Section 7: Secretary and Other Employees of the Board

Overview

Section 7 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 deals with how the Animal Welfare Board of India gets its staff. It states that the Central Government will appoint the Secretary of the Board, and the Board itself is allowed to hire other employees it needs. The rules for hiring these employees, like their pay and responsibilities, will be decided by regulations made under the Act.

Key Provisions

• Appointment of Secretary: The Central Government has the sole authority to appoint the Secretary of the Animal Welfare Board. This ensures government oversight of the Board’s administrative head.
• Board’s Hiring Power: The Board is empowered to appoint other staff members necessary for its functioning. This allows the Board to build a team with the skills needed to fulfill its duties.
• Regulations for Staff Terms: The terms and conditions of service for all staff appointed by the Board (other than the Secretary) are governed by regulations. These regulations cover aspects like salary, leave, and conduct.

Practical Impact

This section impacts the Animal Welfare Board by giving it the flexibility to build a competent team. It affects citizens indirectly by ensuring the Board has the resources to effectively carry out its mandate of preventing cruelty to animals and promoting animal welfare. Government authorities (specifically the Ministry responsible for Animal Welfare) maintain control through the appointment of the Secretary.

Examples

• Example 1: The Animal Welfare Board needs a veterinarian to inspect animal shelters. Under Section 7, the Board can advertise for and hire a qualified veterinarian, following the regulations set for staff appointments.
• Example 2: The Central Government decides to appoint a retired IAS officer with a strong background in animal welfare as the Secretary of the Board. This appointment is valid under Section 7, as the power to appoint the Secretary rests with the Central Government. The Board then hires administrative staff, following the regulations approved by the Central Government.