PCS Guru

What’s Making Headlines?

In recent news, Himachal Pradesh has formally appealed to the Indian Prime Minister for the classification of the devastation caused by heavy rains in the state as a “National Disaster.”

The Impact

Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with losses amounting to Rs 10,000 crore, accompanied by the unfortunate loss of approximately 418 lives due to rain-related incidents during the Monsoon season of 2023.

Aid During Natural Disasters

• Officially, there is no specific category termed “National Disasters.”
• Instead, the Disaster Management Act of 2005 defines a “disaster” as a significant event resulting in substantial loss of life, human suffering, property damage, or environmental degradation, surpassing the community’s ability to cope, regardless of whether it arises from natural or human-made causes, accident, or negligence.
• This Act led to the formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), led by respective Chief Ministers.
• It also led to the establishment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which plays a pivotal role in on-ground relief and rescue operations across various states.

Understanding National Disaster Relief Funds

• NDRF (National Disaster Relief Fund):
• Enshrined in the 2005 Disaster Management Act, the NDRF serves as a supplementary fund to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in cases of severe disasters when adequate SDRF funds are unavailable.
• SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund):
• Constituted under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, SDRFs are state-specific funds primarily used for immediate relief in response to notified disasters.
• The Central Government contributes 75% in general states and 90% in northeastern and Himalayan states.
• SDRFs are allocated for addressing calamities such as Cyclones, Droughts, Earthquakes, Fires, Floods, Tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloud bursts, pest attacks, and frost/cold waves.
• While the state government holds the primary responsibility for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation during disasters, Central assistance can complement these efforts when required.

Defining Severe Calamities

• A “severe calamity” refers to a catastrophic event of significant magnitude and intensity that inflicts widespread damage, loss of life, and disruption to normal life.
• The declaration of a calamity as “severe” initiates a specific procedure for disaster relief and financial assistance.

The Relief Procedure in India

1. Declaration: The state government submits a memorandum outlining the extent of damage and fund requirements for relief operations.
2. Assessment: An inter-ministerial central team conducts an on-site assessment of damage and fund requirements.
3. Committee Evaluation: Assessment reports are examined by committees, with the High-Level Committee granting approval for immediate relief from the NDRF.
4. Financial Support: SDRF serves as the primary fund for State Governments to respond to notified disasters.
5. Additional Assistance: When SDRF resources fall short, additional aid may be sought from the fully funded NDRF.
6. Loan Relief: Relief measures may include loan repayment relief or provision of fresh loans to affected individuals on concessional terms.
7. Finance Commission: Immediate relief funds are recommended by the Finance Commission, employing a new methodology for state-wise allocations based on various factors.
8. Release of Funds: Central contributions for disaster relief are released in two equal installments, contingent on utilization certificates and state government activity reports.

This comprehensive system ensures timely and effective support during times of crisis, safeguarding communities across India.