Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:49PM by PIB Delhi

One of the key functions of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), under Section 9(k) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is to impart education on the humane treatment of animals and promote public awareness against the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. This is achieved through various means, including lectures, books, posters, cinematographic exhibitions, and more. Various steps taken to enhance public awareness and participation in animal welfare initiatives, particularly among school children are placed at Annexure-1.

AWBI is publishing various guidelines, regulations and booklets so as to sensitize the law enforcement authorities on the issues related to animal welfare laws. AWBI also organized the training programmes for the Law enforcement authorities to sensitize them on the issues related to animal welfare laws.

During this financial year, a One-day training programme was conducted for the Police Officials on 19.10.2024 at Police Training School, Thanisandra, Bengaluru on Animal Welfare Laws. During this training, sessions on Importance on Animal Welfare, PCA Act, 1960, Regulations on Slaughter and Transportation of Animals, ABC Rules and Practical Training and case studies were covered. The subject experts in the field of animal welfare laws and rules delivered their lectures to sensitize the officials of the Police Department. The Superintendent of Police and Principal, Police Training School and his team coordinated in successful conducting of the training programme.

AWBI has published four books to create awareness amongst the State Governments and UTs including Law enforcement authorities as per the details given below:

1. Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws
2. Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local bodies
3. Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws
4. Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) module for Street Dogs Population management, rabies eradication and reducing man-dog conflict.

AWBI, on receipt of complaints regarding cruelty to animals from various parts of the country, is taking up the matters with the concerned State Governments and District Collectors / Magistrates / District Superintendent of police sensitizing them about the existing animal welfare laws for conducting an enquiry to the cruelty matters. The State Authorities are empowered to initiate appropriate action against the offenders meting out cruelty to animals and to take action as per the law.

The details of letters issued for awareness for Amroha, Uttar Pradesh are given in Annexure-2.

As per Section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it shall be the duty of every person having the care or charge of any animal to take all reasonable measures to ensure the well-being of such animal and to prevent the infliction upon such animal of unnecessary pain or suffering.

Also, as per Section 11(1)(i) of the PCA Act, 1960, If any person, without reasonable cause, abandons any animal in circumstances which render it likely that it will suffer pain by reason of starvation or thirst; he shall be punishable, in the case of a first offence, with fine which shall not be less than ten rupees but which may extend to fifty rupees and in the case of a second or subsequent offence committed within three years of the previous offence, with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five rupees but which may extend to one hundred rupees or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with both

As per the Article 246(3) of the Constitution of India in List II of Seventh Schedule the Preservation, protection and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases; veterinary training and practice is under State list on which the State has exclusive power to make laws for such State or any part thereof with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List II in the Seventh Schedule. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the local bodies to take care of the stray animals and to regularize the process of registration of the Pet Ownership in their respective municipal areas, which will help in monitoring the number of pet animals.

Details of rules notified and advisories issued by the Central Government are placed at Annexure – 3.

Annexure-1

Steps taken to enhance public awareness and participation in animal welfare initiatives, particularly among school children

1. AWBI has been consistently encouraging animal welfare organizations and individuals by nominating them as Honorary Animal Welfare Representative (HAWR) to extend educational programs to schools by organizing activities such as poster competitions, painting contests, and essay writing competitions. These programs aim to foster compassion towards animals and help shape better, more responsible citizens.
2. To support these efforts, AWBI has developed educational modules for school children in two age groups: Class V-VIII and Class IX-XII. These modules cover various topics aimed at raising awareness and sensitizing students about animal welfare. For Classes V-VII, the subjects include Compassion for Animals, Animal Behavior, Animal Cruelty, Responsible Pet Ownership, and Animal Superstition. For Classes IX-XII, the modules cover more advanced topics like Veterinary Help for Pet and Street Animals, Conflict Mitigation, Achievements in Animal Welfare, Animal Welfare and Sustainability, Human Health, and Ahimsa (Culture and Heritage in India). These modules have been circulated to the Department of Education in all State Governments and UTs to ensure wide dissemination.
3. AWBI has also initiated training programs in schools to ensure that its message reaches young children effectively. In addition, regular seminars, workshops, and awareness programs conducted by State Governments and animal welfare organizations play a crucial role in sensitizing the public, particularly animal lovers.
4. The AWBI regularly issues advisories and circulars to raise public awareness about animal welfare. These advisories are issued during key events such as Animal Welfare Fortnight (January 14 to 30), World Animal Day, World Rabies Day, humane celebrations of Deepavali, and during the summer and winter seasons to emphasize animal welfare concerns.
5. Moreover, AWBI conducts training programs for Honorary Animal Welfare Representatives and issues Colony Animal CareTaker authorization letters to compassionate individuals who care for community animals in their local areas. These efforts help in promoting the well-being of animals and fostering a compassionate society.

