He also noted that inquiries into disasters like stampedes and providing assistance to victims’ families are handled by the state government, and no such data is maintained at the national level.
Photo : PTI
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that inquiry into the Maha Kumbh stampede was conducted by the Uttar Pradesh government and no data on casualties and injured victims is maintained with the Centre.
Rai’s comments came in response to questions from Congress MPs KC Venugopal and Kirsan Namdeo regarding the number of casualties and injuries in the stampede, as well as the actions taken to investigate the incident.
He explained that, according to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, “public order” and “police” fall under state jurisdiction. Managing religious gatherings, ensuring crowd safety, and preventing disasters are state responsibilities, Rai said.
He also noted that inquiries into disasters like stampedes and providing assistance to victims’ families are handled by the state government, and no such data is maintained at the national level.
The minister added that the National Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines for crowd management at large events.
The Bureau of Police Research and Development has also provided crowd control protocols. In addition, the Union Home Ministry has advised all states and Union territories to create their own crowd management plans based on these guidelines.