Relevance (UPSC): GS-III – Disaster Management, GS-II – Governance & School Safety

Why in the News?

On International ShakeOut Day (October 17, 2025), the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), in collaboration with the Department of School Education and UNICEF Assam, launched the Great Assam School Shakeout Programme (GASSP) in Guwahati. The initiative aims to embed disaster awareness and preparedness in schools, aligning with the National School Safety Policy (NDMA, 2016) and the Assam Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Roadmap 2030.

Objective

To promote a “culture of safety” among students and educators and strengthen school-level disaster preparedness across Assam.

Implementing Bodies

  • Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)
  • Department of School Education, Government of Assam
  • UNICEF Assam

Launch Occasion

International ShakeOut Day, commemorating the Great Assam Earthquake of 1950.

Activities Planned

  • Earthquake and fire evacuation drills in 1,936 schools across 35 districts, involving over seven lakh students.
  • Distribution of IEC materials, animated safety videos, and volunteer kits.
  • Engagement of School Disaster Management Committees (SDMCs), Focal Point Teachers, and volunteers from Aapda Mitra, CQRT, DDRF, Civil Defence, and Red Cross.

Training Component

The launch coincided with the State-Level Training of Trainers (ToT) on Social and Behaviour Change for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), involving field officers and project officers from 16 districts and 16 government departments.

MCQ

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding GASSP:

  1. It was launched by ASDMA in collaboration with the Department of School Education and UNICEF Assam.
  2. The programme aims to promote disaster preparedness in schools, in line with the National School Safety Policy (2016).
  3. Under GASSP, earthquake and fire evacuation drills will be conducted in all government offices of Assam.

Options:

  • (a) 1 and 2 only
  • (b) 2 and 3 only
  • (c) 1 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Key Takeaways

  • GASSP institutionalises school-level disaster preparedness in Assam.
  • Drills and training aim to create a “culture of safety” among students and educators.
  • Aligns state initiatives with national safety frameworks and international best practices.

Source

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