Bill on disaster management gets Lok Sabha nod after 3-hour debate | India News

NEW DELHI: Disaster Management Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday. It followed more than three hours of discussion on the bill, which was introduced by minister of state for home Nityanand Rai.
In a post on X, home minister Amit Shah hailed passing of the bill and said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Modi ji for this landmark move. The game-changing provisions of the law will serve as a fresh impetus to Modi ji’s vision to build a disaster-resilient Bharat by empowering our response forces to shield our citizens from any kind of calamity. The bill makes way for the security of every citizen by prioritising a proactive approach to disaster management over a reactive one.”
Participating in the debate on the bill, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said the amended bill added to problem of multiplicity of authority. She also criticised govt for neglecting states in approving funds, as demanded, during recent disasters.
The bill introduces urban disaster management authorities, focusing on local response systems, thereby enhancing safety and creating jobs in hazard monitoring and emergency response.
TMC’s Saugata Roy raised the issue of absence of senior ministers during the debate. And Congress’ G K Padavi said that govt should explain the legislative intent of bringing this bill.