National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nomination of two new members to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the re-nomination of three existing members for a term of three years.

About National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Establishment

The NDMA was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and serves as the country's apex body for disaster management. It is chaired ex officio by the Prime Minister of India.

Objectives

The main objectives of the NDMA are to:

• Develop national policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.

• Coordinate and ensure the implementation of these policies and plans at various levels of governance.

• Approve disaster management plans developed by ministries, states, and other agencies to ensure integrated disaster responses.

Vision

NDMA envisions a safer and disaster-resilient India by adopting proactive, technology-driven, and sustainable strategies and engaging all stakeholders in disaster risk reduction.

NDMA's Organizational Structure

1. Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio chairperson.

2. Vice-Chairperson: A Cabinet Minister serves as the vice-chairperson.

3. Members: The NDMA can have up to eight members, typically at the rank of Minister of State.

NDMA operates through specialized divisions including:

• Policy & Plans

• Mitigation

• Operations

• Communications & IT

• Administration

• Finance

Institutional Mechanism

At the state and district levels, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) work under NDMA's overall framework and guidelines.

NDMA's Key Functions and Responsibilities

As the apex body for disaster management, NDMA is responsible for:

1. Policy Formulation: Laying down policies, framing guidelines, and approving the National Disaster Management Plan.

2. Integration of Mitigation Measures: Incorporating disaster mitigation efforts into development plans at the central and state levels.

3. Coordination of Disaster Response: Ensuring the enforcement and implementation of disaster management policies and plans across various levels of government.

4. Funding for Mitigation & Capacity Building: Recommending provisions for funding disaster mitigation initiatives and building the capacity of agencies involved in disaster response.

5. International Cooperation: Coordinating international disaster relief as directed by the central government.

6. Training & Preparedness: Overseeing the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), conducting disaster preparedness drills, and developing strategies to build community resilience to disasters.

Recent Changes in NDMA Composition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent decisions regarding the re-nomination and nomination of NDMA members reflect a continuing commitment to strengthening disaster management frameworks. These changes aim to enhance the expertise and effectiveness of the NDMA as it adapts to evolving disaster risks.

Impact of the Changes

• The new nominations will bring fresh perspectives to the NDMA's work, ensuring that the authority continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges.

• The re-nominations of existing members ensure continuity, maintaining institutional knowledge and experience within the NDMA, which is crucial for effective disaster management and resilience-building strategies.

Conclusion

The NDMA continues to play a crucial role in managing and mitigating the impact of disasters in India. The recent changes in its composition aim to bolster its effectiveness and ensure that India’s disaster management framework remains responsive, adaptive, and forward-looking. By bringing together experts and experienced individuals in the NDMA, the government aims to strengthen its capacity to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of people during and after disasters.