Why in the News?
- Recently, the Union Government introduced Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha to amend Disaster Management Act, 2005.
More on the News
- Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005 was enacted to provide for effective management of disasters and for matters connected therewith.
- The Bill aims to mainstream disaster management in development plans, aligning with recommendations of 15th Finance Commission.
- Amendment Bill will bring more clarity and convergence in roles of authorities and committees.
Comparisons of Bill and DM Act 2005:
| Provisions | DM Act, 2005 | DM (Amendment) Bill, 2024 |
| Preparation of DM plans | National Executive Committee and State Executive Committee prepare national and state DM plans, respectively. | – National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will prepare DM plans. |
| Functions of NDMA and SDMA at their respective levels | Reviewing DM plans of government departments.
Setting guidelines for preparation of DM plans for authorities below them. Recommending provision of funds for disaster mitigation. |
– Bill adds new functions:
– Taking periodic stock of disaster risks. – Providing technical assistance to authorities. – Recommending guidelines for minimum standards of relief. – Preparing national and state disaster databases. |
| State & Disaster Databases | – No Provisions | – Contains information on type & severity of disaster risks, allocation of funds and expenditure, and disaster preparedness and mitigation plans. |
| Appointments to NDMA | – Act provides that central government will provide NDMA with officers, consultants, and employees, as it considers necessary. | – Bill empowers NDMA to specify the number and category of officers and employees, with previous approval of the central government. |
| Urban DM Authorities | – No Provisions | – Bill empowers state government to constitute a separate Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) for state capitals and cities with a municipal corporation, except for Delhi and Chandigarh. |
| Formation of State Disaster Response Force | – No Provisions | – Bill empowers state government to constitute a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
– State government will define functions of SDRF and prescribe terms of service for its members. |
| National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and High-Level Committee (HLC) | – No Provisions | – Bill provides statutory status to NCMC and HLC.
– NCMC will function as the nodal body for dealing with major disasters with serious or national ramifications. – HLC will provide financial assistance to state governments during disasters. |
| Committee
(HLC) |
The NCMC will be led by the Cabinet Secretary, and the HLC by the Minister of department overseeing disaster management. |
Disaster Management Act 2005:
- It was enacted in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 tsunami.
- Establishment of Authorities: Act establishes a three-tier structure for disaster management.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Headed by the Prime Minister, responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management at the national level.
- State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Headed by the Chief Ministers, responsible for disaster management at the state level.
- District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): Led by the District Magistrate, responsible for implementing disaster management plans at the district level.
- Preparation of Disaster Management Plans: The Act mandates the preparation of disaster management plans at national, state, and district levels.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Establishes NDRF for specialized response to disasters, including search and rescue operations, medical aid, and relief distribution.
- Funding Mechanisms: Provides for the creation of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) to finance relief and response measures.
- National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Act established NIDM for disaster-related research, training, awareness, and capacity building.Â
