Points to Remember:
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is India’s apex body for disaster management.
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities of different Indian ministries is crucial.
- The question requires factual knowledge about the NDMA’s organizational structure.
Introduction:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is a statutory body established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Its primary function is to lay down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management in India. Determining the ministry under which it operates requires understanding the nature of disaster management and the mandates of various government ministries. The correct answer will identify the ministry most directly responsible for coordinating national-level responses to emergencies and crises.
Body:
The Role of the NDMA: The NDMA’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including:
- Coordination: Coordinating the response to various disasters, both natural and man-made.
- Planning: Developing national and state-level disaster management plans.
- Resource Allocation: Allocating resources for disaster relief and rehabilitation.
- Capacity Building: Training and capacity building for disaster management personnel.
- Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about disaster preparedness.
Analyzing the Ministry Options:
- (A) Ministry of Agriculture: While agriculture is impacted by disasters (e.g., droughts, floods), the Ministry of Agriculture primarily focuses on agricultural development and food security. Disaster management is not its core mandate.
- (B) Ministry of Defence: The Ministry of Defence plays a crucial role in disaster relief, particularly in providing logistical support and rescue operations. However, it is not the primary coordinating body for national disaster management. Its role is supportive.
- (C) Ministry of Rural Development: This ministry focuses on rural development initiatives. While rural areas are often severely affected by disasters, the Ministry of Rural Development’s role in disaster management is primarily focused on rural reconstruction and rehabilitation.
- (D) Ministry of Home Affairs: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for internal security, law and order, and disaster management at the national level. This makes it the most appropriate ministry to oversee the NDMA. The MHA’s broad mandate encompasses coordinating national-level responses to various emergencies, including natural disasters.
Conclusion:
The NDMA functions as an agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs (D). This is because the MHA’s responsibilities align most closely with the comprehensive nature of disaster management, requiring coordination across various government departments and agencies. While other ministries play important supporting roles, the MHA provides the overarching strategic direction and coordination necessary for effective national disaster management. A strong and well-coordinated national disaster management system is crucial for minimizing the impact of disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. This requires continuous improvement in preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms, guided by the principles of holistic development and sustainable practices.
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