Annexure-2

Letters issued for awareness for Amroha, Uttar Pradesh

S.No.	Date of Complaint	Subject of Complaint	Letter to whom
1	31.05.2022	Request to take necessary action to save life of stray animals in Amroha	Letter dated 31.05.2022 was issued to the District Magistrate, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
2	13.04.2024	Requested to implementation the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 and AWBI Module to control the population of the street dogs effectively in District Amroha	Letter dated 24.04.2024 was issued to the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh State Animal Welfare Board & The Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Gokarnnath Rd, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow and The Municipal Commissioner Municipal Corporation of Amroha
3	07.02.2025	Complaint against the owner of the Pit Bull for attacking and killing a Community Dog in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh	Letter dated 04.03.2025 was issued to the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh State Animal Welfare Board & The Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Gokarnnath Rd, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow

Annexure-3

Details of rules notified and advisories issued by the Central Government

1. The Central Government has also notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018 to regulate the illegal breeding of animals and to regulate the sale or trade in pet animals respectively. These Rules are being implemented by the respective State Governments and UTs.
2. The AWBI had issued several advisories in relation to stray dogs and pet animals:
   1. Pet Dogs and Street Dogs Circular dated 26.02.2015.
   2. Circular to all DGPs of all States/UTs regarding harassment to Citizens showing compassion to animals dated 25-08-2015 and 28.10.2015.
   3. Advisory to initiate necessary action for rescue and rehabilitation of stray animals dated 12-07-2018.
   4. Advisory to identify sufficient number of feeding spots for stray dogs in every district and to properly implement the (AWBI Revised Guidelines on Pet dogs and street dogs) dated 03.03.2021.
   5. Request to properly implement and circulate the standard protocol for the adoption of community animals dated 17.05.2022.
   6. Guidelines for use of Muzzle on Dogs and care of community dogs dated 17.08.2022.
   7. Request to Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Animal Husbandry as well as to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of all Districts of all State/UTs to implement the provision of ABC Rules, 2023 dated 31.03.2023.
   8. Request to all District Magistrate of all Districts of all State/UTs to implement the provision of ABC Rules, 2023 dated 30.05.2023.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2114719) Visitor Counter : 118

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:48PM by PIB Delhi

For disease surveillance, prevention and control along with efforts for responsible antibiotic use of the Government are as follows: –

1. Active disease surveillance on diseases such as Avian influenza, PPR, CSF, FMD etc. are taken up by various ICAR Animal Science institutes. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Institute on Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru provides disease risk forewarnings using Artificial Intelligence and machine learning models (AI &ML) for 15 economically important diseases on monthly basis to every state including displaying on ICAR-NIVEDI’s NADRES V2 portal as well as DAHD portal.
2. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has a network of laboratories which includes diagnostic laboratories in the States, one Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (CDDL) at Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly and five Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (RDDLs) one each at Bengaluru, Pune, Jalandhar, Kolkata and Guwahati for disease surveillance, early detection and swift response to disease threats.
3. ICAR has strengthened the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by initiating All India Network Programme on AMR (AINP-AMR) involving 31 centres across different states of the country. Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) is conducting AMR surveillance to track trends in food animals and aquaculture to understand AMR risk factors in animals and fisheries to devise control strategies.
4. Department has formulated the National Action Plan on Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) in consultation with MoH&FW and other stake holders for judicious use, surveillance and monitoring of antibiotics in animal health sector. MoA&FW is also one of the stakeholder in respect to use of pesticides and antibiotics in agriculture sector keeping in view the One Health Initiative and provisions under NAP-AMR. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has issued advisories to all State/UTs for judicious use of antibiotics in treatment of food producing animals, for stopping the use of antibiotics in animal feed and for general awareness.
5. Under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) scheme, 100% central assistance is provided to States/UTs for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Lumpy Skin Disease, Black Quarter, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia etc including disease surveillance, monitoring and capacity building. Vaccination reduces the use of antibiotics, hence reduce the AMR.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2114717) Visitor Counter : 99

