Animal Welfare Board Chaired By Environment Ministry

The move which is followed by the difference in opinion between Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), the Central government took a step to combine both by appointing senior official of MoEF to chair AWBI.

• This action is made by the center due to the “JALLIKATTU PROTEST” and both these bodies had their different opinion.
• AWBI board of members supported JALLIKATTU while the MoEF stayed against it.
• So, the center decided to bring these two organizations under their control. In its 55 year old history the organisation has always chaired by somebody outside government such as veterinarians, animal welfare activists or retired judges.
• The 22-member Board’s three-year term ended February 28, 2017 & center has decided to assign a new Board of 18 members on march 1.
• This board is to be headed by Sharad Singh Negi, Special Secretary and Director-General (Forests), MoEF. In March 3, center has said that this board will remain head for the three-year term.
• All the administration and financial sectors will be looked after by the government and there will be no concession and negligence in its work.

ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA (AWBI)

The Animal Welfare Board of India was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960. Its headquaters is located at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

• It was first chaired by Rukmini Devi Arundale and she was the founder of this board.
• The functions of AWBI are as follows,
  • Recognition to the Animal welfare organizations
  • Financial assistance to these organizations
  • Framing laws, rules and regulations for animal welfare
  • Raising awareness among people about the importance of animals

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (MoEF)

• It is one of the Indian government ministry headed by Anil Madhav Dave
• It was formed in 1985 and headquartered in New Delhi.
• It is the governing body of Indian forest service which is one of the Civil Services of India.
• It has 3 authorities and 13 subordinate offices.

JALLIKATTU PROTEST

It is one of the biggest protest carried out by the youngsters of Tamilnadu, in order to save their states only recognized bravery sport.

• This protest continued for more than 15 days starting from 8 January 2017
• Lakhs of people gathered at Chennai’s Marina beach to support the protest.
• Demands made in this protest are
  • Ban People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in India
  • To seek permanent solution for jallikattu to pass permanent act to support jallikattu.
  • Passing of ordinance for the removal of bulls from the list of performing animals in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (PCA) Act.
  • Boycott of foreign companies such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola etc.