The Disaster Management Act 2005, passed as Act Number 53 of 2005, established a structured institutional system in India, shifting national strategy from reactive relief assistance to proactive disaster mitigation, risk reduction, and holistic preparedness. At the federal apex, Section 3 constitutes the National Disaster Management Authority, chaired ex-officio by the Prime Minister, comprising up to nine members including a nominated Vice-Chairperson holding the rank of Cabinet Minister. Under Section 8, the National Executive Committee, chaired by the Union Home Secretary, assists the authority in executing policies across central ministries. At the provincial level, Section 14 mandates State Disaster Management Authorities headed ex-officio by Chief Ministers. At the district level, Section 25 institutes District Disaster Management Authorities co-chaired by the District Magistrate and the elected head of the Zilla Parishad. Specialized tactical rescue operations are executed by the National Disaster Response Force established under Section 44, headed by a Director General. Financial support is statutory institutionalized through the National Disaster Response Fund under Section 46 and State Disaster Response Funds under Section 48, aligned directly with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Which high-level committee constituted under Section 8 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 assists the NDMA and acts as the coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management at the national level?
Verified Explanation
The National Executive Committee (NEC) is established under Section 8 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is chaired ex-officio by the Union Home Secretary and comprises Secretaries from key ministries to assist the NDMA in executing its statutory functions.
Which section of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 mandates the formulation of the comprehensive National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) for the entire country?
Verified Explanation
Section 11 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides that there shall be a plan for disaster management for the whole of India, to be called the National Plan. It is prepared by the National Executive Committee in consultation with state governments and approved by the NDMA.
Under Section 53 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, what penalty is prescribed for any person who misappropriates disaster relief money or materials or converts them to personal use?
Verified Explanation
Section 53 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 specifically provides that whoever misappropriates or misapplies disaster relief money, goods, or materials shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Under Section 55 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, who is deemed guilty of an offence committed by a Government Department unless they prove due diligence or lack of knowledge?
Verified Explanation
Section 55(1) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 stipulates that where an offence under this Act has been committed by any Department of the Government, the Head of the Department shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence unless he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence.
Under Section 30 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which statutory power is NOT explicitly vested in the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)?
Verified Explanation
Section 30 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 outlines the powers and functions of the DDMA at the district level, including planning, enforcing building safety, coordinating response, and directing local resources. Negotiating or establishing international bilateral treaties is an exclusive sovereign power of the Union Government under Entry 14 of the Union List.
Under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, who is statutorily mandated to prepare the State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP)?
Verified Explanation
Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 explicitly directs that the State Executive Committee (SEC), headed ex-officio by the Chief Secretary of the State, shall prepare the State Disaster Management Plan having regard to the guidelines laid down by the NDMA.
Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, who is designated as the ex-officio Chairperson of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)?
Verified Explanation
Section 14 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 mandates that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) consists of a Chairperson and other members. The Chief Minister of the State serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the SDMA. In Union Territories, this statutory role is performed by the Lieutenant Governor or Administrator.
In which year did the Disaster Management Act receive the assent of the President of India, establishing the institutional framework for disaster management in the country?
Verified Explanation
The Disaster Management Act was passed by the Parliament of India and received Presidential assent on December 23, 2005. The Act institutionalized a paradigm shift from a reactive relief-centric approach to a proactive prevention and mitigation architecture. It led to the statutory creation of NDMA, SDMAs, and DDMAs across India.
Under Section 8 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, who serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to assist the NDMA?
Verified Explanation
Section 8 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 mandates the constitution of a National Executive Committee (NEC) to assist the NDMA. The Union Home Secretary serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the NEC. The committee comprises secretaries from key central ministries to coordinate national disaster response plans.
Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which section prescribes penalties for making false claims to obtain relief, assistance, or other benefits?
Verified Explanation
Section 52 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 prescribes strict criminal penalties for making false claims to obtain relief or financial assistance. Anyone convicted under this section faces imprisonment for a term up to two years along with a financial fine. This provision deters fraudulent exploitation of emergency relief funds.