INPUTS FOR MOD WEBSITE : MILITARY OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE
AID TO CIVIL AUTHORITY
GENERAL
1. Apart from their main responsibility of defending the borders of the country, the Armed
Forces render assistance to civil authority, when called upon to do so, for the maintenance of law
and order, maintenance of essential services, disaster relief and other types of assistance.
MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER
2. The Indian Army has always responded with requisite alacrity and professionalism to
numerous requests for assistance. In the recent past, notable instances are as under :-
(a) Leh. Army assistance in maintenance of law and order was requisitioned by the
civil administration at Leh on 07 February 06. A total of 15 columns were requisitioned by
the civil administration and were deployed at Leh and Kargil, to restore normalcy.
(b) Vadodara . Consequent to the upsurge of communal violence in Vadodara on 03
May 06, the District Authorities requisitioned for Army assistance. Four Army columns ex
Vadodara and Ahmedabad were deployed in Mandvi – Fathepura and Ravpura for
maintenance of law and order. The columns were derequisitioned on 12 May 06.
MAINTENANCE OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES
3. Due to general strike by Government medical officers of Maharashtra, civil adminstration of
Pune requested for 20 doctors to deal with serious cases on 08 March 06. The aid was provided as
requested.
DISASTER RELIEF
4. Preamble. The major calamities that have struck the Indian sub-continent during the last
decade, have underscored the need to adopt a multi-dimensional, multi-disciplinary and multi-
sectoral approach to disaster management. Within the ambit of this approach, the Armed
Forces constitute a significant and potent entity available with the Central Government, for
disaster response and relief. As part of the Armed Forces, the Army, by virtue of its organisational
strength, motivation, discipline and operational preparedness, has always risen to the
occasion, earning the appreciation of the environment for it’s singular contribution.
5. Attributes. The following attributes make the Army a potent instrument for disaster
relief :-
(a) It is suitably poised for rapid response and for mobilising self-contained,
composite task forces to any part of the country, even overseas, in conjunction with the
Navy and Air Force.
(b) It is structured, organised and managed to provide support for a full range of
public relief services.
Role and Employment of the Army in Disaster Management
6. Over the years, the scope of Army’s role in disaster management has enlarged
gradually. It is invariably the first responder in disaster situations. The Disaster Management Act
of 2005 has ensured that the Army’s role in disaster response remain focussed on critical
issues, with optimal utilisation of dedicated resources.
