By IANS,
New Delhi: The union cabinet Thursday approved the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) which will provide the framework for handling disasters in a holistic manner.
“The NPDM has been prepared in tune with and in pursuance of the Disaster Management Act, 2005,” said an official statement here.
The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“NPDM covers all aspects of disaster management – institutional, legal and financial arrangements, disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness, techno-legal regime, response, relief and rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery, capacity development, knowledge management and research and development,” the statement said.
The policy is aimed at bringing in transparency and accountability in all aspects of disaster management through involvement of community, community based organisations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, local bodies and civil society.
“It addresses the concerns of all the sections of the society including differently abled persons, women, children and other disadvantaged groups. In terms of grant of relief and formulating measures for rehabilitation of the affected persons due to disasters, the issue of equity/inclusiveness has been accorded due consideration,” the statement said.