Appointment of non official member in the Tobacco Board

## Report on Amendment to the Tobacco Board Act, 1975 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification amending the Tobacco Board Act, 1975. The amendment, detailed in notification S.O. 4625(E) and dated September 30, 2022, concerns the appointment of members to the Tobacco Board. The key change involves substituting entries for serial numbers 21 through 24 under clause (e) of subsection 4 of section 4 of the Act, effectively changing the individuals representing tobacco growers, dealers, and marketing experts on the board. The amendment aims to ensure appropriate representation and expertise within the Tobacco Board. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of the amendment to the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, as detailed in notification S.O. 4625(E) published on September 30, 2022. The analysis focuses solely on the information provided within the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification amends the original Tobacco Board Act, 1975. The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the effective functioning of the Tobacco Board by ensuring appropriate representation from various stakeholder groups within the tobacco industry. **4. Background and Rationale:** The specific amendment addresses the composition of the Tobacco Board, specifically replacing the individuals holding positions representing tobacco growers from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, a tobacco dealer from Andhra Pradesh, and a tobacco marketing expert from Karnataka. The rationale for this change is likely due to the expiration of previous terms, resignation of prior members, or a need to ensure more suitable representation within the board. The text implies a periodic need to update the board's membership to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification focuses specifically on amending the composition of the Tobacco Board. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment modifies the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Commerce Tobacco Industry Development Control, number S.O. 5417, dated the 17th December, 1975, specifically under the heading "appointed under clause e of subsection 4 of section 4". * **New Rule/Provision:** The serial numbers and entries for members 21, 22, 23, and 24 are substituted with the following: * 21. Shri Vikram Raj G.C., Karnataka Member To represent the growers of tobacco * 22. Shri Brahmaiah Boddapati, Andhra Pradesh Member To represent the growers of tobacco * 23. Gutta Vasu Babu, Andhra Pradesh Member To represent the dealers of tobacco * 24. Shri B. Ramesh Pai, Karnataka Member Expert in tobacco marketing. * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The change replaces the previous members with the newly appointed individuals listed above. This ensures that the Tobacco Board continues to have representatives for tobacco growers, dealers, and marketing experts, potentially bringing new perspectives and expertise to the board's deliberations. The duration of their appointment is three years from the date of publication of the notification. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * The newly appointed members of the Tobacco Board (Shri Vikram Raj G.C., Shri Brahmaiah Boddapati, Gutta Vasu Babu, and Shri B. Ramesh Pai). * Tobacco growers and dealers in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, who are now represented by these individuals. * The Tobacco Board itself, as this amendment affects its composition and expertise. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, specifically the Department of Commerce, is responsible for implementing this amendment. * **Timelines:** The appointments are effective for a period of three years from the date of publication of the notification (September 30, 2022). * The changes are effective immediately upon publication in the official Gazette. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these changes is to ensure the Tobacco Board has active and relevant representation from key sectors of the tobacco industry. The potential impact of these changes includes: * New perspectives and expertise being brought to the Board's discussions and decisions. * Potentially, a shift in the Board's focus or priorities based on the backgrounds and interests of the new members. * Continued representation of the interests of tobacco growers and dealers in policy decisions. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, through notification S.O. 4625(E), represents a routine but important update to the composition of the Tobacco Board. The changes ensure continued representation and expertise from key stakeholders in the tobacco industry. The implementation of this amendment is expected to facilitate the effective functioning of the Tobacco Board in regulating and developing the tobacco sector.

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