The particulars of any arrangement for consultation with, or representation by, the public in relation to the formulation of GSDMA policy or its implementation

In any policy decision concerning the public or other stakeholders, a participatory approach is used — through committees where representation is provided, or through workshops and discussions where views are elicited formally and informally.

7.1 People's Participation in Disaster Management

The Authority's main work areas are disaster preparedness and mitigation, which cannot be achieved without people's participation. Accordingly:

• The Authority undertakes continuous programmes of community education and training.
• The Authority prepares village-level disaster management teams and plans in consultation with, and through the active participation of, villagers.

7.2 Representation by members of the public

The Governing Body is the apex forum for deciding the Authority's functions. The Chief Minister and two Ministers from the Council of Ministers are members of the Governing Body, giving the Authority unique representation of elected members in policy formulation and implementation.

7.3 Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

PRIs are dominant stakeholders in disaster management, especially for relief distribution and recovery. Elected PRI members are represented on district, taluka and village-level disaster management committees, which also ensure representation of weaker sections. Plans, policies and programmes are discussed at regular Gram Sabha meetings, and village disaster management teams prepare and implement village disaster management plans under government guidance.

7.4 Expectations from the public

The GSDM Act, 2003 (Chapter XII, Sections 28–31) sets out expectations of community groups and the public in disaster management:

Community and youth organizations (e.g. NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra) may:

• Assist the State Government, the Authority, the Commissioner and the Collector in disaster management activities;
• Participate in capacity-building, vulnerability-reduction programmes and training;
• Assist in relief operations under the Commissioner's and Collector's supervision;
• Assist in damage assessment, reconstruction and rehabilitation per the Authority's guidelines; and
• Provide such other assistance as may be necessary for disaster management.

Every factory registered under the Factories Act, 1948 shall:

• Assist the State Government, Commissioner and Collector in disaster management activities;
• Ensure staff are adequately trained and resources are ready to use;
• Ensure buildings and structures comply with specifications set by Government/the Authority;
• Carry out relief operations under supervision; assist in damage assessment and reconstruction;
• Prepare and effectively implement a disaster management plan consistent with local and departmental plans;
• Provide such other assistance and take such other steps as necessary for disaster management. Each private and public sector entity must similarly provide assistance.

Voluntary agencies and NGOs may:

• Participate in capacity-building, vulnerability-reduction and training activities;
• Assist in relief operations under Government/Commissioner/Collector supervision;
• Assist in damage assessment, reconstruction and rehabilitation per Authority guidelines;
• Provide other necessary assistance for effective disaster management.

Every citizen has a duty to assist the Commissioner, Collector or any person engaged in disaster management when required, particularly for prevention, response, warning, emergency operations, evacuation and recovery.