Over two lakh 37 thousand volunteers of the National Cadet Corps, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, National Service Scheme and Bharat Scouts and Guides will be trained under the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan today launched this scheme in New Delhi during the 20th Formation Day celebration of the National Disaster Management Authority. The scheme is intended to train community volunteers for disaster preparedness and response.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mohan said, the target has been set to train at least 50 per cent of women under the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme. Mr Mohan said, that in the coming times, Yuva Aapda Mitra will be ready to become the first-line protector of society. He stressed the need to empower the community to deal with disaster.  

In July this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved the proposal of the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme at an outlay of over 470 crore rupees from NDRF, which will be implemented in 315 most disaster-prone districts of the country. The scheme is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of preparing the community as first responders during any disaster.