(Sample Material) Gist of Important Articles from IIPA Journal
Topic: Natural Disaster Management in India Vinod K. Sharma
NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
India is a parliamentary democracy with a federal structure. An integrated disaster management mechanism exists within this government framework. The essential responsibility of disaster management lies with the State Government where the disaster has occurred. However, in the event of disasters which spread over several states and assume uncontrollable proportions, then the Central Government may be required to supplement appropriate measures in the fields of rescue, relief and preparedness. At the Central level, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) oversees all disaster related efforts. The NCMC comprises the nodal Ministry and other support Ministries. For natural disasters, the nodal Ministry is Ministry of Agriculture.
In the past, the government response to natural disasters has improved in terms of its effectiveness. This is chiefly due to the emergence of well-organised administrative machinery, presence of Relief Manuals at district level, predetermined allocation of duties and recognised public-private partnerships. However, absence of an integrated policy at national level has led to overlooking of some of the vital aspects of disaster management. As such, presence of a policy helps clearly define the government’s basic approaches on a continuing basis. It provides for an appropriate legislation and associated regulations in this regard, besides an overall national competence and self reliance vis-a-vis international initiatives.