Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), under the joint collaboration of its School of Internal Security and SMART Policing and the School of Private, Industrial and Corporate Security Management, successfully conducted a Round Table Meeting of Fire Safety Officers of Gujarat. The session focused on discussing ways to enhance fire safety preparedness, incorporating advanced technologies and empowering frontline personnel through inclusive training initiatives. The event was graced by senior fire officers, technologists, government officials and experts from academia and industry.

The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of RRU, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel inaugurated the event by emphasising the urgency of structured fire safety systems in India. He accentuated, ‘Just as the Indian government has announced in 2024, a plan to train 5,000 Cyber Commandos over the next five years, as part of an effort to bolster the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure, we must build similar specialised capabilities in fire safety—particularly inclusive programs for women.’ He also focussed on the national importance of fire safety, referencing recent parliamentary discussions and the growing need for smart infrastructure, predictive hotspot mapping and public responsiveness.

All participants were urged by the Vice Chancellor to visit the RRU-affiliated Fire Training Centre in Vadodara- Institute of Fire Safety & Disaster Management, an international standard emergency response, training and consultancy centre where various fire-related courses are conducted.

Key Points from the Round Table Discussion:

• Inclusive Training for Women: Recognising the heroism shown in past fire incidents, participants emphasised the need for a dedicated fire safety program for women, which is already underway through initiatives such as the Dahod female firefighter batch. RRU is currently training 45 women in fire safety, with requests made for government-supported recruitment drives.
• Technology & Data-Driven Insights: Experts, including technologist Mr. Tejas Jhaveri (Founder & CEO, PowerEasy), advocated for IoT-based electrical safety systems and predictive data analytics. He highlighted that 75% of fires in India are caused by electrical faults, calling for a root cause analysis, data-driven audits, and improved training for electricians. Satellite data, early warning systems, and smart meters were discussed as essential tools for prevention.
• Local-Level Governance & Gaps: An official from the Gujarat Fire Department shed light on the lack of centralised fire safety training schools in India, decentralised systems across Nagar Palikas, and the critical absence of female representation in fire departments. He proposed collaborations between SDMs and institutions like RRU to design certified courses and practical curricula.
• Urban and Industrial Fire Challenges: Speaker Mr. L.R. Patel (Retd. Safety Officer, Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd.) outlined fire risks in hospitals, parking areas, and industrial complexes, particularly due to open wiring, poor power quality and a lack of safety audits. He urged the issuance of structured checklists and circulars for fire safety inspections and emphasised the role of trained Fire Safety Officers in prevention and preparedness.
• Policy & Scheme Awareness: Participants discussed Gujarat government schemes and urged for better awareness and accessibility of these benefits for frontline workers. There were also calls for a dedicated platform to aid RRU students in real-time training, industry collaboration and access to reliable firefighting tools.
• Public Awareness & Education: The meeting recommended practical fire safety education in schools and colleges, including media campaigns, children’s animations on extinguisher usage and simulated drills to raise awareness across age groups.
• Upskilling of Youth – A Focused National Priority: The roundtable emphasised the urgent need to upskill India’s youth in fire safety and emergency response, given the rising demand for skilled professionals in urban development, industry and disaster management. Launch of youth-centric training modules in fire safety, electrical safety and disaster response
• Real-World Case Studies: The fire safety officials suggested developing case studies of reported incidents for future reference and knowledge. Speakers also stressed on the importance of regular inspections, fire inspections, audits and practical training for both public and private sector employees.

The Round Table Meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen fire safety infrastructure through key actions. These include the creation of standardised fire inspection protocols and the development of a centralised training and certification platform at Rashtriya Raksha University. Enhanced support for women’s participation in fire services, along with the use of open-source intelligence and satellite data for early detection, were emphasised. The university also aims to establish state-supported training labs accessible to multiple departments. Increased collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, the National Institute of Disaster Management, and government bodies will support structured training programs. Meanwhile, public education campaigns and media engagement aim to institutionalise fire safety as a national priority.

The round table reaffirmed RRU’s position as a pioneer in safety, security and specialised education. The University aims to serve as a national hub for knowledge, capacity-building and research in fire safety, aligning closely with state and national policy objectives.

 

AP/IJ/GP/JT

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