**Executive Summary**
This document is a publication of the Tamil Nadu Government, specifically Part IV-Section 2. It contains an amendment to the Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Act of 2020. The amendment, Act No. 32/2023, was approved by the Governor on December 27, 2023, and is effective immediately upon publication.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Amendment Title:** The amending act is titled "The Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development (Amendment) Act, 2023."
* **Section 2 Amendment:** Section 2 of the primary act (2020) is amended to include "livestock maintenance, inland fisheries" after "bee-keeping."
* **Section 5 Amendment:** Section 5 of the primary act is amended by substituting the following subsection for subsection (1):
* An authority named "Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Authority" with specified members will be established to fulfill the act's objectives.
* **Authority Membership:** The Authority will consist of the following members in their official capacity:
* Chief Minister (Chairperson)
* Minister for Water Resources
* Minister for Municipal Administration
* Minister for Agriculture-Farmer Welfare
* Minister for Industries
* Minister for Law
* Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
* Minister for Fisheries, Fishermen Welfare, and Animal Husbandry
* Minister for Food and Civil Supplies
* Minister for Finance and Human Resources Management
* Minister for Environment and Climate Change
* Chief Secretary to Government
* Agriculture Production Commissioner and Government Secretary in charge of Farmer Welfare Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Water Resources Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Municipal Administration and Drinking Water Supply Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce Department
* Government Secretary, Law Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Finance Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Human Resources Management Department
* Government Secretary in charge of Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department
* Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
* A Member of Parliament and two Members of the Legislative Assembly, to be nominated by the Government
* Three representatives of farmers to be nominated by the Government
* One expert from each of the fields of agricultural science, horticultural science and veterinary medical science to be nominated by the Government.
* **First Schedule Amendment:** The First Schedule of the primary act is amended to include "6. Mayiladuthurai District" after the entry "5. Pudukkottai District Aranthangi, Avudaiyarkoil, Manamelkudi, Tiruvorangulam and Karambakkudi taluks."
**Impact Analysis**
* **Stakeholder: Tamil Nadu Government**
* **Impact:** Must implement and enforce the amended Act, including the establishment of the new Authority and the inclusion of Mayiladuthurai District.
* **Action Required:** Establish the "Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Authority" with the specified members.
* **Stakeholder: Farmers in Tamil Nadu, specifically in Protected Agricultural Zones and Mayiladuthurai District**
* **Impact:** Regulations regarding protected agricultural zones are expanded and altered. Specifically, those in Mayiladuthurai district are newly impacted by the legislation.
* **Action Required:** Comply with updated regulations regarding agricultural practices and activities within the protected zone, including restrictions and guidelines related to livestock maintenance and inland fisheries.
* **Stakeholder: Government Officials and Departments**
* **Impact:** Specified officials are designated as members of the new Authority, requiring their active participation in its functions.
* **Action Required:** Attend Authority meetings and contribute to the decision-making processes related to the protection and development of agricultural zones.
* **Stakeholder: Nominated Members of the Authority**
* **Impact:** To be nominated and appointed to the authority.
* **Action Required:** Participate in meetings and decision-making.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act, 2020: The principal act being amended by this notification.
Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development (Amendment) Act, 2023: The act which this notification brings into effect.
Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Authority: An authority created under Section 5 of the Act.
Mayiladuthurai: Added to the First Schedule of the Act