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:48PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India enacted Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act- 2006 to unify food related laws and establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI sets science-based standards for food articles and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.  The implementation and enforcement of FSS Act are carried out by FSSAI through Food Safety Commissioners of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. FSSAI, via its regional offices for centrally regulated food businesses and in collaboration with States/UTs, conducts regular monitoring activities such as inspections, audits, surveillance, and random sampling to ensure compliance with the Act and its regulations. In FY 2023-24, FSSAI introduced the “National Annual Surveillance Plan”. Additionally, States /UTs conduct independent surveillance and enforcement measures tailored to their local needs, food trends, consumption patterns, and issues like adulteration. FSSAI also conducts periodic Pan-India Surveillance, focussing on staple foods and other commodities susceptible to adulteration.

According to FSSAI, Mobile Food Testing Laboratory (MFTL), also known as “Food Safety on wheels” (FSW), play a crucial role in expanding food testing, training, and awareness programs, particularly in villages, towns, and remote areas. At present, 285 FSWs are operational across 35 States and Union Territories. These Units are equipped with essential infrastructure, including “Milk-o-Screen” equipment, for on spot testing of key quality parameters viz., Fat, SNF, protein, and adulterants like added water, urea, sucrose, maltodextrin and ammonium sulphate. Additionally, FSWs are capable of performing basic adulteration tests for other food products as well.

Under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are primarily responsible for ensuring full traceability of food products, from raw material procurement to the delivery of finished goods to consumers. They must maintain proper records and documentation throughout the supply chain to uphold transparency, accountability, and safety. Compliance with these requirements is verified during inspections and audits, and appropriate regulatory action are taken in case of violations.

Additionally, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying implements the national Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), which focuses on establishing and enhancing infrastructure for quality milk testing equipment and primary chilling facilities.  The NPDD also provides financial support to cooperatives and milk producer institutions for purchasing Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCU) and Data Processing Milk Collection Units (DPMCU), ensuring transparency in milk collection at the village level.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established standards for milk and milk products under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. These standards apply uniformly to all Food Business Operations (FBOs), including dairy cooperatives, across the country to ensure compliance. When developing new standards or amending existing ones, FSSAI releases draft notifications to solicit feedback and suggestions from the general public and stakeholders. The feedback received, including input from dairy cooperatives, is thoroughly reviewed and considered during the standard-setting process.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2114718) Visitor Counter : 115

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:47PM by PIB Delhi

As per data received from the States and insurance companies a total of 21.01 lakh nos. of livestock have been insured in the current financial year.

The Livestock Insurance activity under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme operates on a demand-driven basis. The Department is encouraging the States to send proposals of Livestock Insurance scheme so that more livestock may be covered.

The Department does not maintain any data on the number of people in the country who are dependent on livestock and animal husbandry for their livelihood. However, as per 19^th Livestock Census, there are 10.08 crore households having livestock and/ or poultry.

To promote the Livestock Insurance activity among the farmers, the beneficiary share of premium for all categories and areas has been reduced to 15% instead of existing 20 – 50%; rest will be borne by Central as well as State Government in the ratio of 90:10 for Hilly and North-eastern states, 60:40 for states other than Hilly and North-eastern states and 100% for the UTs. Moreover, the Department is conducting extensive awareness like seminars and camps, publicity, video Conferences to promote the activity, for which the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is providing assistance to the State Governments to create awareness. 100% central assistance is provided to the States for awareness and publicity under the NLM scheme. Besides, during Regional Review Meetings, instructions are also given to the States for increasing insurance coverage. Additionally, the Department is developing a dedicated online portal to ensure transparent and efficient implementation of the livestock insurance program.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2114716) Visitor Counter : 109

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:46PM by PIB Delhi

India is ranked 1^st in milk production since 1998, nowcontributing 25 percent of global milk production. Milk production has increased by 63.56% over the past 10 years from 146.3 million tonnes during 2014-15 to 239.2 million tonnes during 2023-24, with an annual growth rate of 5.7 % during the past 10 years and whereas, world milk production is growing at 2% per annum. Per capita availability of milk in the country has increased by 48% in the last decade with more than 471 gm/person/day during the year 2023-24 as against the per capita availability of 322 gram/ person/ day in the world.

