The Coconut Development Board Act, 1979

1. Act Background and Ministry:

• Background: The Coconut Development Board Act, 1979, was enacted to provide for the establishment of a board for the integrated development of the coconut industry. It reflects the government’s commitment to promoting the coconut sector, which is vital for many coastal states in India.

• Ministry: The Act is primarily administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

2. Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:

• Enactment Date: The Act was enacted on March 17, 1979.

• Number of Chapters: The Act is divided into five chapters.

• Number of Sections: The Act contains 24 sections.

3. Act Governed By:

The Act is primarily governed by the Central Government, which has the power to establish the Coconut Development Board, appoint its members, and make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Act. The Board is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act.

4. On Whom It Is Applicable:

The Act applies to:

• Coconut Growers: Individuals or entities engaged in the cultivation of coconut.

• Coconut Industry: Industries involved in the processing, marketing, and export of coconut products.

• Coconut Development Board: The board established under the Act.

• Members of the Board: Individuals appointed to the Board.

• Officers and Employees: Individuals employed by the Board.

5. Penalties/Punishments:

The Act does not specify any direct penalties or punishments for contravention of its provisions. However, it empowers the Board to make regulations, which may include penalties for non-compliance.

6. Important Pointers:

• Establishment of the Board: The Act establishes the Coconut Development Board as a body corporate.

• Composition of the Board: The Board consists of a non-executive Chairman, a Chief Executive Officer, and representatives from various government departments, agricultural research institutions, and coconut-growing states.

• Functions of the Board: The Board’s functions include promoting the development of the coconut industry, improving cultivation practices, providing financial assistance, and promoting research and development.

• Grants and Loans: The Central Government may provide grants and loans to the Board for its functions.

• Coconut Development Fund: The Act establishes a Coconut Development Fund to which all money received by the Board is credited.

• Power to Make Rules: The Central Government has the power to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Act.

• Power to Make Regulations: The Board has the power to make regulations for the efficient conduct of its affairs.

• Accounts and Audit: The Board is required to maintain accounts and have them audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

• Control by Central Government: The Central Government has the power to issue directions to the Board.

• Annual Report: The Board is required to submit an annual report to the Central Government.

7. Act Copy: