Finally the Cabinet acts

In line with the announcement made by the Minister the Union cabinet passed a resolution maknig tri partite agreements betweeen the Centre, state govt and tiger parks mandatory before funds flow through to the parks. As news reports say this is an important step towards making all stake holders more accountable. Lets hope this is just the first step towards bringing more accountability in the entire system.

Cabinet approves MoU on tiger conservation

NEW DELHI: In fresh move to strengthen tiger conservation efforts, the Union cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal for implementing the agreement among the environment ministry, state governments and tiger reserves

The MoU seeks to ensure effective tiger conservation by laying out respective responsibilities and reciprocal commitments linked to fund flow to foster public accountability.

The MoU aims at strengthening tiger conservation initiatives and developing approaches to strengthen efforts for conserving tigers in the identified reserves and other tiger-bearing forests of the country.

"It will address the growing concern among the public for saving the tiger," I&B minister Ambika Soni said after cabinet meeting.

Funds are now being disbursed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under a pact with states for protecting the animal under Project Tiger.

However, under the new agreement, tiger reserves will also be made accountable for fund utilisation given that many states had failed to fully spend money provided by the Centre.