National Disaster Management Authority
Also called: NDMA · Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the top body for disaster management in India. It was set up under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and is chaired by the Prime Minister. It lays down policies, plans and guidelines for dealing with disasters. It works with State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Having the PM as chair shows how seriously disaster planning is treated at the national level.
Example
The NDMA issues national guidelines on preparing for disasters. SDMAs and DDMAs then turn these into plans for their own states and districts. A 2025 amendment to the DM Act gave legal backing to the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level Committee (HLC). Check the current status of this amendment.
Don't confuse with
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): the trained force that does rescue and relief work on the ground. The NDMA makes the policies and plans. It is not a rescue force.
Related concepts
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Central Consumer Protection Authority
- Central Pollution Control Board
- National Medical Commission
- University Grants Commission
- Bar Council of India