Talk about India’s catastrophe management at the federal, state, and local levels. (200 Words) [UPPSC 2020]
Analysis of Government of India's 'Agniveer' Plan Overview: The 'Agniveer' plan, launched in 2022, is an innovative recruitment scheme for the Indian Armed Forces, aimed at modernizing the defense forces by employing younger personnel for a short tenure of four years. Relevance to India's Defense NeRead more
Analysis of Government of India’s ‘Agniveer’ Plan
Overview: The ‘Agniveer’ plan, launched in 2022, is an innovative recruitment scheme for the Indian Armed Forces, aimed at modernizing the defense forces by employing younger personnel for a short tenure of four years.
Relevance to India’s Defense Needs:
- Youthful Workforce: The plan aims to recruit younger individuals, enhancing the operational efficiency and adaptability of the armed forces with modern technology and tactics.
- Cost Efficiency: By reducing the long-term pension burden and employing personnel on a contractual basis, it addresses financial sustainability and optimizes defense expenditure.
- Skill Development: Agniveers will receive training and skills that can benefit them in civilian careers, aiding in post-service integration.
- Strategic Flexibility: It allows for quicker adaptation to emerging threats and enhances the strategic responsiveness of the armed forces.
Challenges:
- Retention Issues: The short tenure may affect experience accumulation and unit cohesion.
- Training Costs: High initial investment in training might be a concern if personnel leave after four years.
In conclusion, the ‘Agniveer’ plan aligns with India’s evolving defense needs but requires careful management to address potential challenges related to retention and training costs.
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Disaster Management in India at the Centre, State, and District Levels Introduction: India, being prone to various natural and man-made disasters, has established a comprehensive disaster management framework involving the Centre, State, and District levels. This multi-tiered approach ensures effectRead more
Disaster Management in India at the Centre, State, and District Levels
Introduction: India, being prone to various natural and man-made disasters, has established a comprehensive disaster management framework involving the Centre, State, and District levels. This multi-tiered approach ensures effective coordination and quick response during disasters.
**1. Central Level: At the central level, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is the apex body responsible for disaster management. Chaired by the Prime Minister, the NDMA formulates policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management in the country. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a specialized force under NDMA, is deployed for search, rescue, and relief operations during disasters. For example, the NDRF played a crucial role during the 2020 Amphan Cyclone in West Bengal, conducting massive rescue operations.
**2. State Level: At the state level, each state has a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), chaired by the Chief Minister. The SDMA is responsible for preparing state disaster management plans, coordinating with the NDMA, and ensuring the implementation of disaster management policies at the state level. For instance, during the 2018 Kerala floods, the SDMA coordinated with various agencies to execute rescue and relief operations effectively.
**3. District Level: At the district level, disaster management is overseen by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), chaired by the District Collector. The DDMA is the first responder during disasters and is responsible for the implementation of disaster management plans at the district level. The DDMA coordinates with local agencies, NGOs, and community groups to manage disasters. For example, during the 2021 Chamoli flash floods in Uttarakhand, the DDMA played a critical role in evacuating people and providing immediate relief.
Recent Example: The COVID-19 pandemic saw coordinated efforts at all three levels. The NDMA issued national guidelines, state governments imposed localized restrictions, and district authorities managed containment zones, ensuring a unified response to the crisis.
Conclusion: India’s disaster management framework is a well-structured system involving the Centre, State, and District levels. The coordination among these levels ensures that disasters are managed effectively, minimizing loss of life and property. Continuous training, technological advancements, and community participation are essential to strengthen this framework further.
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