Amit Shah Unveils Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill to Enhance Coordination and Financial Support

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, emphasizing increased transparency, accountability, and cooperation. The Bill seeks to delegate responsibilities and enhance financial frameworks for disaster relief, with a focus on state-level control. Shah highlighted significant financial enhancements and initiatives under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the introduction of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to bolster transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Shah stated that the bill incorporates transparency, trust, credibility, and accountability by defining clear roles and moral responsibilities.

Shah emphasized the bill's intention to optimize resource utilization, striving for synergy in disaster preparedness and management through reforms. Notably, these reforms do not centralize power. Shah praised Prime Minister Modi for advancing disaster management and environmental protection through initiatives like the Mission Life and a ten-point disaster risk reduction agenda.

The Bill assigns post-disaster responsibilities to State Disaster Management Authorities, preserving the federal structure. Financial assistance is supported by the National Disaster Response and Mitigation Funds, with an increased SDRF budget from Rs 38,000 crore to Rs 1.24 lakh crore during Modi's administration. Additional measures include the creation of a National Disaster Response Reserve and initiatives aligning with the Sendai framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)