In recent news, the Ministry of Finance has suggested that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) streamline its operations by disengaging from five of its autonomous institutions. This move would reduce the number of autonomous organisations under its purview from 16 to 9.
Background
This recommendation is part of a broader report compiled following the guidelines of rule 229 of the General Finance Rules 2017, concerning the principles for forming Autonomous Organisations. The primary objective of this report is to suggest specific, actionable proposals to rationalise autonomous groups. The goal is to promote ‘minimum government, maximum governance’ and ensure effective use of public funds.
Recommended changes in MoEFCC
The report suggests that MoEFCC ceases connections with five institutions: the Wildlife Institute of India, the Indian Institute of Forest Management, the Indian Plywood Industries Research & Training Institute, CPR Environmental Education Centre, and the Centre for Environment Education.
Disengagement will involve two significant components: phasing out government assistance to these institutions on a fixed timeline, and dissociating from their management. The recommendation is to allow relevant industry stakeholders to run these institutions instead. The report suggests a three-year timeline for government disengagement, with an annual budget cut of 25%.
For WII and IIFM, the proposal is to convert these institutes into deemed universities. Another recommendation suggests the amalgamation of the Society of Integrated Coastal Management and the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, given their overlapping roles in coastal management.
Merging Functional Units
The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, currently receiving an annual 14 crore from MoEFCC, is proposed to be merged with the ministry. In contrast, statutory bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board, Central Zoo Authority, National Tiger Conservation Authority and National Biodiversity Authority should persist under MoEFCC with its financial support but aim towards becoming self-financed.
Prior Initiatives and Future Direction
This audit is the first of its kind for these institutions, a process that took nearly four years to complete. Making WII and other institutes into deemed universities will offer them more academic freedom, but it also raises concerns about financial stability.
In related news, the Ministry of Textiles recently abolished the All India Handloom Board and the All India Handicrafts Board. In 2018, the Union Cabinet approved the closure of certain autonomous bodies.
Role of Autonomous Bodies
Autonomous Bodies (ABs) are established when certain functions need to be executed outside regular government machinery, providing some level of independence and flexibility. These bodies are primarily registered as societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, while others are statutory institutions under various Acts.
These play a crucial role in the government’s operations, involved in diverse activities from policy frameworks to preserving cultural heritage. The disbursement to autonomous bodies was Rs. 799.55 billion which increased to Rs. 943.84 billion in 2019-20.
Rationalising Autonomous Bodies
There is an evident need to review the governance of ABs, devise uniform procedures, and assess whether they continue to serve their original purpose. It perhaps calls for a comprehensive review by each ministry of the ABs under their control, considering closures or mergers where necessary.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024