**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3835 regarding fatal stampedes during mass gatherings in the first half of 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarifies the division of responsibilities in preventing such incidents. As public order and police matters fall under the purview of State Governments according to the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, the primary responsibility for security, law enforcement, crowd management, incident inquiry, and subsequent action lies with the respective State Governments.
However, the Central Government, through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has issued comprehensive guidelines to all States and Union Territories concerning preparedness for major mass gathering events. These guidelines are accessible on the NDMA website in a guide format for State Governments, local authorities, administrators, and organizers on crowd management at events and venues. Additionally, the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPRD) has issued guidelines on crowd control, which can be found on the BPRD website.
The Government of India has also issued advisories to State Governments and UT administrations to ensure effective crowd management and the security and safety of attendees at religious events, sports events, festivals, and other public places. Furthermore, States and Union Territories are permitted to utilize up to 10% of the State Disaster Response Fund for preparedness and capacity building, including training in disaster management.
Key Entities Referenced
SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA: Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question in Lok Sabha regarding prevention of stampedes.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS: The Indian government ministry responsible for internal security and policy matters related to public safety and disaster management.
LOK SABHA: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the unstarred question was raised.
SHRI NITYANAND RAI: Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who provided the answer to the unstarred question.
Constitution of India: The supreme law of India, which defines the division of powers between the Union and the States, including the assignment of 'Public order' and 'Police' as State subjects.
National Disaster Management Authority: A government agency in India responsible for framing policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters.
State Disaster Response Fund: A fund available to States/Union Territories in India for disaster management, including preparedness and capacity building.
Bureau of Police Research Development: An organization that promotes best practices in policing in India. It has issued guidelines on Crowd Control.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3835
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12TH AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 21, 1947 (SAKA)
PREVENTION OF STAMPEDES
†3835. SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that in the first half of the year 2025,
several fatal stampedes have occurred during religious events, sports
events and festivals across the country, in which dozens of people have
died;
(b) if so, the details thereof and whether the Government has formulated any
national guidelines, crowd management policy or technological solutions to
prevent such incidents;
(c) whether State Governments have been given financial assistance for
disaster management training, deployment of rapid medical teams and fire
safety audit for mass events; and
(d) if not, whether the Government proposes to implement a Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent recurrence of such incidents?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a) to (d): ‘Public order’ and ‘Police’ are State subjects as per the Seventh
Schedule to the Constitution of India. The State Governments concerned
are primarily responsible for security and maintenance of law & order in
public places including crowd management, conduct of inquiry into the-2-
L.S.US.Q.NO. 3835 FOR 12.08.2025
incidents of stampede in religious/sports events and festivals, and to take
appropriate action.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued
comprehensive guidelines to all States/UTs regarding preparedness for safe
& incident free conduct of Major Mass Gathering events. A Guide for State
Government, Local Authorities Administrators and Organizers on managing
crowd at events and venues of mass gathering is available on NDMA
website.
The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) has issued
guidelines on Crowd Control, which is also available on the BPR&D website.
Further, Government of India has issued advisories to State
Governments/UT administrations to ensure crowd management and security
& safety of the people visiting religious events, sports events, festivals and
other public places.
Under the State Disaster Response Fund, a 10% fund is allowed to be used
by States/Union Territories for preparedness and capacity building,
including training for Disaster Management.
******