The Union Government in March 2017 notified that Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) will be permanently chaired by a senior official of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF).
At present, the Board is chaired by Sharad Singh Negi, Special Secretary and Director-General (Forests), MoEF.
In AWBI’s 55-year history, it was always chaired by somebody outside government, like veterinarians, animal welfare activists or retired judges. However, lately due to differences between AWBI and MoEF, especially on the conduct of the Jallikattu, the Union Government exercised its primacy in the management of the organisation.
About Animal Welfare Board of India
• The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory body advising the Government.
• It was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
• Rukmini Devi Arundale was instrumental in setting up the organisation. She was also its first chair.
• The Board consists of 28 Members, who serve for a period of 3 years.
• Initially, the Board was within the jurisdiction of the Government of India’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In 1990, the subject of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was transferred to the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Date:27-3-2017
