Mumbai University: Maharashtra Government to Introduce Civil Defence Course in University’s Curriculum

In a significant move to bolster emergency preparedness, the Maharashtra government has partnered with the University of Mumbai to integrate a Civil Defence course into the curriculum of all its affiliated engineering colleges. This initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate of Civil Defence and the university, aims to equip students with essential skills in rescue operations and emergency response. The course, carrying a weightage of 25 marks, will train students to collaborate effectively with government and civic agencies such as disaster management cells, fire brigades, and hospitals, particularly during emergencies and war-like situations. The decision follows recent mock drills conducted across coastal districts, Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, involving approximately 10,000 volunteers from various emergency response agencies. These exercises highlighted the critical role of civil defence and underscored the need for a structured training program. By embedding this course into the academic framework, the government aims to address longstanding challenges faced by the Directorate of Civil Defence, including manpower shortages and logistical constraints, while fostering a culture of readiness and resilience among the youth.