Indian Rubber Dealers Federation opposes move to abolish Rubber board

Subject : Governance

The Indian Rubber Dealers Federation has decried a reported move to abolish the Rubber Board, saying it was instrumental in the growth of natural rubber in the country by extending all necessary assistance to growers.
The current move, especially to discontinue the Rubber Act and shift the operations of the Board to the private sector cannot be accepted, the federation said.

About Rubber Board –

The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted by the Government of India, under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country.
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, established the Rubber Board in 1947 to strengthen the development of the rubber industry by offering financial assistance, consolatory and regulatory services.
Head Office is in Kottayam, Kerala.
The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) established in 1955 is located on a hillock in the eastern suburb of Puthuppally, Kottayam, eight kilometres from the town.
There are nine research disciplines, seven Regional Research Stations, two Hevean Breeding Sub-stations and a Central Experimental Station attached to the RRII.
The Institute is headed by the Director (Research).
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): 100% FDI in plantations of rubber, coffee, tea, cardamom, palm oil tree and olive oil tree.

About Rubber Act of 1947:

It was enacted to promote natural rubber, a strategic product, to provide for the development under the control of the Union of the rubber industry.
It provided the Rubber Board for control and coordination of the rubber industry in India.
It lays down important terms and definitions related to the rubber industry such as Board, Dealer, Manufacturer, etc.