In a significant move to enhance disaster preparedness among the youth, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all higher education institutions across India to introduce a mandatory two-credit disaster risk reduction (DRR) course at the undergraduate level. This initiative aims to create widespread awareness about disasters and equip students with essential skills to handle emergencies effectively.
Implementation Timeline and Model Curriculum
The UGC has set the academic year 2026-27 as the target for implementing this course, which will be offered as a skill enhancement program. In a formal letter addressed to educational institutions, UGC Secretary Manish R Joshi emphasized that all higher education institutions should consider adopting this curriculum as appropriate. Additionally, colleges are encouraged to establish disaster risk reduction clubs to foster a culture of safety and preparedness on campus.
Comprehensive Course Content
The newly released model curriculum for the DRR course is designed to provide students with a robust understanding of disaster management. It focuses on enabling learners to identify, assess, and mitigate various types of disasters, while also empowering them to design effective disaster management plans at both individual and community levels.
The course will cover a wide range of practical life-saving skills, including:
- First aid techniques specific to disaster scenarios
- The critical golden hour concept for emergency response
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures
- Proper methods for dressing wounds and treating animal bites
Personal Preparedness and Disaster-Specific Responses
Beyond immediate medical skills, the curriculum emphasizes personal preparedness measures. Students will learn about assembling a 72-hour emergency kit, safe food storage practices, water purification methods, sanitation protocols, and infection prevention control practices. Interestingly, the course also includes basic sign language training to enhance communication during emergencies.
The program addresses disaster-specific responses for various scenarios, including:
- Floods and landslides
- Earthquakes and cyclones
- Pandemic situations
- Heat waves and cold waves
Expert Endorsement and Broader Implications
This initiative has received praise from academic experts in the field of disaster management. A Ramachandran, emeritus professor at the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management at Anna University, commended the UGC's decision. He noted that with climate-induced disasters occurring with increased frequency globally, such educational measures are crucial for better preparedness. Professor Ramachandran further suggested that disaster management should be integrated into school curricula as well to build resilience from an early age.
The introduction of this course represents a proactive step toward creating a more disaster-resilient society by empowering the next generation with knowledge and practical skills. As climate change continues to amplify natural hazards, such educational reforms are becoming increasingly vital for India's long-term safety and security.
