Section 13 of The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Committees of National Biodiversity Authority.
- (1)The National Biodiversity Authority may constitute a committee to deal with agro-biodiversity. Explanation.--For the purposes of this sub-section, "agro-biodiversity" means biological diversity of agriculture related species and their wild relatives. 1[(2) The National Biodiversity Authority may also constitute such number of committees as it deems fit for the efficient discharge of its duties and performance of its functions under this Act.]
- (3)A committee constituted under this section shall co-opt such number of persons, who are not the members of the National Biodiversity Authority, as it may think fit and the persons so co-opted shall have the right to attend the meetings of the committee and take part in its proceedings but shall not have the right to vote.
- (4)The persons appointed as members of the committee under sub-section (2) shall be entitled to receive such allowances or fees for attending the meetings of the committee as may be fixed by the Central Government.
Summary
- The National Biodiversity Authority has the power to set up a specific committee to deal with agro-biodiversity, which refers to the biological diversity of agriculture-related species and their wild relatives.
- The National Biodiversity Authority can also establish as many other committees as it considers necessary to perform its duties and carry out its functions effectively.
- Committees are allowed to co-opt, meaning bring in, external people who are not members of the National Biodiversity Authority to participate in committee discussions.
- Co-opted committee members have the right to attend meetings and take part in proceedings, but they are not permitted to vote.
- Members of these committees are eligible to receive allowances or fees for attending meetings, with the amounts fixed by the Central Government.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What is agro-biodiversity under the law?
Under the Act, agro-biodiversity means the biological diversity of species that are related to agriculture, as well as their wild relatives.
2. Can a committee created by the National Biodiversity Authority include people who are not on the Authority's board?
Yes. Committees can co-opt, or bring in, people who are not members of the National Biodiversity Authority to take part in meetings and proceedings, but these outside individuals cannot vote.
3. Who decides the fees or allowances that committee members get for attending meetings?
The Central Government fixes the allowances or fees that members of these committees are entitled to receive.
4. How many committees can the National Biodiversity Authority create?
The Authority can constitute one specific committee for agro-biodiversity and as many other committees as it deems fit for the efficient discharge of its duties.
Test yourself
1.Under Section 13 of The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, what is the legal status of an outside person who is co-opted into a committee of the National Biodiversity Authority?
2.Under Section 13 of The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, how is the term "agro-biodiversity" specifically defined?
3.Under Section 13 of The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, who has the authority to set the fees and allowances paid to the members of committees constituted under sub-section (2)?
4.Under Section 13 of The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, how many committees is the National Biodiversity Authority authorized to establish?