"Civil defence act, 1968"

1962 when the Chinese invaded our country it was felt that in order to minimise loss of life, to maintain continuity of prohibition and to restore quickly the disrupted civil services, Civil Defence measures are required to be adopted in places where the most likely targets of enemy air attack. With a view to provide the legal cover, a Chapter on the subject was added in the Defence of India Act. 1962 and thereunder rules for Civil Defence Services, were framed. This law ceased to be operative six months after the revocation of the emergency which was declared at the time of the invasion. To provide necessary machinery for raising and training the volunteers to man the various Civil Defence Services and also to make other preparations as to enable the authorities to adopt Civil Defence measures at short notice wherever necessary, the Civil Defence Organisation was retained. For the continued maintenance of Civil Defence Services which were already in position in the States and Union Territories Civil Defence Bill was introduced in the Parliament.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS After the Chinese invasion of our country in 1962 it was felt that in order to minimise loss of life, to maintain continuity of prohibition and to restore quickly the disrupted civil services, Civil Defence measures should be adopted in places which were the most likely targets of enemy air attack. With a view to providing the legal cover, a Chapter on the subject was included in the Defence of India Act, 1962 and rules for Civil Defence Services were framed thereunder.

2. This law will however, cease to be operative six months after the

revocation of the emergency but the Civil Defence Organisation as such has to

be retained to provide the necessary machinery for raising and training the

volunteers to man the various Civil Defence services and also to make other

preparations so as to enable the authorities to adopt Civil Defence measures at

short notice wherever necessary. 3. The Bill aims at continued maintenance of Civil Defence Services which are already in position in the States and Union Territories. It also enables the Central Government and the State Governments to extend the scope of Civil Defence if and when it may become necessary to do so.

4. This Bill incorporates all the provisions of Chapter III of the Defence of India Act and other relevant provisions spread over other chapters of the Defence of India Act and Rules. It also provides for payment of compensation to Civil Defence volunteers for injuries sustained while on duty.

ACT 27 OF 1968

The Civil Defence Bill having been passed by both the Houses of Parliament received the assent of the President on 24th May, 1968. It came on the Statute Book as THE CIVIL DEFENCE ACT, 1968 (27 of 1968).

LIST OF AMENDING ACTS

1. The Delegated Legislation Provisions (Amendment) Act, 1983 (20 of 1983). 2. The Civil Defence (Amendment) Act, 2009 (3 of 2010).