Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
“Amit Shah to move that the Bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, be taken into consideration. Also to move that the Bill be passed,” stated the List of Business.
Key Features of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Bill, introduced on August 1, 2024, seeks to enhance the framework established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005. Key amendments include:
- Role Clarity and Convergence:
- Defines and aligns the roles of Authorities and Committees in disaster management.
- Statutory Status for Existing Committees:
- Formalizes bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee, granting them statutory recognition.
- Empowered Authorities:
- Transfers responsibility for preparing disaster plans to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities, instead of executive committees.
- Disaster Database Creation:
- Proposes a centralized disaster database at both national and state levels.
The original Disaster Management Act, 2005, provided institutional frameworks for managing disasters, prevention measures, and coordinated responses to emergencies. The 2024 amendment aims to improve efficiency and coordination.
Parliamentary Updates
In the Rajya Sabha, the day’s agenda includes the introduction of 44 private member bills and the consideration and passage of five other bills.
The winter session of Parliament, which began on November 25, has faced disruptions, leading to early adjournments. The session is scheduled to continue until December 20.