Context: The Rubber Board, jointly with the Central government and the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, is implementing a project to expand the area under natural rubber in the Northeastern States.

About the Rubber Board

• The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted by the Government of India, under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country.
• The Rubber Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Government of India.
• Head Office: Kottayam, Kerala
• Composition: As per Section 4(3) of the Act, The Board shall consist of:
  • A Chairman to be appointed by the Central Government;
  • Two members to represent the State of Tamil Nadu, one of whom shall be a person representing the rubber producing interests;
  • Eight members to represent the State of Kerala, six of whom shall be persons representing the rubber producing interests, three of such six being persons representing the small growers;
  • Ten members to be nominated by the Central Government, of whom two shall represent the manufacturers and four labour; Three members to be nominated by the Central Government, of whom two shall be from the Department of Commerce and one from the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation;
  • Three members of Parliament, of whom two shall be elected by the House of People (Lok Sabha) and one by the Council of States ( Rajya Sabha);
  • The Executive Director, ex-officio; and
  • The Rubber Production Commissioner, ex-officio.

Functions

The functions of the Board as defined under the Act are:

• To promote by such measures as it thinks fit the development of the rubber industry by:
  • undertaking,  assisting  or  encouraging  scientific,  technological  or  economic research.
  • training students  in improved methods  of planting, cultivation,  manuring  and spraying.
  • the supply of technical advice to rubber growers.
  • improving the marketing of rubber.
  • the collection of statistics from owners of estates, dealers and manufacturers.
  • securing  better  working  conditions  and  the  provision  and  improvement  of amenities and incentives to workers.
  • carrying out any other duties which may be vested with the Board as per rules made under this Act.
• It shall also be the duty of the Board:
  • to advise the Central Government on all matters relating to the development of the rubber industry, including the import and export of rubber.
  • to  advise the Central Government with regard to participation in any international conference or scheme relating to rubber.
  • to submit to the Central  Government  and such other  authorities  as may  be prescribed, half yearly reports on its activities and the working of this Act, and
  • to prepare and furnish such other reports relating to the rubber industry as may be required by the Central Government from time to time.