The government introduced a Bill in Parliament seeking to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It proposes to make important changes in the Act, aimed mainly at improving the operational efficiencies in responding to a natural disaster.
Key Proposals and Provisions in The Bill:
1.The Bill seeks to significantly expand the role and responsibilities of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), especially in guiding state governments and organs of the Centre in dealing with disasters.
2.Urban Disaster Management Authorities– The Bill recognises the special requirements of large metropolitan cities that often comprise multiple districts. In such cities — all state capitals and cities with a municipal corporation — would now also have an Urban Disaster Management Authority, headed by the municipal commissioner.
3.SDRF is not mandated in the 2005 Act. The size and capacity of the SDRFs in the states vary to a great extent.
The Bill proposes to make it mandatory for every state to raise and maintain an SDRF.
4. A legal status is given to the NCMC, making it the nodal body to deal with disasters with “serious or national ramifications”.
5.The Bill proposes that the NDMA should recommend guidelines for minimum standards of relief to be provided to people affected by disasters.
6. A Position of Vice Chairperson is being legitimised by allowing for the everday functioning to be carried out by any Member designated by the chairperson or the vice-chairperson.
7.The NDMA is also being asked to create and maintain a national disaster database with information on the assessment of the disaster, fund allocation, expenditure, and preparedness and mitigation plans.
The Issues untouched by the Proposed Bill:
Lack of Authority :
Considering its growing role and importance, it has been argued that NDMA be given more powers and elevated to the status of a government department, if not a full-fledged ministry in itself.
Lack of Financial Powers:
The NDMA does not have any administrative financial powers. On the mercy of Home Ministry for every small decision. Which is an inefficient and time-consuming process.
Shortage of Manpower:
The body is also severely short-staffed at the top, with just three members functioning.
The amendment Bill ignores these shortcomings.Some of the other provisions are also likely to face opposition, particularly the ones that deal with changes at the state level and grassroot level.
National Disaster Management Authority of India
Vision of NDMA:
“To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness and mitigation.”
About National Disaster Management Authority:
-The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister of India, is the apex body for Disaster Management in India.
-Setting up of NDMA and the creation of an enabling environment for institutional mechanisms at the State and District levels is mandated by the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
– NDMA is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management.
– India envisions the development of an ethos of Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness and Response.
-The Indian government strives to promote a national resolve to mitigate the damage and destruction caused by natural and man-made disasters, through sustained and collective efforts of all Government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and People’s participation.
-This is planned to be accomplished by adopting a Technology-Driven, Pro-Active, Multi-Hazard and Multi-Sectoral strategy for building a Safer, Disaster Resilient and Dynamic India.
Disaster Management Act 2005
-On 23 December 2005, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers,to spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management in India.