New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved the creation of 2,345 additional posts across various categories in the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a statement on Saturday, news agency ANI reported.

Source: ANI via ApnaMa TV

"For the first time in the 84-year history of the department, established in 1942, such a large-scale cadre restructuring is being undertaken. With this decision, the total number of sanctioned posts in the department will increase from 3,096 to 5,441," the CMO said, according to ANI.

2,345additional posts approved
5,441new sanctioned strength, up from 3,096
1942year the Delhi Fire Service was established

Under the restructuring, posts will be increased across ranks and categories, including Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Divisional Officer, Assistant Divisional Officer, Station Officer, Sub-Officer, Leading Fireman, Fire Operator, Peon and Gardener, the statement said. The Delhi Fire Service began in 1942 with four fire stations, 14 firefighting vehicles and 186 staff members, Newsd reported in its account of the decision.

Source: Newsd

Gupta said Delhi's rapidly growing population, expanding urban areas, densely populated settlements, high-rise buildings, industrial establishments and complex infrastructure were creating new challenges for firefighting and emergency services, and called the creation of the posts an investment in the capital's public safety. Home Minister Ashish Sood said the long-awaited restructuring would give the department a stronger institutional foundation.

The CMO statement did not announce a recruitment timetable, a station-wise distribution of the new posts or a financial allocation, so when the additional firefighters will actually be on the ground remains to be decided.