Power and functions of national disaster management authority

Introduction - 

        In chapter II, Section 6 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 provides the power and functions of national disaster management authority. Disaster management Act 2005 was enacted and came into force in the year 2005, It extends to the whole of India.  according to Section 3 of the disaster management Act 2005 central government, shall establish disaster management authority. 

According to Section 3 of the said Act, the National Disaster Management Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other members, not exceeding nine, as may be prescribed by the Central Government and, unless the rules otherwise provide, the National Authority shall consist of the following:-

a. The Prime Minister of India, who shall be the Chairperson of the National Authority, ex officio;

b. Ther members, not exceeding nine, to be nominated by the Chairperson of the National Authority.

The Chairperson of the National Authority may designate one of the members nominated under clause (b) of sub-section (2) to be the Vice-Chairperson of the National Authority.

    The term of office and conditions of service of members of the National Authority shall be such as may be prescribed.

Powers and functions of National Authority -

According to Section 6 of the Disaster management act 2005 -

     1. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the National Authority shall have the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management for ensuring a timely and effective response to the disaster.

     2. Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the National Authority may -

        (a) lay down policies on disaster management;

        (b) approve the National Plan;

        (c) approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan;

        (d) lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan;

        (e) lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India for the purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects;

        (f) coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster management;

       (g) recommend the provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation;

       (h) provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central Government;

       (i)  take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with the threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider necessary;

       (j)  lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.

      3.  The Chairperson of the National Authority shall, in the case of emergency, have the power to exercise all or any of the powers of the National Authority but exercise of such powers shall be subject to ex post facto ratification by the National Authority.


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District Disaster Management Authority (Disaster Management Act 2005)

Measures by the government for disaster management (Disaster Management Act,2005)