The financing of disaster relief has
been an important aspect of federal fiscal relations. The primary
responsibility for undertaking rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures
during a disaster lies with the State Governments. The Union Government
supplements their efforts through logistic and financial support. The DM Act
2005 provides the legal framework for disaster management and all related
matters, including the financial aspects. The Act envisages the constitution of
two types of funds: response and mitigation, which are to be set up at the
national, state and district levels. Thus,
for disaster response, the Act envisages
a National Disaster Response Fund, a State Disaster Response Fund in each State
and, within the States, a District Disaster Response Fund in each district.
Similarly, the Act envisages a National Disaster Mitigation Fund, State
Disaster Mitigation Fund and District Disaster Mitigation Fund for disaster
mitigation. Section 47 of the DM Act 2005, pertaining to setting up of the
National Disaster Mitigation Fund, has not been notified by the Government so
far. The financing of the entire disaster management cycle will be as per norms
set by the Government of India. The disaster risk reduction will be achieved by
mainstreaming the requirements into the developmental plans.
Accordingly, the broad objectives of the NDMP are:
1) Improve the understanding of disaster risk,
hazards, and vulnerabilities
2) Strengthen disaster risk governance at all levels
from local to centre
3) Invest in disaster risk reduction for resilience
through structural, non-structural and financial measures, as well as
comprehensive capacity development
4) Enhance disaster preparedness for effective response
5) Promote “Build Back Better” in recovery,
rehabilitation and reconstruction
6) Prevent disasters and achieve substantial
reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, health, and assets
(economic, physical, social, cultural and
environmental)
7) Increase resilience and prevent the emergence of
new disaster risks and reduce the existing risks
8) Promote the implementation of integrated and
inclusive economic, structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational,
environmental, technological, political and institutional measures to prevent
and reduce hazard exposure and vulnerabilities to disaster
9) Empower both local authorities and communities as
partners to reduce and manage disaster risks
10) Strengthen scientific and technical capabilities
in all aspects of disaster management
11) Capacity development at all levels to
effectively respond to multiple hazards and for
community-based disaster management
12) Provide clarity on roles and responsibilities of
various Ministries and Departments involved in different aspects of disaster
management
13) Promote the culture of disaster risk prevention
and mitigation at all levels
14) Facilitate the mainstreaming of disaster
management concerns into the developmental planning and processes