The Delhi government has announced a major pay revision for disaster-management staff, marking the first increase in 16 years. Their last hike was in 2009, when project officers and district project officers were set at Rs 25,000 per month, and project coordinators at Rs 20,000. These roles were created in 2009 with the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) but were never tied to government pay scales, meaning staff missed out on regular revisions and allowances. The new decision raises remuneration by up to 100 per cent, directly benefiting personnel working under the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority.
These officers carry out essential statutory duties under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Their responsibilities include preparing district-level disaster plans, conducting scientific risk assessments, identifying vulnerable populations and sensitive areas, and designing risk-reduction strategies. They also coordinate across departments and manage Emergency Operation Centres during crises. Beyond immediate disaster response, they run training programmes, organise large-scale mock drills, and strengthen the capacity of institutions and communities to handle emergencies.
The pay revision is being presented as long-overdue recognition of their critical role. For 16 years, despite handling frontline responsibilities in disaster preparedness and response, their pay remained stagnant. The new hike is expected to improve morale and acknowledge the importance of their work in safeguarding Delhi against risks ranging from natural calamities to public emergencies. In effect, the government has moved to align compensation more closely with the weight of their duties, ensuring that those who plan, train, and coordinate disaster response finally see financial justice after years of neglect.