The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, March 25, passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by voice vote, despite strong opposition from various political parties over concerns of centralisation and alleged political bias in disaster relief efforts.

The Bill, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of disaster management authorities at the national and state levels, was earlier approved by the Lok Sabha on December 1.

During the debate in the upper house, opposition MPs proposed multiple amendments, all of which were rejected by the government.

While opposition parties accused the Centre of favouritism in disaster response and weakening federalism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Bill, asserting that it would empower states and improve disaster preparedness.

Concerns Over Federalism and Centralisation

Several opposition leaders voiced concerns that the Bill grants excessive powers to the Union government, thereby diminishing the role of state governments in disaster management.

The creation of a new Urban Disaster Management Authority, which would have authority over the existing District Disaster Management Authority, was also met with scepticism.

Congress MP Neeraj Dangi criticized the Bill, calling it “an attack on federalism” and local governance. He warned that the proposed high-level committee could delay disaster responses and that the legislation could lead to BJP-led states receiving a disproportionate share of relief funds.

He also cited past incidents where states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had to approach the Supreme Court to secure disaster relief funds.

“This Bill ensures that the National Executive Committee is controlled solely by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which raises concerns over bias in disaster response,” he added.

Government’s Justification and Defence

In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed allegations that the Bill undermines federalism, asserting that the question of centralising state powers “does not arise”.

He argued that the legislation strengthens coordination between the Centre, states, and even local panchayats, ensuring a multi-dimensional approach to disaster management.

“We must move from manual monitoring to AI-driven real-time tracking, from radio-based alerts to digital and mobile notifications, and from a government-led approach to one that includes citizens,” Shah said.

He also stressed on the need for technological advancements in disaster response, citing climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events as reasons for modernising the legal framework.

The Union government, he claimed, had engaged with state governments, Union territories, and international organisations before drafting the Bill.

“We are adopting the latest global best practices to tackle disasters more effectively,” he stated.

After Shah’s address, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh conducted a clause-by-clause vote, following which the Bill was passed. Despite opposition protests, the ruling government secured its approval, setting the stage for a revised national disaster management framework.

With the Bill now cleared by both houses of Parliament, it awaits presidential assent before becoming law.