Disaster Management – Delhi Government Approves Major Salary Increase for Disaster Response Staff
Disaster Management – The Delhi government has approved a significant revision in the remuneration of key personnel working under the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority, marking an important step towards improving the state’s disaster preparedness and response system.
The Delhi government has announced a substantial increase in the remuneration of employees serving under the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority (DSDMA), including Project Officers (POs), District Project Officers (DPOs), and Project Coordinators (PCs). According to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the revised payment structure is intended to strengthen the capital’s disaster management framework while recognising the contribution of professionals who have continued to serve without any revision in their remuneration since their appointments began in 2009.
Long-awaited revision after 16 years
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the revised remuneration will provide eligible personnel with an increase of up to 100 percent. She said the move corrects a long-standing imbalance, as these officers have remained on the same remuneration package for nearly 16 years despite the steady rise in their workload and the growing complexity of disaster management responsibilities.
The positions were introduced in 2009 with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). However, since their creation, the remuneration remained unchanged, even as inflation increased and disaster preparedness became a more demanding and technology-driven field requiring greater coordination and planning.
Existing payment structure remained unchanged
Before the latest revision, Project Officers and District Project Officers were receiving a monthly remuneration of ₹25,000, while Project Coordinators were paid ₹20,000 per month. Unlike regular government employees, these positions were not linked to any standard government pay scale or equivalent service category. As a result, the employees did not receive periodic salary revisions or Dearness Allowance (DA), leaving their compensation unchanged for more than a decade and a half.
The Chief Minister said the revised remuneration structure has been approved after considering these long-pending concerns. She described the decision as an effort to establish a fair and competitive compensation system rather than treating it as a one-time financial benefit.
Officers handle critical disaster management responsibilities
Officials working under DSDMA perform responsibilities assigned under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Their work extends beyond administrative functions and includes preparing district disaster management plans, conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerable locations and communities, and developing measures to reduce disaster-related risks.
These officers also coordinate emergency response activities among multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the Health Department, and other government organisations. They oversee the functioning of Emergency Operation Centres and ensure timely coordination during emergencies.
Focus on preparedness and capacity building
Apart from emergency response planning, the personnel regularly organise training programmes, conduct mock drills, and help improve disaster preparedness across departments and institutions. Their role also includes strengthening the capabilities of various stakeholders so that emergency situations can be managed more effectively and with better coordination.
The Delhi government believes that the revised remuneration framework will help retain experienced professionals, improve motivation among disaster management staff, and contribute to building a stronger and more efficient emergency response system capable of addressing future challenges.