What is the Animal Welfare Board of India?

About Animal Welfare Board of India:

• AWBI is a statutory advisory body under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying)
• It derives its legal structure from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
• It was established in 1962
• It was started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, well known humanitarian.
• Headquarters: Chennai
• Mandate:
  • It frames rules on how animals ought to be humanely treated everywhere.
  • It has also frequently litigated to have stricter laws to ensure animals were not unduly harassed or tortured.
• Membership:
  • Several government organisations, along with animal rights activists and parliamentarians, are represented on the Board.
  • The Board consists of 28 Members.
  • The term of office of Members is for a period of 3 years.

 

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Q1) Why was Rukmini Devi Arundale famous?

Rukmini Devi Arundale was an Indian theosophist, dancer and choreographer of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, and an activist for animal welfare. She was the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha. In addition to reviving Bharatanatyam from its original 'sadhir' style, she also worked for the re-establishment of traditional Indian arts and crafts.

Source: All India Radio