NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Friday for consideration and approval. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha is expected to introduce 44 private member bills, with five bills lined up for discussion and passage.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 1, 2024. It aims to revise the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which was originally implemented to create a structured framework for managing disasters across the nation. The Act focused on establishing institutional mechanisms for planning and monitoring disaster management, adopting preventive strategies, and ensuring swift, coordinated responses to emergencies.

The proposed amendments aim to streamline and clarify the roles and responsibilities of disaster management authorities and committees. They also seek to formalize pre-existing bodies, such as the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee, by granting them statutory recognition.

Furthermore, the bill grants the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities the authority to prepare disaster management plans at their respective levels. This would replace the current system where the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees handle these responsibilities. The bill also outlines the creation of a detailed disaster database at both the national and state levels for better preparedness and response.

The ongoing Winter Session of Parliament began on November 25, though disruptions led to early adjournments in both Houses. The session is set to continue until December 20.

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