Coconut Development Board Bill creates new CEO post with Joint Secretary rank

It also expands the Board's authority to handle coconut production and marketing activities outside India.

Who it concerns: The Coconut Development Board, the Central Government, State Governments of coconut-growing states, and coconut growers in specific states (Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu).

What the bill does

• The post of Chairman is changed to a non-executive role appointed by the Central Government.
• A new post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is created, not below the rank of Joint Secretary, to exercise all executive powers previously held by the Chairman.
• The Board's composition is updated to include a Joint Secretary to the Government of India (in-charge of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) as an ex officio member.
• Representation for major coconut-growing states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) is increased to four members.
• Representation for other states and union territories is adjusted to four members appointed by rotation.
• Coconut grower representation is increased to six members, adding representatives from Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
• The Board's functions regarding production and marketing are expanded to include activities 'within or outside India'.
• The Central Government is empowered to make rules regarding the CEO's powers, duties, salaries, and conditions of service.

Also in the document

• The Bill is an amendment to the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979.
• The non-executive Chairman is entitled only to allowances, not a salary, while the CEO receives the salary and allowances previously paid to the executive Chairman.
• The expansion of activities to outside India is justified by India's membership in the International Coconut Community.