible for this.

According to government data, out of 3,312 sanctioned posts of fire fighters, 853 are still vacant. Apart from this, out of the sanctioned 90 posts of Station Officer, only 18 posts are filled. The last direct recruitment for these posts took place more than a decade ago, in 2011. A fire risk and infrastructure assessment conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011 had identified major deficiencies in Delhi’s fire fighting infrastructure, manpower and emergency response system. DFS is still using a decades-old wireless system, which the current government is considering upgrading.

Work on wireless communication systems 1969

According to sources, Delhi Fire Service started its wireless communication system in 1969, and there has been no change or upgrade in the wireless frequency since then. The department still uses two Very High Frequency (VHF) channels, 148.525 MHz and 148.725 MHz. Although the radio set has been upgraded from time to time. Has been converted into a digital mobile radio device. But there has been no significant change in the communication infrastructure. Over time, as high-rise buildings came up in Delhi, the communication network grew from 17 fire stations to 71.

Ashish Sood made serious allegations against AAP

Delhi Home and Education Minister Ashish Sood has made serious allegations against the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government regarding the condition of Delhi Fire Service (DFS). He said that in the last ten years, adequate steps were not taken to strengthen the fire service, the consequences of which are being borne by the present government. Ashish Sood said that a large number of posts are lying vacant in DFS, due to which the efficiency of the department is being affected.

Government is working on modernization of DFS

He alleged that due to the indifference and inaction of the previous government, the fire service system has weakened. Ashish Sood said, “The AAP government did nothing to strengthen the Delhi Fire Service and now we have to pay the price for it. Our government is working towards filling these vacancies and modernizing the DFS.”