While the primary responsibility of disaster management rests with the States, the Central Government supports the efforts of State Governments by providing logistical and financial support.

On behalf of the Central Government, DM Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs co-ordinates with disaster affected State Government(s), concerned line ministries/departments, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the Directorate General of Fire Services, Home Guards and Civil Defence, and Armed Forces for effective disaster risk reduction. The Division is responsible for legislation, policy, capacity building, prevention, mitigation, response and long term rehabilitation. Major responsibilities of the Disaster Management Division, MHA are as follows:

• Resource mobilization for relief and response to natural disasters except drought, hail storms, cold and frost waves and pest attack.
• Operation of control room and situation reports.
• Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems.
• Matters related to State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response Fund.
• Matters related to State Disaster Mitigation Fund and National Disaster Mitigation Fund.
• All matters related to disaster response, preparedness, prevention, mitigation and capacity building.
• International cooperation in disaster management.
• Post-disaster/long term rehabilitation and reconstruction.
• All administrative and budget matters related to NDMA, NDRF, NIDM and NDRF Academy.
• Strengthening of fire and emergency services.
• All matters related to Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards including Director General of (Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards) and National Fire Service College (NFSC).
• Administration of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• Provides secretarial support to NEC, HLC and NPDRR.
• Matters related to International Organisation like CDRI.