NCMC gets statutory backing under Disaster Management Amendment Act 2025
Why in the news
The government gave the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) statutory backing through the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. Earlier it worked without a formal legal basis.
Key facts
- Legal basis: Section 8A(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Chair: the Cabinet Secretary.
- Members: Union home secretary, defence secretary, secretary (coordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat, and the NDMA member and head of department.
- The chairperson may co-opt experts or officers from any government or organisation.
- Role: assess preparedness, issue directions, and coordinate and monitor response.
Other changes in the 2025 amendment
| Change | Effect |
|---|---|
| Statutory status to NCMC and High Level Committee | Formal legal footing |
| NDMA and SDMAs prepare plans directly | Earlier done by Executive Committees |
| Urban Disaster Management Authorities | For state capitals and large cities |
| State Disaster Response Forces | States may form their own |
About the NCMC
The NCMC is the apex body for coordinating national response to major disasters between central agencies, states and the NDMA.
Exam angle
- Chair: Cabinet Secretary.
- New bodies: UDMAs and state-level SDRFs.