policies of State Civil Defence Committee were based on the directives issued by the Government of India. This Home Guard organisation is also active in Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Functions The functions to be performed by Home Guards are listed below: To serve as auxiliary to the police and generally help in maintaining internal security. To help the community in any kind of emergency—such as on air-raid precautions or on any natural disaster. To function as an emergency force intended for special tasks directly or indirectly connected with the defence of the country. To maintain functional units to provide essential services such as motor transport, engineering groups, fire brigade, nursing and first aid, operation of power supply, water installations and communication systems etc. The Border Wing of 18 battalions assists the Border Security Force in preventing infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, guarding of VA/VPs and lines of communication and vulnerable areas at the time of external aggression. The 18 battalions are deployed as follows: Assam (one bn), Gujarat (4 bns), Meghalaya (one bn), Punjab (6 bns), Rajasthan (4 bns), Tripura (one bn), and West Bengal (one bn). Marine units function as an Indian Coast Guard auxiliary. The Fire Wing assists the Indian fire service. Strength and organisation The total strength of Home Guards in the country is 5,73,793 against which the present raised strength is 4,86,401 Home Guards in 25 state and the union territories. It doesn't exist in Kerala as its duties are performed by other organisations. Training Central Civil Defence training centres were established in various states to impart training to both Civil Defence and Home Guards personnel. The training consists of individual as well as team training. After Independence the task of civil defence training was revived only after 1962. Equipment The Home Guard is equipped with and trained to use older weapons such as the .303 Lee–Enfield SMLE rifle, Sten and Bren guns which are manufactured indigenously by the Indian Ordnance Factories. Personnel Personnel are recruited from various people to include doctors, lawyers, teachers, employees of public and private sector organisations, college and university students, agricultural and industrial workers and others who give their spare time to their communities. All 18 to 50-year-old citizens of India are eligible for membership and normally serve from three to five years each. Members are paid an allowance when called up for service. All members,