About NDMA

• This Act was enacted in 2005 to provide for the effective management of disasters and for matters connected with it.
• To deal with the purposes of this Act, an authority to be known as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established.
• The following are members of NDMA

(a) the Prime Minister of India, who shall be the Chairperson of the National Authority,

ex officio;

(b) other members, not exceeding nine, to be nominated by the Chairperson of the National

Authority.

(c) The Chairperson of the National Authority may designate one of the members nominated to be the Vice-Chairperson of the National Authority.

Powers and functions of National Authority

• The National Authority shall have the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management for ensuring timely and effective response to disaster. It may:

1. lay down policies on disaster management;
2. approve the National Plan;
3. approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan;
4. lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan;
5. 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;
6. Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster management;
7. Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation;
8. Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central Government;
9. 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;
10. Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.

• The Chairperson of the National Authority shall, in the case of emergency, have 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.
• A National Executive committee will assist the National Authority in the performance of its functions. It includes Secretaries of concerned departments. They look after the formulation of the national plan and its execution and coordination from the concerned departments.

Why in the news?

• Opposition parties are demanding proper use of national disaster management act to solve the migrant issues occured due to covid 19.