National Crisis Management Committee

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) plays a pivotal role in the country’s disaster response and crisis management framework.

About NCMC

• Purpose: NCMC is the top-level body in charge of managing national emergencies. It coordinates efforts and provides support during crises, such as natural disasters (heat waves, forest fires) and man-made emergencies.
• Functions:
  • Coordination: Ensures effective coordination among different agencies and state governments.
  • Support: Provides logistical, financial, and operational support to enhance disaster response.
  • Monitoring: Keeps high-level authorities, including the Prime Minister, informed about the crisis situation and response progress.

Structure and Composition

• Chairman: Cabinet Secretary.
• Members:
  • Secretaries to the Prime Minister and key ministries (Home Affairs, Agriculture, Defence & Cooperation).
  • Directors of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Key Responsibilities

• Coordination & Resource Allocation: Directs and oversees disaster response, ensuring effective use of resources and coordination among different agencies and states.
• Crisis Management & Strategic Planning: Issues directives to the Crisis Management Group (CMG) and devises strategic plans for disaster management.

Logistic Support

• Deployment: Utilizes aircraft, boats, and specialist teams, including Armed Forces, Central Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
• Essential Supplies: Arranges for relief materials, medical supplies, and infrastructure restoration, including communication networks.

Basic Responsibility

• State Government: Responsible for relief, rehabilitation, preparedness, and response measures at the state level.
• Central Government (NCMC): Supplements state efforts with additional support and coordination.

The Crisis Management Group (CMG) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) play crucial roles in disaster management in India, but they have different focuses and responsibilities.

Crisis Management Group (CMG)

Responsibilities:

1. Contingency Plan Review: Annually reviews the contingency plans formulated by central ministries and departments.
2. Natural Calamity Measures: Reviews measures required for dealing with natural calamities.
3. Coordination: Coordinates activities of central ministries and state governments related to disaster preparedness and relief.
4. Information Gathering: Obtains information from nodal officers on disaster-related measures.

Structure:

• Headed by the Relief Commissioner.
• Composed of senior officers from various ministries and departments.
• Meets at least twice a year or as needed.

Focus:

• Primarily focuses on the coordination and review of ongoing disaster preparedness and relief measures at a central and state level.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Responsibilities:

1. Policy and Guidelines: Established by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, NDMA lays down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
2. Apex Body: As the apex body, it oversees disaster management policies and ensures coordination for prevention, mitigation, response, and capacity building at national and state levels.
3. International Support: Provides support for international disaster relief as needed.
4. Risk Atlas & Decision Support: Developed a Web-Based Dynamic Composite Risk Atlas & Decision Support System (Web DCRA&DSS) for forecasting cyclone impacts.
5. G20 Initiatives: Spearheaded the formation of a G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) during India’s G-20 Presidency in 2023.
6. Monitoring Progress: Utilizes the National Disaster Management Information System (NDMIS) to monitor progress on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR).

Structure:

• Chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• Operates as a high-level body responsible for overarching policy and strategic decisions.

Focus:

• NDMA is responsible for setting national policies and guidelines for disaster management, overseeing implementation, and integrating international frameworks like the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its strategy.

Key Differences

• Scope and Focus: CMG focuses on operational coordination and review at the national and state levels, while NDMA is responsible for policy-making, strategic oversight, and international coordination.
• Role and Authority: CMG operates under the direction of the Relief Commissioner and handles practical coordination tasks, whereas NDMA, led by the Prime Minister, has a broader strategic mandate with an emphasis on policy, planning, and international collaboration.
• Meeting Frequency: CMG meets at least twice a year or as required, while NDMA operates continuously to develop and oversee disaster management policies and guidelines.