Two NDRF battalions to be raised, as part of NDMA revamp: Rajnath Singh

NDMA has been undergoing a revamp, ever since the NDA government came to power

The NDMA revamp that was announced by the newly formed NDA government has almost been completed, said Home Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing a function organised on the occasion of the foundation day of NDMA

 

As a recent part of the restructuring process, the government has decided to raise two new NDRF battalions, to respond to the rescue of disaster-hit people.

 

Singh said that the decision to raise two new battalions (approx 2,000 personnel) of NDRF has been taken realising the role the force has been playing in rescue of disaster-hit people and distributing relief during natural calamities

 

The NDMA has been facing critical vacancies since the NDA came to power, after their top management, appointed by the UPA government, including the vice chairman submitted their resignations. 

 

As part of the revamp, the government has already downgraded the posts of the Vice-Chairman of NDMA from the rank of Union Cabinet Minister to the Cabinet Secretary.

 

The status of the members of the NDMA has also been reduced from the rank of the Union Minister of State to the Secretary of the Union government.

 

The Prime Minister is the Chairman of the NDMA.

 

Referring to the total collapse of communication network during recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Minister said a new uninterrupted communication network will be set up in the country for smooth functioning during emergency situation.

 

"A new mechanism is being developed and we will soon come up with a new uninterrupted communication network," he said.

 

In a recent meeting with the Department of Telecommunication, the Home Minister had directed to setup a robust communication system that would withstand natural disasters by a greater degree.

 

A committee had been set up in the Department of Technology which will submit its report within two months for improving communication network during disasters.