Sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005

Section 21 - Constitution of sub-committees by State Executive Committee

Meaning: Section 21 authorises the State Executive Committee to create one or more sub-committees whenever needed for efficient discharge of its functions. The chairperson of each such sub-committee is appointed from among the members of the State Executive Committee. Experts associated with a sub-committee may receive allowances as prescribed by the State Government.

Statutory provisions

(1) The State Executive Committee may, as and when it considers necessary, constitute one or more sub-committees for efficient discharge of its functions.

(2) The State Executive Committee shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of a sub-committee constituted under sub-section (1).

(3) A person associated as an expert with a sub-committee may be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government.

Section 22 - Functions of the State Executive Committee

Meaning: Section 22 makes the State Executive Committee the State-level coordinating and monitoring body for implementation of the National Plan and the State Plan. Its functions cover prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, technical assistance, communications, drills and coordination among State departments, District Authorities, local authorities and other bodies.

(1) The State Executive Committee is responsible for implementing the National Plan and the State Plan and acts as the coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management in the State.

(2) Without limiting that general responsibility, the Committee may:

1. coordinate and monitor implementation of the National Policy, National Plan and State Plan;
2. examine vulnerability of different parts of the State to different forms of disasters and specify prevention or mitigation measures;
3. lay down guidelines for disaster management plans of State Government departments and District Authorities;
4. monitor implementation of those disaster management plans;
5. monitor implementation of State Authority guidelines for integrating prevention and mitigation measures into development plans and projects;
6. evaluate preparedness at governmental and non-governmental levels and issue directions where necessary to enhance preparedness;
7. coordinate response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster;
8. give directions to State Government departments or other authorities or bodies regarding response action;
9. promote education, awareness and community training concerning disaster risks, prevention, mitigation and response;
10. advise, assist and coordinate State departments, District Authorities, statutory bodies and governmental and non-governmental organisations engaged in disaster management;
11. provide technical assistance or advice to District Authorities and local authorities;
12. advise the State Government on financial matters relating to disaster management;
13. examine construction in a local area and, where prescribed disaster-prevention standards are not followed, direct the District Authority or local authority to secure compliance;
14. provide information to the National Authority on different aspects of disaster management;
15. lay down, review and update State-level response plans and guidelines and ensure district-level plans are prepared, reviewed and updated;
16. ensure communication systems are in order and disaster-management drills are conducted periodically; and
17. perform other functions assigned by the State Authority or considered necessary.

Section 23 - State Plan

Meaning: Section 23 requires a disaster management plan for every State. Under the amended framework, the State Executive Committee prepares the State Plan in consultation with relevant stakeholders, and the State Authority approves it. The Plan identifies disaster risks, prevention and mitigation measures, preparedness and capacity-building measures, response arrangements and departmental responsibilities.

(1) Every State shall have a disaster management plan known as the State Disaster Management Plan.

(2) The State Plan is prepared by the State Executive Committee having regard to guidelines laid down by the National Authority and after consultation with local authorities, District Authorities and people's representatives as considered appropriate.

(3) The State Plan prepared by the State Executive Committee is approved by the State Authority.

(4) The State Plan addresses matters including vulnerability and risk, prevention and mitigation, integration of mitigation into development, capacity-building and preparedness, and the roles and responsibilities of State Government departments for prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response.

(5) The Plan is subject to periodic review and updating in accordance with the current Act.

(6) The State Government must make appropriate financial provision for measures to be carried out under the State Plan.

(7) The State Plan is to be made available to State Government departments, which must prepare their departmental plans consistently with it.

Important: Because Section 23 has been affected by the 2025 amendments, readers should refer to the current consolidated official text for the exact operative wording and amendment notes.