UPSC » Disaster Management Notes » National Executive Committee

National Executive Committee

  • The National Executive Committee (NEC) was created under Section 8 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Disaster management is coordinated and monitored by the NEC.
  • Besides the Union Home Secretary, the member of the committee is a Secretary from Ministries and Departments with responsibility for agriculture, atomic energy, defence, drinking water, environment and forests, finance (expenditure), health, power and rural development, science and technology, space, telecommunications, urban development and water resources. In addition to his role as an ex-officio member of the Committee, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff is also a member.
  • The National Executive Committee may: 
    • Ensure that disaster management is coordinated and monitored as the supervising body.
    • Coordinate and monitor the National Policy’s implementation.
    • Prepare guidelines for the Ministry of Government of India and state governments to use in developing disaster management strategies.
    • In accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority, provide technical assistance to the State Governments and the State Authorities in developing their disaster management plans.
    • Examine the progress made in implementing the National Plan and the plans created by the Government of India’s Ministries and Departments.
    • Follow the National Authority’s instructions concerning the integration of disaster prevention and mitigation measures into the development plans and projects of the Ministries or Departments.
    • Provide oversight, coordination, and directives to departments and ministries in the mitigation and preparedness of disasters.
    • Provide direction as necessary for enhancing the readiness of all levels of government for responding to disaster situations or disasters that may threaten them.
    • Manage and develop a disaster management training program for employees, volunteers, and members of different levels of leadership.
    • Prepare a coordinated response for any threatening disaster situation.
    • If a threatening disaster situation or disaster occurs, there should be guidelines or instructions regarding the steps to be taken by the concerned ministries or departments of the Government of India and the state governments.
    • A department or agency of the government may provide men or resources for emergency response, rescue, and relief to the National Authority or State Authorities as they are available.
    • Aid, assist and coordinate with Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, State Authorities, Statutory Bodies, and other governmental and non-governmental organisations involved in disaster management.
    • Provide the State Authorities and District Authorities with technical assistance or advice to enable them to perform their duties under this Act.
    • General disaster management education and awareness should be promoted.
    • Assist the National Authority with other tasks as may be required.