By IANS,
New Delhi : India could face problems of coordination among various institutions in the country that are responsible for providing relief to people in the aftermath of a disaster, experts said Thursday.
“If compared to the best standards in the world, there is utter lack of coordination in India that defeats the purpose (of providing relief),” said Satyabrata Pal, member National Human Rights Commission, during the release of Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response.
The charter was prepared by the Sphere Project, a coalition of over 40 worldwide NGOs dealing with disaster relief and preparedness. “These standards are the benchmark for ensuring effective humanitarian assistance to people in need around the world,” said N.M. Prusty, chairperson Sphere India.
A number of emerging issues like cash transfers, civil-military relations, early recovery of services and livelihoods were included in the guidelines, Prusty said, adding: “It will help promote quality and accountability during humanitarian crisis.”
However, the guidelines will be of no use unless awareness among vulnerable people is increased, Pal said.
National Disaster Management Authority member Muzaffar Ahmad said the government has taken various initiatives and India will be fully prepared in all aspects of disaster preparedness very soon.