Parliament approves changes in Disaster Management Act

Parliament on Tuesday passed amendments to the Disaster Management Act, 2024, with Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that there will be no centralization of powers or discrimination with states in handling disasters.

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Replying to the debate on the bill in the Rajya Sabha, Shah launched a sharp attack on the Congress party's past management of the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, alleging a lack of accountability and transparency during the previous UPA regime.

"This bill ensures transparency, trust, credibility and accountability," he said and asserted that the amendments to the Act take forward the fight against disaster from a "reactive approach to proactive and innovative approach".

Listing various initiatives, he said that India is now well regarded in handling disasters and the world is recognizing its capabilities.

The amendment bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha in December 2024, was cleared by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha, with several opposition-moved amendments being negated by the Upper House. About 24 members participated in the debate on the amendment bill.

Shah assured the Upper House and the state governments that there would not be "centralization of power".

"Our fight against disasters cannot be done without strengthening the institutions. Unless the institutions are made more accountable and responsible. If one looks at the bill, you will find we have done both things," he said.

The amendments were needed to tackle the new kinds of disasters emerging in the wake of global warming and climate change, he said.