NDMA & NDRF Framework — Set 1

Correct Answer: C. 2009

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2009 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is the apex body responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management in India. The NDMA functions under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of India.

Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister of India

The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This arrangement reflects the high priority given to disaster management at the national level. The NDMA consists of the Prime Minister and up to nine other members nominated by the PM.

Correct Answer: C. 9

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) can have up to nine members in addition to the Chairman (Prime Minister). These members are nominated by the Prime Minister and typically include senior government officials and experts in disaster management. One of the members is designated as Vice-Chairperson of the NDMA.

Correct Answer: C. 2005

The Disaster Management Act was enacted in 2005, following the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami which exposed the lack of a comprehensive legal framework for disaster management in India. The Act provides for the establishment of NDMA, SDMAs, and DDMAs at national, state, and district levels. It also mandates the creation of the National Disaster Management Plan and provides for disaster relief funds.

Correct Answer: C. 16

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) consists of 16 battalions deployed across India for disaster response operations. These battalions are drawn from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and NSG. Each battalion has approximately 1,149 personnel trained in various aspects of disaster response.

Correct Answer: C. New Delhi

The Headquarters of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is located in New Delhi. The NDRF was constituted under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and became operational from 2006. It is a specialized force for multi-hazard disaster response and its battalions are pre-positioned at strategic locations across India.

Correct Answer: C. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)

NDRF battalions are drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and NSG. Personnel from these forces are selected, trained, and equipped for disaster response operations. This arrangement ensures that NDRF has a disciplined, trained manpower base with established command structures.

Correct Answer: C. Disaster Management Act 2005

The Disaster Management Act 2005 provides the legal framework for the establishment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Section 44 of the Act specifically mandates the constitution of NDRF for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster. The Act also defines the roles, powers, and functioning of NDRF.

Correct Answer: C. Chief Minister

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is headed by the Chief Minister of the respective state. The SDMA is the apex body at the state level for disaster management and is constituted under Section 14 of the Disaster Management Act 2005. It lays down policies and plans for disaster management in the state and coordinates their enforcement and implementation.

Correct Answer: A. District Magistrate/Collector

The District Magistrate or Collector chairs the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) at the district level. The DDMA is constituted under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and acts as the planning, coordinating, and implementing body for disaster management at the district level. The Chairperson of the Zila Parishad is the co-chairperson of the DDMA.