The National Disaster Management Authority

In one line

The apex disaster authority in India is chaired by the Prime Minister, has not more than nine other members, and since 2025 must take stock of risks that have never happened.

In the wording a student can write in an examination: section 3 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 establishes the National Disaster Management Authority, consisting of a Chairperson and not more than nine other members, the Prime Minister of India being the Chairperson ex officio and the other members being nominated by him; section 4 provides for its meetings; section 5, as substituted in 2025, for its officers, employees, experts and consultants; section 6 for its powers and functions, chiefly the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management for ensuring timely and effective response to disaster; and section 7 for an advisory committee of experts.

Section 3, the composition

The Chairperson. The Prime Minister of India, ex officio.

The members. Not more than nine, nominated by the Chairperson. The Central Government may prescribe the number by rules, and unless the rules provide otherwise the composition is the Prime Minister plus not more than nine nominated members.

The Vice-Chairperson. The Prime Minister may designate one of the nominated members as Vice-Chairperson.

Sub-section (3A), inserted in 2025, and it matters. The day-to-day functions of the National Authority shall be performed by the Vice-Chairperson, and in his absence by a member designated by the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson.

That insertion is a candid piece of drafting. It says in the statute what was always true in practice: the Prime Minister cannot run a disaster authority day to day, so the Act now names who does. Before 2025 the point was left to administrative arrangement.

Term and conditions of service of members are as prescribed.

Section 4, meetings

The Authority meets as and when necessary, at such time and place as the Chairperson thinks fit; the Chairperson presides; and if he cannot attend, the Vice-Chairperson presides.

Note what is missing. There is no minimum number of meetings a year, no quorum stated in the Act, and no requirement to publish what was decided. Compare the Central Pollution Control Board, which must meet at least once in three months under section 8 of the Water Act 1974.

Section 5, the staff, as substituted in 2025

The Authority may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, specify the number, nature and category of officers and employees necessary to carry out its functions; may appoint experts and consultants; and their salaries, allowances and conditions of service are as prescribed by the Central Government.

The substitution matters in a small way. The old section provided for officers and employees. The new one adds experts and consultants, which is an acknowledgement that disaster risk assessment needs skills a Government cadre does not supply.