Patna: In a significant step toward inclusive disaster management, the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saksham, a unit under the state’s Social Welfare Department, to train people with disabilities—locally referred to as Divyangjan—in disaster risk reduction.
Under the agreement, around 400 personnel from Buniyaad Centres operated by Saksham across Bihar’s districts have already been trained as master trainers. These trainers will now lead awareness and preparedness programmes for disabled individuals, their caregivers, and educators, equipping them with critical knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergencies.
The signing ceremony, held at Sardar Patel Bhawan in Patna, saw participation from several senior officials. Mohd. Waris Khan, Secretary of BSDMA, signed the MoU on behalf of the Authority, while Mr. Harishankar Ram, Senior Administrative Officer, represented Saksham. The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Uday Kant, Vice President of BSDMA, and members of the Authority including Mr. P.N. Rai, Mr. Kaushal Kishore Mishra, Mr. Narendra Kumar Singh, and Mr. Prakash Kumar.
Officials from the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre, including Director Dr. C.N. Prabhu, and representatives from various wings of the Authority were also in attendance. As part of the initiative, Saksham will run disaster awareness and training camps through Buniyaad Centres across 101 subdivisions in the state.
Special camps—dubbed “Safe Fridays”—will be held on the second and fourth Fridays of each month in selected Panchayats. These sessions will feature mock drills led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with BSDMA covering the programme’s expenses.
Described as a landmark move, the collaboration is expected to enhance the disaster resilience of Bihar’s disabled community and foster greater participation in emergency preparedness. A seven-member committee has been formed to oversee the programme’s implementation, and the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre is developing an app to facilitate real-time monitoring and data collection.
