Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Syllabus: GS3/Disaster Management

Context

• The Lok Sabha has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024. 

About

• The Bill amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005.  
• The DM Act establishes: 
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 
  • State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 
  • and the District Disaster Management Authority.  
• These authorities are responsible for disaster management at the national, state, and district level, respectively.

Key Highlights of the Bill

• Preparation of disaster management plans: The Bill provides that NDMA and SDMA will prepare disaster management plans, which was earlier prepared by the National a State Executive Committee.
• Functions of NDMA and SDMA:The Bill adds these functions: 
  • taking periodic stock of disaster risks, including emerging risks from extreme climate events, 
  • providing technical assistance to authorities below them, 
  • recommending guidelines for minimum standards of relief, 
  • and preparing national and state disaster databases, respectively.
• The Bill also empowers NDMA to make regulations under the Act with prior approval of the central government.
• Disaster Database: The Bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive disaster database at both national and state levels.
• Urban Disaster Management Authorities: The Bill empowers the state government to constitute a separate Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capitals and cities with a municipal corporation.  
• Formation of State Disaster Response Force: The Bill empowers the state government to constitute a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).  The state government will define the functions of SDRF and prescribe the terms of service for its members.
• Statutory status to existing committees: The Bill provides statutory status to existing bodies such as the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High Level Committee (HLC).
  • The NCMC will function as the nodal body for dealing with major disasters with serious or national ramifications.  
  • The HLC will provide financial assistance to state governments during disasters.  
• Appointments to NDMA: The Bill empowers NDMA to specify the number and category of officers and employees, with previous approval of the central government. NDMA may also appoint experts and consultants as necessary.

Opposition Concerns:

• Several opposition members argued that the amendments could centralize power and undermine the autonomy of state governments. 
• Some members also called for increased focus on early warning systems, prevention measures, and financial support for disaster-affected areas.

Conclusion

• Despite the opposition’s concerns, the Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha. 
• It will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha for further consideration.

Source: TH