Govt to recruit women firefighters, announces CM

Bhubaneswar: State govt on Wednesday decided to induct women as firefighters in the Odisha fire service. The announcement was made by chief minister Mohan Majhi after deputy CM Pravati Parida made the request during an event where they distributed appointment letters to 941 newly recruited firemen.
During the event, Parida addressed the gathering in the CM's presence, emphasising the need to eliminate gender discrimination in the fire service. "Women these days have excelled in all fields. If women can serve in the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, why cannot they be recruited as firefighters in Odisha? They should be given a chance," Parida said.
Majhi endorsed Parida's proposal. "I second our deputy CM's proposal. I would like to ask the concerned department to start the initiative to amend the policy for recruitment of women as firefighters," the CM said.
He highlighted that both central and state govts are determined to strengthen the Odisha fire service to enhance disaster management capabilities.
The Centre has approved Rs 201.10 crore for expanding and modernising the state's fire and emergency services, while the state govt has set aside Rs 394 crore for upgrading the wing. Official sources said the Odisha fire service directorate proposed a 15% reservation for women in recruitment in July 2018, but the suggestion is yet to be implemented.
"Though women are being hired in Odisha police, the govt has never considered them during recruitment in fire service as firefighting is a physically challenging job, involving high risk. At present, Odisha fire service has around 5,700 personnel, including around 500 women, who work in only operations and administrative wings," a fire service officer said.
"Odisha fire service has been a role model for other states for its response to disasters. The fire service played a key role in implementing the govt's zero casualty policy during disaster management in the past. Disaster management skills became an integral part of the fire service training programme after Super Cyclone hit in the state in 1999 and killed over 10,000 people," the officer said.