Aapda Mitra Scheme

Aapda Mitra scheme is a central sector scheme for training the volunteers in disaster response. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the implementing agency for this scheme. On September 28, 2021, marking the occasion of foundation day of NDMA, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that NDMA will soon start the Aapda Mitra scheme in 350 districts of the country. Under this scheme more than one lakh young volunteers will be trained for taking responsive relief and rescue actions in case of natural disasters. This scheme was earlier started in May 2016. It was started to train the community volunteer in disaster response in 30 selected flood prone districts of 25 stated of India. It was in operation till December, 2020.This scheme tends to be of great help to the community as a whole.

Scheme Overview:

Scheme Objectives and Benefits:

• The main objective of this scheme is to provide assistance to the society in emergency situations of natural calamities.
• Trainers will provide training to the volunteers for the responsive relief and rescue actions to be taken.
• More than one lakh volunteers in 350 districts will be trained under this scheme.
• This scheme aims at development and standardization of training modules at national level.
• It aims to serve the society in difficult times.
• It tends to promote the culture of volunteerism in the country.

Scheme Details:

• Aapda Mitra scheme is central sector scheme for providing training to community volunteers in disaster response.
• Under this scheme trainers train the volunteers for taking basic responsive relief and rescue actions as per the immediate needs.
• Major rescue operations are handled by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
• Community volunteers will come in for immediate response and relief activities till the NDRF/ SDRF reach the affected areas.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that NDMA will soon start Aapda Mitra scheme in 350 districts across India.
• Government will also provide life insurance to the volunteers.
• NDMA earlier implemented this scheme since May 2016.
• It was in operation till December 2020.
• Till date 5500 Aapda Mitra and 5500 Aapda Sakhi have been trained under the scheme for responsive actions in case of calamity like flood in remote areas.
• NDMA has newly prepared guidelines for providing training for 17 types of disasters.
• Volunteers under the scheme also extended their support and efforts during covid pandemic.
• This scheme tends to provide service to the society in difficult times thereby ensuring welfare.