TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has officially dissolved the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), a body responsible for providing technical and logistical support for community nutrition programmes.
EXPLANATION:
- This move is part of a broader government initiative aimed at rationalising government bodies to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy.
- The decision follows recommendations from the Principal Economic Adviser’s report and a subsequent Cabinet meeting in April 2023.
Food and Nutrition Board (FNB)
- The Food and Nutrition Board was initially established under the Ministry of Agriculture.
- However, in 1993, it was transferred to the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD).
- The Food & Nutrition Board (FNB) is a technical support wing under Child Development Bureau of the Ministry.
- The FNB played a crucial role in supporting community nutrition programs across India through its extensive network of offices and laboratories.
- It maintained four regional offices, four quality control laboratories in Faridabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, and 43 Community Food and Nutrition Extension Units (CFNEUs) throughout the country.
Cabinet Decision and Implementation:
- The dissolution of the FNB was approved during a Cabinet meeting on April 6, 2023.
- This decision was part of a larger plan to rationalise government bodies based on the Principal Economic Adviser’s report from November 2020.
- Along with the FNB, the Cabinet also approved the closure of the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh and the Central Social Welfare Board.
- The dissolution of the FNB necessitated the reallocation of its employees and assets. Of the 147 FNB employees:
- 33 employees opted for voluntary retirement under a special scheme.
- Seven Group ‘A’ technical officers were reassigned to the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development.
- 61 Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ technical staff were placed on deemed deputation to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
- 46 non-technical staff were transferred to the surplus cell within the WCD Ministry.
Transfer of Assets and Facilities
- The dissolution process also involved the reallocation of FNB’s physical assets and facilities:
- CFNEUs in Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar have been transferred to the Directorate of Estates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Immovable properties in Faridabad, Chennai, Navi Mumbai, and Kolkata are in the process of being transferred to relevant authorities.
- The Central Food Testing Laboratory in Faridabad and the Regional Food Testing Laboratory in Chennai are being handed over to the FCI or the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPB).
- The regional food testing laboratories in Navi Mumbai and West Bengal will be leased to the FCI and DFPB after obtaining necessary state clearances.
- All laboratories have been transferred to the FCI on an “as is where is” basis, ensuring continuity in their operations.
