THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024
Why in the News?
- https://striveedgeias.in/2025/02/06/the-disaster-management-amendment-bill-2024/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.