Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction (30-40 Words)

• Start by briefly introducing the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in disaster management.
• Highlight the significance of local bodies in disaster response, emphasizing their proximity to the community.
• Mention that despite their critical role, PRIs face challenges in managing disasters effectively.

Fact: According to UNICEF, India is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries, with frequent natural hazards. Thus, local bodies like PRIs are critical in disaster management (UNICEF).

2. Challenges Faced by PRIs in Disaster Management (100-120 Words)

Discuss the specific challenges faced by PRIs in disaster management:

• Lack of Clarity in Roles and Responsibilities:
  • While the National Disaster Management Act (2005) gives a framework for disaster management, the exact roles of PRIs are not defined clearly. This results in a lack of authority and inefficiency in managing disasters.
  • Fact: Powers and responsibilities of Panchayats are often left undefined, causing confusion among local officials.
• Insufficient Devolution of Powers:
  • Many states do not adequately devolve power or resources to PRIs, making it difficult for local bodies to act independently during a disaster.
  • Fact: Low devolution results in PRIs having limited capacity and resources for disaster management.
• Limited Funding:
  • PRIs are often bypassed by state-level agencies and don’t receive adequate financial support, which restricts their ability to carry out disaster relief work.
  • Fact: Inadequate funds hinder PRIs’ ability to perform their duties efficiently during a disaster.
• Lack of Training and Capacity Building:
  • Elected representatives and functionaries are often not trained in disaster response protocols.
  • Fact: Lack of disaster management training is a significant barrier to effective disaster response at the local level.

3. Role of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Disaster Management Plan (100-120 Words)

Explain how the Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Disaster Management Plan can address these challenges:

• Institutional Arrangement:
  • The plan proposes the establishment of village committees and Panchayat-level disaster management working groups for better planning, coordination, and monitoring.
  • Fact: These committees will help streamline disaster management at the grassroots level.
• Mainstreaming Community-Based Disaster Management Plans:
  • Each village will have a Village Disaster Management Plan (VDMP), which will be integrated into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and extended to the Block and District Development Plans.
  • Fact: This will ensure disaster preparedness across different administrative levels.
• Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Mapping:
  • The plan calls for hazard risk, vulnerability, and capacity mapping for each Panchayat to prepare for natural disasters.
  • Fact: Risk mapping helps identify areas prone to disasters like floods, cyclones, and earthquakes.
• Socially Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction:
  • The plan includes the integration of vulnerable groups like children, the disabled, and marginalized communities, ensuring no one is left behind in disaster management strategies.
  • Fact: The plan aims to make disaster management inclusive for all social groups.
• Capacity Building and Training:
  • It emphasizes providing disaster management training to PRI members and community volunteers to build capacity at the local level.
  • Fact: This will enhance the disaster response capabilities of PRIs.
• Coordination and Convergence:
  • The plan advocates for coordination with various disaster management agencies (NDMA, DMAs) and convergence with ongoing government schemes like Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
  • Fact: Effective coordination will strengthen the overall disaster management framework.

4. Conclusion (30-40 Words)

• Conclude by summarizing how the Ministry’s Disaster Management Plan addresses the core challenges faced by PRIs.
• Emphasize that empowering PRIs with adequate resources, clarity, training, and community participation is essential for improving disaster response at the grassroots level.
• Suggest that a robust framework at the Panchayat level can help reduce disaster vulnerabilities and ensure timely recovery.

Relevant Facts and Sources:

• UNICEF: India is one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, with recurrent natural hazards across States and Union Territories (UNICEF India).
• National Disaster Management Act (2005): While the Act provides a framework, it leaves the roles of Panchayats unclear, which is problematic for local-level disaster response (Ministry of Home Affairs).
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Disaster Management Plan:
  • Institutional arrangements like village committees and Panchayat working groups (MoPR).
  • Socially inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies for vulnerable groups like sexual minorities, SC/ST, and specially-abled persons.
  • Emphasis on training, mapping vulnerabilities, and financial convergence with national and state schemes (MoPR Disaster Management Plan).

This roadmap will help you structure your answer logically, ensuring you cover all necessary aspects of the question, backed by relevant facts and sources.