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the following schemes across the country to complement and supplement the efforts for milk production and milk processing infrastructure made by the State Government;

1. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD): NPDD is implemented with following 2 components:
2. 1. Component ”A” of NPDD focuses on creating/strengthening of infrastructure for quality milk testing equipment as well as primary chilling facilities for State Cooperative Dairy Federations/ District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union/ Self Help Groups (SHGs)/ Milk Producer Companies/ Farmer Producer Organizations.
   2. Component ‘B’ of the NPDD scheme “Dairying through Cooperatives” aims to increase sale of milk and dairy products by increasing farmer’s access to organized market, upgrading dairy processing facilities and marketing infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of producer owned institutions.
3. Supporting Dairy Cooperatives & Farmer Producer Organisations engaged in dairy activities (SDCFPO): To assist the State Dairy Cooperative Federations by providing interest subvention with respect to working capital loan to tide over the crisis on account severely adverse market conditions or natural calamities.
4. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF): AHIDF is being implemented for funding of eligible projects set up by individual entrepreneurs, Dairy Cooperatives, Farmers Producer Organizations, Private Companies, MSMEs and Section 8 companies for their investment for processing and value addition in animal husbandry sector by scheduled banks. Under the scheme, credit facilities are to be made available for establishment of Dairy processing & value addition infrastructure, Animal feed manufacturing plant, Breed Improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication farm, Animal waste to wealth management (Agri Waste management) and Veterinary vaccine and drugs production facilities.
5. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM): To enhance milk production and productivity of bovines Government is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission for development and conservation of indigenous breeds and genetic upgradation of bovine population.
6. National Livestock Mission (NLM): to bring sharp focus on entrepreneurship development and breed improvement in poultry, sheep, goat and piggery by providing the incentivization to the individual, FPOs, SHGs, Section 8 companies for entrepreneurship development and also to the State Government for breed improvement infrastructure.
7. Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP): to provide for prophylactic vaccination against animal diseases, capacity building of veterinary services, disease surveillance, and strengthening veterinary infrastructure.

  Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is continuously organizing social media campaigns through the official channels to make people aware about the nutritional benefits of milk. These campaigns include awareness posts, infographics, reels and engagement through hashtags and digital outreach.

  This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2114715) Visitor Counter : 141

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:36PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today shared an article by Union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda regarding key insights on the recently concluded 100-day Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan which has set a strong foundation for a TB-free India.

The Prime Minister’s Office handle on X posted:

“India’s fight against TB is witnessing remarkable progress. The Union Health Minister, Shri @JPNadda shares key insights on the recently concluded 100-day Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan which has set a strong foundation for a TB-free India – A must read.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2114708) Visitor Counter : 229

Source: Government of India

Department of Consumer Affairs, GoI invites applications for filling up of two vacancies in National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

Application invited only in online mode; last date of submission is 23rd April, 2025

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:33PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has invited applications to fill up two anticipated vacancies for the post of Members in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which is a quasi-judicial body established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The Commission is headquartered in New Delhi.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has invited application only through Online Mode.

The qualifications, eligibility, salary and other terms and conditions of the appointment of a candidate will be governed by the provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act and the Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021.

The Search-Cum-Selection Committee constituted under the Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 for recommending names for appointment to the said post shall scrutinize the applications with respect to the suitability of application for the posts by giving due weightage to qualification and experience of candidates and shortlist candidates for conducting personal interaction. The final selection will be done on the basis of overall evaluation of candidates done by the Committee based on the qualification, experience and personal interaction.

The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, the Tribunals (conditions of service) Rules, 2021 and the Consumer Protection (Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions) Rules are also placed on the Ministry’s website “www.consumeraffairs.nic.in” for ready reference.

Applications of eligible and willing candidates are requested online through https://jagograhakjago.gov.in/ncdrc from 25.03.2025 onwards. The last date of receipt of applications is 23.04.2025. Wherever applicable, a copy of the application submitted online may be submitted through proper channel along-with prescribed documents to Under Secretary (CPU), Department of Consumer Affairs, Room No. 466-A, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi by 23^rd April, 2025.

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2114703) Visitor Counter : 240

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region