Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar

Introduction

The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar is a prestigious national award instituted by the Government of India to recognize excellence in disaster management. Named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a prominent freedom fighter and visionary leader, the award highlights innovative practices, commitment, and initiatives in disaster risk reduction and response.

This eBook aims to provide UPSC aspirants with a thorough understanding of the award’s significance, its role in India’s disaster management framework, and its broader implications for governance and policy.

Overview of the Award

Institution of the Award:

Established in 2018 by the Government of India to commemorate Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s contribution to nation-building.
Awarded annually on January 23, Netaji’s birth anniversary.

Objective:

To recognize individuals and institutions demonstrating exceptional work in the field of disaster management.
Encourage innovative practices and raise awareness about disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Eligibility:

Open to both individuals and organizations across India.
Contributions can include initiatives in disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, recovery, and capacity building.

Criteria and Selection Process

Evaluation Criteria:

Exceptional contributions to disaster risk reduction and resilience building.
Innovative approaches, technologies, or methodologies to address disaster challenges.
Effective leadership during disaster response operations.
Sustained efforts in community capacity-building and awareness.

Selection Process:

Nominations are invited from government and non-government organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.
Applications are scrutinized by a high-level committee chaired by the Union Home Secretary.
Recommendations are submitted to the Prime Minister for final approval.

Award Components:

Cash Prize: ₹51 lakhs for institutional awardees and ₹5 lakhs for individual awardees.
A certificate of recognition.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Legacy

Relevance to Disaster Management:

Netaji’s visionary leadership emphasized resilience, preparedness, and collective action, principles that align closely with modern disaster management.
His ideals of self-reliance and community mobilization resonate in disaster risk reduction strategies.

Inspirational Leadership:

His focus on organized effort and coordinated planning is reflected in India’s contemporary disaster response mechanisms.

Disaster Management in India

National Framework:

Governed by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Emphasizes a holistic approach, including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Key Challenges:

Increasing frequency of natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and earthquakes.
Evolving man-made threats, including industrial accidents and urban fires.
Need for advanced technology and local-level capacity building.

Role of Awards in Strengthening the Framework:

Recognizing excellence encourages innovation and sets benchmarks for others.
Brings attention to the need for community participation and technology integration.

Notable Awardees

Limited Awareness and Preparedness:

Lack of awareness in vulnerable communities increases disaster risks.

Coordination Issues:

Gaps in inter-agency coordination hinder effective response and recovery efforts.

Technological Gaps:

Limited use of advanced technologies like GIS, AI, and IoT in disaster management.

Climate Change:

Exacerbates the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, demanding innovative and sustainable solutions.

Government Initiatives and Future Directions

Key Government Initiatives:

Establishment of NDMA and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs).
Programs like the Aapda Mitra Scheme, which trains volunteers for disaster response.
Use of technology through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Future Directions:

Strengthening early warning systems and real-time data sharing.
Promoting research and capacity-building programs.
Increasing public-private partnerships for resource mobilization.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

Prelims:

Questions on the establishment and purpose of the award, key awardees, and disaster management policies.
Example Question: When was the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar instituted?

Mains (GS Paper III):

Topics like disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and governance.
Example Question: “Discuss the role of awards like the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar in fostering a culture of disaster resilience in India.” (250 words)

Essay Topics:

Role of Innovation in Disaster Management in India.
The Relevance of Community-Based Disaster Preparedness in Achieving SDGs.

Conclusion

The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar is a testament to India’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. By recognizing exemplary contributions, the award fosters innovation, collaboration, and community resilience.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding this award goes beyond its factual details, encompassing its broader implications for governance, international frameworks, and sustainable development. Aspirants must approach this topic with a holistic perspective, integrating it into discussions on disaster management and national resilience strategies.

As disasters become increasingly frequent due to climate change and urbanization, the lessons drawn from this award and its recipients will guide policymakers and communities toward a safer, more sustainable future.

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