Publication of Notification Order in the Gazette of India (Extra ordinary) Part II, Section 3, Sub Section (i) Regarding

## Policy Analysis Report: Reconstitution of Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (G.S.R. 208(E)) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, Government of India, regarding the reconstitution of an Advisory Board. This notification, dated March 16, 2022, and effective from March 23, 2022, pertains to the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. The key finding is the establishment of a new Advisory Board with specific members to provide guidance and oversight related to the enforcement of the Act. This notification supersedes earlier notifications G.S.R. No. 193(E) and G.S.R. No. 507(E), with certain limitations. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification G.S.R. 208(E), published by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, on March 16, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification text itself and focuses on the reconstitution of the Advisory Board concerning illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification represents an amendment to the existing policy framework related to the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. It specifically supersedes notifications G.S.R. No. 193(E) dated 16th March, 2021 and G.S.R. No. 507(E) dated 26th July, 2021. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to ensure continued and effective functioning of an Advisory Board related to the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. The reconstitution indicates a periodic review and updating of the board's membership. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification doesn't explicitly state the reason for the amendment. However, the reconstitution of the Advisory Board "for a period of one year" suggests a predefined term limit for the previous board. This implies that the amendment is likely a routine process to ensure that the Advisory Board remains active and comprises appropriate expertise, in line with the Act. This also implies that previous boards terms have ended. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification focuses on the reconstitution of the Advisory Board. The key changes are as follows: * **Original Policy Changed:** The prior composition of the Advisory Board, established under G.S.R. No. 193(E) and G.S.R. No. 507(E) is being replaced. * **New Rule/Provision:** The Central Government has reconstituted the Advisory Board with the following members: * Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar - Chairperson * Hon'ble Ms. Justice Jyoti Singh - Member * Hon'ble Mr. Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar - Member * **Difference/Effect:** The new board consists of different individuals compared to the previous board(s) established under the superseded notifications. The effect is a fresh perspective and continued oversight of the Act's implementation. The board's term is for one year. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders for this notification include: * The newly appointed members of the Advisory Board. * The Ministry of Finance and Department of Revenue. * Law enforcement agencies involved in combating illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. * The legal community and individuals/entities potentially affected by the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue is the responsible agency for issuing this notification and overseeing the functioning of the Advisory Board. * **Timelines:** The notification is effective from March 23, 2022, and the reconstituted Advisory Board has a term of one year. This implies that the board will need to be reviewed/reconstituted again in approximately one year. * **Changes Specific Implementation:** The implementation aspect of the changes involves formally notifying the new board members and ensuring they are briefed on their roles and responsibilities. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to maintain a functional and effective Advisory Board with qualified members. The impact of these specific changes is: * Continued oversight and guidance on matters related to the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. * Potentially, a refreshed perspective on the implementation and enforcement of the Act, based on the expertise and experience of the new members. **9. Conclusion:** The notification G.S.R. 208(E) signifies the reconstitution of the Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. This amendment ensures the continued functioning of the Board with a renewed membership, indicating the government's ongoing commitment to addressing illicit drug trafficking. This reconstitution process, occurring on a yearly basis, is a critical aspect of maintaining an active and relevant advisory body for effective policy implementation.

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