15 marks
250 words
Examine
India’s approach to disaster management has shifted from relief-centric to a proactive, holistic model. Examine with reference to recent frameworks.
Decoding the directive: “Examine”
Test the “shift” claim against actual frameworks and institutions, then judge how complete the shift is.
What UPSC is really asking
Show the paradigm shift from post-disaster relief to prevention, mitigation and preparedness — DM Act 2005, NDMA, Sendai Framework alignment, and gaps in implementation at state/local levels.
Dimensions the examiner expects
Cover these dimensions
- Old vs. new paradigm — relief-centric to preventive
- Institutional framework — DM Act 2005, NDMA/SDMA/DDMA
- Global alignment — Sendai Framework 2015–30; PM’s 10-point agenda
- Gaps — local capacity, early warning, urban flooding
- Way forward
Concepts & keywords to name
Use the right vocabulary
- Disaster Management Act 2005 — statutory architecture
- NDMA — apex body chaired by the PM
- Sendai Framework — prevention over response
- CDRI — Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (India-led)
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t do this
- Only listing recent disasters instead of the framework shift
- No mention of Sendai or the DM Act
- Ignoring the local/DDMA capacity gap
Quick hints before you write
Structuring tips
- Frame the answer around the paradigm shift explicitly.
- Use Sendai’s four priorities as a ready structure.
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