The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972

Summary of The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972
Purpose
• Establish the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) with a focus on the service terms of the Chairman and allowances for members, alongside its developmental role in the marine products export industry.
Key Provisions
1. Service of Chairman
• Position and Responsibilities:
• The Chairman serves as the chief executive of the Authority (Implicit from governance structures similar to other Acts).
• Oversight of the Authority's operations, including strategic direction for export development.
• Tenure and Eligibility:
• Subject to appointment and reappointment rules (general governance practice, though specifics not detailed here).
• Disqualifications for appointment apply (standard for such positions, ensuring integrity).
2. Allowances of Members
• Compensation Structure:
• Members are entitled to allowances for their services (common practice for committee-based authorities).
• The structure and amount are typically defined by the Central Government or the Authority's governing rules.
• Financial Sustainability for Member Compensation:
• Funded through the Authority's allocated budget, which may include grants, loans, or the Marine Products Export Development Fund.

Legislative History: The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972

Source: India Code and Ministry of Commerce and Industry Official Records

Key Legislative Metadata

Legislative Stage / Attribute Official Details

Short Title The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972

Act Number / Year Act No. 13 of 1972

Act ID (India Code) 1972-13

Presidential Assent / Enactment Date April 20, 1972

Official Gazette Publication April 1972

Enforcement Date July 12, 1972

Administrative Nodal Ministry Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Precedent & Statutory Rationale

1. Strategic Promotion and Regulation of Marine Exports:

o In the wake of growing global demand for seafood and the immense potential of India's extensive coastline, the Government of India recognized the necessity of a dedicated, specialized statutory body to systematically harness, regulate, and upgrade the marine products industry with a core focus on exports.

o Prior to 1972, marine export promotion lacked an integrated national apex framework, leading to fragmented quality control, inadequate deep-sea fishing infrastructure, and underdeveloped processing standards.

2. Establishment of MPEDA and Regulatory Scope:

o The 1972 Act provided for the establishment of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) as a body corporate under the exclusive control of the Union.

o Core Functions and Mandates:

 Quality Control and Standards: Empowered MPEDA to fix standards and specifications, carry out inspections of fishing vessels, processing plants, storage premises, and transport conveyances to ensure international quality compliance.

 Registration Regime: Mandated the registration of fishing vessels, processing entities, storage units, and seafood exporters.

 Industry Development & Subsidies: Provided financial assistance, relief schemes, and technological upgrades for deep-sea fishing, aquaculture diversification, and infrastructure enhancement.

Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment

• Formulation: Drafted and piloted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade (later restructured under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) to boost foreign exchange earnings through structured marine trade.

• Parliamentary Passage: Tabled, debated, and passed by both Houses of Parliament, receiving Presidential Assent on April 20, 1972.

• Enforcement: Enforced on July 12, 1972.