Why in NEWS
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) has been granted statutory backing under the amended Disaster Management Act, 2025, solidifying its role as India’s apex disaster response coordination body.
Key Concepts and Terms
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| NCMC | Apex disaster response body headed by Cabinet Secretary for nationwide coordination. |
| Statutory Backing | Legal recognition under law, enhancing authority and clarity of roles. |
| NDMA | National Disaster Management Authority responsible for policy and planning. |
| SDMA | State Disaster Management Authority that formulates state-level disaster policies. |
| UDMA | Urban Disaster Management Authority proposed under the 2025 amendment for city-level planning. |
| SDRF | State Disaster Response Force established by states for localised quick response. |
Structure and Role of NCMC
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation | Now under Section 8A(2), Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Amended in 2025) |
| Chairperson | Cabinet Secretary |
| Members | Home Secretary, Defence Secretary, Secretary (Coordination), NDMA officials |
| Powers | Can co-opt experts/officers as per crisis needs |
| Role | Coordinates disaster response, monitors preparedness, directs central/state efforts |
Key Provisions of Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Gives formal recognition to NCMC and High-Level Committee |
| NDMA & SDMA Empowerment | Can now directly prepare national and state disaster plans |
| UDMAs Creation | Urban Disaster Management Authorities to be set up in large cities |
| State SDRFs | States empowered to form their own dedicated response forces |
| Clarity of Roles | Reduces overlap among NEC, SEC, NDMA, and SDMA for faster response |
In a Nutshell
Mnemonic: N-CRISES
N – NCMC now legally empowered
C – Cabinet Secretary-led coordination
R – Response strengthened via UDMAs, SDRFs
I – Institutional clarity improved
S – Statutory backing boosts trust and efficiency
E – Empowerment of NDMA and SDMA
S – Smooth convergence of national-state efforts
Prelims Questions
- Under the amended Disaster Management Act, 2025, which of the following bodies was given statutory status for the first time?
a) NDMA
b) NCMC
c) NEC
d) State Executive Committees - Who chairs the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)?
a) Prime Minister
b) Home Minister
c) Cabinet Secretary
d) Defence Secretary - Which of the following is a new institutional feature introduced by the 2025 Amendment to address urban vulnerabilities?
a) NEC
b) SDRF
c) UDMA
d) NDMA
Mains Questions
- The 2025 Amendment to the Disaster Management Act marks a shift toward more coordinated and urban-centric disaster governance. Discuss its implications. 10 Marks
- Examine the role and effectiveness of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) in India’s disaster management framework. (GS3: Disaster Management) 15 Marks
Prelims Answer Key
| Q | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | NCMC now has statutory recognition under the amended Act. |
| 2 | c | The Cabinet Secretary chairs the NCMC. |
| 3 | c | UDMA is a new body proposed for large urban centers. |
