Explanation
- A
The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister. Option (a) states that the Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, which is correct according to the Disaster Management Act of 2005.
- B
The Home Minister
The Home Minister. Option (b) claims the Home Minister leads the NDMA, but while the Home Ministry houses the nodal disaster management division, the executive leadership of the authority rests with the Prime Minister.
- C
The Defence Minister
The Defence Minister. Option (c) suggests the Defence Minister heads the NDMA, which is incorrect because the armed forces act as responders rather than administrative heads of this specific civil authority.
- D
The Health and Family Welfare Minister
The Health and Family Welfare Minister. Option (d) names the Health Minister, which is incorrect as public health is only one component of multi-hazard disaster management overseen by the prime ministerial-led body.
Summary. Official key is (a) The Prime Minister. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 designates the Prime Minister of India as the Chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority. Other cabinet ministers such as the Home Minister play crucial supporting roles in related divisions, but executive chairmanship is statutorily vested in the Prime Minister. Candidates must not confuse the nodal ministry's political head with the chairperson of the statutory authority. Therefore, option (a) is the only correct choice.
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