BJP J&K holds VDG cell meeting, reaffirms strong support for Village Defence Guards
Jammu, 26 February 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir convened a crucial meeting of its VDG Cell at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to deliberate on the welfare, remuneration, and service conditions of Village Defence Guards (VDGs).
J&K BJP General Secretary Baldev Singh Billawaria, Media Incharge Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, All Cells Incharge Ved Sharma, All Cells Co-Incharge Munish Khajuria, BJP VDG Cell State Convener Basant Raj Thakur, and State Co-Conveners Ramesh Katoch and Harinder Singh addressed the meeting. It was attended by VDG Cell state executive members, district conveners, and co-conveners.
Addressing the gathering, Baldev Singh Billawaria lauded the courage and dedication of VDGs, calling them the backbone of grassroots security in Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized that the BJP has always stood firmly with nationalist forces and frontline defenders safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation. Describing VDGs as patriotic sentinels who defend their villages at great personal risk, he assured that the party will strongly pursue their genuine demands with the government. He affirmed that the BJP considers VDGs vital partners in the mission of a terror-free and secure Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr. Pardeep Mahotra termed VDGs the “first line of defense” at the village level. He highlighted that during terrorist strikes, VDGs act as the immediate shield, buying crucial time before the Police, BSF, or Army reach the spot. He noted that thousands of lives have been saved due to their timely resistance, which has repeatedly foiled the designs of terrorists and their handlers.
Ved Sharma stated that the Cell acts as a structured bridge between the VDG members and the government. He assured that the VDG Cell will continue to work proactively to highlight policy gaps, welfare concerns, and service-related issues affecting the VDG community.
Munish Khajuria stressed that the VDG Cell is not merely symbolic but a functional and responsive platform that ensures continuous engagement, follow-up, and advocacy for the welfare of VDG members.
Speaking on behalf of VDG members, Basant Raj Thakur raised key issues. He said VDGs currently receive a monthly honorarium of ₹4,000, which is grossly inadequate and unjustified, especially when it leads to the seizure of BPL Ration Cards or Job Cards. As most VDG members belong to economically weaker sections, withdrawal of these benefits causes severe hardship. He demanded that the honorarium be enhanced to ₹18,000 per month in view of the risks and responsibilities undertaken.
Thakur further stated that following the communication of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Village Defence Committees (VDCs) were converted into VDGs, but several eligible members were left out and are not receiving remuneration despite performing equal duties. He also demanded that VDGs be deployed strictly within their villages and, if assigned duties beyond village limits or under high-risk conditions, be covered under the same insurance policy as Police Constables. Considering the prevailing security scenario, he urged that automatic weapons be provided to all VDG members.
The proceedings were conducted by Ramesh Katoch, while Harinder Singh delivered the vote of thanks.
