Section 8: Funds of the Board

Overview

Section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, outlines how the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) receives its financial resources. Essentially, it states that the Board can be funded through money provided by the government, as well as through voluntary contributions from the public and other sources.

Key Provisions

• The AWBI’s funds come from two main sources: grants from the Central Government and contributions from other places.
• These ‘other contributions’ include donations, subscriptions (like membership fees), bequests (money left in a will), gifts, and any other similar income the Board might receive.
• There are no specific conditions mentioned *within* Section 8 regarding how these funds *must* be used – that’s covered elsewhere in the Act and the Board’s rules. This section simply defines the *sources* of the money.

Practical Impact

This section is crucial for the AWBI’s operation. Without a clear framework for receiving funds, the Board would struggle to carry out its duties, such as promoting animal welfare, providing advice to the government, and assisting animal welfare organizations. It impacts citizens by ensuring there's a mechanism to financially support the organization responsible for improving animal welfare standards. Businesses involved with animals (e.g., farms, pet shops) are indirectly affected as the AWBI can influence regulations and standards they must follow. The government is impacted as it has a legal basis for providing financial support to the Board.

Examples

• Example 1: Government Grant – The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying allocates an annual grant of ₹5 crore to the AWBI to fund its various programs, like running animal shelters and conducting awareness campaigns. This is a direct application of the ‘government grants’ provision.
• Example 2: Public Donation – A citizen, Ms. Sharma, includes a bequest of ₹10 lakh in her will to the AWBI, specifically earmarked for the care of stray dogs. This bequest becomes part of the Board’s funds under the ‘bequests’ provision, allowing them to expand their stray dog care program. Even a small donation from a citizen during a fundraising event contributes to the Board’s financial resources.