New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a directive to all Chief Secretaries of states and Union Territories, urging them to invoke emergency procurement powers under Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, ensuring quick and effective action in the event of an enemy attack or war-like situation.
Under this provision, state governments are empowered to take necessary measures to protect citizens, safeguard property and maintain essential services such as power supply, water and transport.
These emergency measures must be treated as a top priority by local bodies, even above their routine duties.
The MHA clarified that municipalities and other local authorities must bear the costs of such measures from their budgets.
“The funds of the local authority shall apply to the payment of the charges and expenses incidental to such compliance, and priority shall be given to such compliance over all other duties and obligations of the local authority,” the letter stated.
The MHA specifically requested that emergency procurement powers be delegated to the Director of Civil Defence in each State and UT to facilitate the implementation of precautionary actions.
“I shall be grateful if Section 11 of the CD Rules, 1968, can be invoked and necessary Emergency Procurement Powers to the Director Civil Defence of your State/UT, may be granted,” the letter noted.
The move is part of a broader effort to enhance readiness and resilience at the local level in the face of potential national security threats.
