CAPSI and Directorate General of Civil Defence Forge Strategic Alliance to Empower RWAs with Civil Defence Preparedness
11th July 2025, New Delhi: The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, during its recently concluded Governing Council Meeting. This strategic collaboration marked the beginning of a transformative, nationwide initiative aimed at equipping citizens with essential Civil Defence training to strengthen their preparedness and resilience in times of crisis. As a critical step towards implementing this vision, CAPSI organized a Roundtable Discussion on the theme “Community Security and Civil Defence Preparedness” with key office bearers, including Presidents and General Secretaries of various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).
The Roundtable, held on 11th July 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, brought together community leaders, security experts, and senior government officials to discuss the pressing security challenges faced by RWAs. The discussion focused on developing practical and sustainable solutions through structured Civil Defence training programs, empowering communities to act as first responders in emergencies. The event featured a Welcome Address by CAPSI Chairman Kunwar Vikram Singh, followed by an address by Lt. Gen. Ashok B. Shivane PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Strategic Advisor to the Chairman, highlighting the objectives and roadmap of the CAPSI–Civil Defence collaboration. Shri Anil Pratham, IPS, Former DGP Gujarat (Retd) & Advisor to CAPSI, also spoke on the concept of the City Security Council.
The Roundtable was graced by several distinguished guests, including Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, who addressed the participants as Guest of Honour. A vibrant Open House Discussion allowed participants to voice concerns, share experiences, and suggest actionable measures for community-level security enhancement. Special addresses were also delivered by Shri Rahul Sudan, Senior Staff Officer – Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards; and Ms. Shivani Ahuja, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party RWA Cell.
Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman of CAPSI, emphasized, “Community security should not rely solely on police forces. Well-trained private security personnel must be an integral part of residential safety frameworks. Currently, a large portion of CSR funds allocated by corporates is misused or diverted through NGOs. The government should mandate that at least 25%–50% of corporate CSR contributions be directed towards a dedicated security fund. This fund can be utilized to ensure fair salaries for security guards deployed in RWAs, thereby enabling societies to access the best-trained personnel and significantly improve on-ground safety.
Lt. Gen. Ashok B. Shivane PVSM, AVSM, VSM(Retd) said, “The collaboration between Civil Defence and CAPSI signifies a strategic move to empower silent warriors with actionable skills. This MoU reflects a shared commitment to national capacity building. Together, we aim to create a resilient and secure India through structured preparedness.
Shri. Rahul Sudan Senior Staff Officer, Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Ministry of Home Affairs said that in today’s world, training in civil defence is essential for both security guards and civilians. Preparedness for hostile attacks requires mental and physical resilience. Everyone must be equipped with basic skills like first aid, fire safety, and rescue to protect our communities.
Ms. Shivani Ahuja- President, Bhartiya Janta Party, RWA Cell emphasized the need to equip citizens to face modern challenges such as cyber threats and natural disasters. She called for stronger collaboration between RWAs, civil defence, and local authorities. Regular drills, awareness drives, and emergency preparedness can empower communities to respond effectively.
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