The bill seeks to amend the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005.

• The bill aims to mainstream disaster management in development plans, aligning with recommendations of 15th Finance Commission.

Key changes in Bill:

• Preparation of  plan: Transfers disaster plan responsibilities from executive committees to  National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA).
• Additional Functions of NDMA and SDMA: Adds certain functions at their respective levels like, Assess disaster risks,Provide technical assistance,Recommend relief guidelines etc.
• State and national disaster database: Will contain information on type and severity of disaster risks, Allocation of funds etc.
• Urban DM authorities: Bill empowers state government to constitute a separate Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capitals and cities with a municipal corporation.
• Formation of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF): Bill empowers state government to constitute a SDRF and define its functions and terms of service.
• National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High Level Committee (HLC): Bill provides statutory status to NCMC and HLC.
• NCMC will function as nodal body for major disasters while HLC will provide financial assistance to state governments during disasters.