The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the “Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States” with a budget of Rs. 5,000 Crore. This scheme aims to enhance and modernize fire services across the states, emphasizing the vision of achieving “zero death” and minimal property loss during disasters.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objective of the “Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States” is to expand and modernize fire services at the state level, ensuring preparedness and capacity building through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). By strengthening fire services, the scheme aims to minimize casualties and property damage during disasters.
Key Points about the Scheme
- The scheme was announced by the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation during a meeting in New Delhi, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of achieving “zero death” during disasters. Out of the total budget of Rs. 5,000 Crore, Rs. 500 Crore has been allocated to incentivize states based on their implementation of legal and infrastructure-related reforms.
- To seek funds under the scheme, state governments need to contribute 25% of the total project cost from their own budgetary resources. However, the contribution is reduced to 10% for the North-Eastern and Himalayan (NEH) states. This ensures the active participation of states in the expansion and modernization of their fire services.
- The scheme is a result of the recommendations made by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC). The commission proposed an allocation of 12.5% from both the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the Preparedness and Capacity Building Funding Window. Out of the total NDRF corpus, an amount of Rs. 5,000 Crore was earmarked specifically for the priority of “Expanding and Modernization of Fire Services.”
- It is important to note that there will be no spill-over for the liabilities committed for the projects sanctioned against the earmarked allocation beyond the award period. This ensures timely implementation and accountability for the sanctioned projects.
About NDRF and its Role
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a dedicated disaster response force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Established in 2006, it operates under the guidance of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and is headquartered in New Delhi. The NDMA formulates policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
- The NDRF plays a crucial role in responding to various natural and man-made disasters across the country. In the context of the “Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services,” the NDRF supports preparedness and capacity building initiatives by allocating funds from its corpus. This financial assistance aims to enhance fire services, improve response capabilities, and minimize the impact of disasters on lives and property.