National Crisis Management Committee
The Government of India has recently constituted the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to strengthen disaster response at the national level. This move follows severe monsoon-triggered floods and landslides across several states. The NCMC will act as the apex body for managing major disasters with nationwide impact.
Formation and Legal Basis
The NCMC was created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, specifically using powers under section 8A(2). The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the committee’s constitution. This legal framework empowers the central government to coordinate disaster management efficiently.
Composition of the Committee
The cabinet secretary chairs the NCMC. Its members include the Union home secretary, defence secretary, secretary (coordination) from the cabinet secretariat, and the head of the National Disaster Management Authority. The chairperson can co-opt experts or officials from central or state governments or other organisations as needed.
Primary Functions
The NCMC evaluates the nation’s preparedness for threatening or emerging disaster situations. It issues directions to improve readiness. The committee coordinates and monitors the disaster response activities of central ministries, state governments, national and state disaster authorities, and other agencies.
Coordination and Monitoring Role
Effective disaster response requires synergy among various stakeholders. The NCMC ensures proper coordination across government departments and non-governmental organisations. It monitors ongoing actions and can direct necessary steps for better disaster management.
Significance of the NCMC
The NCMC provides a structured and high-level mechanism to respond to disasters with national ramifications. Its creation reflects the government’s intent to have a centralised and authoritative body capable of swift decision-making and coordination during crises.
Context of Recent Disasters
The establishment of the NCMC comes amid heavy monsoon rains causing floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Manipur. These events exposed the need for a robust national-level crisis management framework.
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