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Bengal to Recruit 1,400 Fire Personnel, Modernize Services: CM Suvendu Adhikari
- •West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the recruitment of 1,400 personnel to the state fire and emergency services department through the Police Recruitment Board.
- •The recruitment includes 1,000 fire operators, 325 fire engine operator-cum-drivers, and 75 sub-officers, with plans to create 2,500 permanent posts within the next year.
- •Adhikari flagged off 226 new firefighting vehicles and equipment, procured for Rs 94 crore, to be deployed in various urban and semi-urban locations.
- •The state is strengthening fire service infrastructure with 23 new fire stations under construction and 10 additional projects announced, alongside plans for firefighting robots, drones, and advanced communication systems.
- •Welfare measures for fire service personnel include an allowance equivalent to 26 days’ pay annually for permanent frontline staff and a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 for contractual Auxiliary Fire Operators.
Key Questions Answered
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that 1,400 new personnel will be recruited in the state fire and emergency services department through the Police Recruitment Board. This recruitment drive includes 1,000 fire operators, 325 fire engine operator-cum-drivers, and 75 sub-officers.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari flagged off 226 new firefighting vehicles and equipment procured for Rs 94 crore. The new fleet consists of 198 mid-size water tenders, 25 larger water tenders, and three 36-metre articulating water towers to be deployed across vital urban and industrial zones.
According to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the victims in both the Tarapith and New Market lodge fires died due to smoke suffocation rather than burns. He noted that the tragedy was worsened because the exit points of the buildings were locked to prevent boarders from leaving without clearing bills.