Debate With Arnab: Amit Shah's Powerful Rajya Sabha Speech on Disaster Management Bill 2024

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah emphasizing the Modi government's proactive and innovative approach to disaster management. He highlighted that the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, efficiency, and cooperation among the Centre, State governments, Panchayats, and citizens. Rejecting concerns about centralization of power, Amit Shah asserted that the amendment strengthens local institutions like the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) under state control. He also noted that the government is focusing on zero casualties during disasters, a significant shift from the previous approach of minimizing casualties.

Amit Shah underlined that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as a global leader in disaster management. He cited the ten-point agenda for disaster risk reduction presented by Modi Ji, which has been accepted by over 40 countries. The amendment bill incorporates 89% of the suggestions from various stakeholders, including state governments and international organizations, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to managing modern disaster challenges. Amit Shah highlighted that compared to the previous regime, the Modi government has significantly increased financial support to states for disaster relief and has even provided more than the prescribed amount through the National Disaster Response Fund.

Addressing the evolving nature of disasters due to factors like climate change and urbanization, Amit Shah stressed the need for updated methods, systems, and empowered institutions. He highlighted India’s successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rapid development and distribution of vaccines. The bill focuses on enhancing disaster response capacity, improving coordination, and ensuring better preparedness at all levels of governance. Amit Shah also criticized the previous regime for diverting disaster relief funds to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, contrasting it with the current government's commitment to fair and increased financial support for disaster management.