(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the functions of the Board shall generally be to plan, organise and implement programmes for the development of khadi and village industries.
* Omitted vide S. 5 Act No.14 of 1994.
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(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, the Board may take such steps as it may think fit –
(a) to start, encourage, assist and run khadi and village industries;
(b) to provide deserving persons with work through the organisation of khadi and village industries;
(c) to grant loans and give other assistance for the development of khadi and village industries;
(d) to organize co-operative societies and institutions registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Central Act 21 of 1860.) or similar other Acts for the development of khadi and village industries;
(e) to conduct training centres and train persons at such centres or at other centres outside the Union territory of Puducherry in khadi and village industries;
(f) to arrange for the supply of raw materials, tools and implements to such industries and for the sale of their finished products;
(g) to arrange for the publicity and popularisation of the finished products of such industries by activities such as opening of stores, shops, emporia or organising exhibitions;
(h) to educate public opinion and cultivate in the public a preference for such industries and for utilisation of their products;
(i) to encourage and promote research in the techniques of production of khadi and in the development of village industries;
(j) to seek and obtain advice and guidance of experts;
(k) to provide facilities for a study of the problems relating to khadi or village industries;
(l) to arrange or assist in the sale and marketing of the products of khadi and village industries; and
(m) to discharge such other duties and to perform such other functions as the Government may direct for the purpose of carrying out the objects of this Act.
General powers of the Board
14. The Board shall for the purpose of carrying out its functions under this Act have the following powers, namely:-
(i) to acquire and hold movable and immovable property as it deems necessary and to lease, sell or otherwise transfer any such property:
Provided that any lease, sale or other transfer to any person or authority other than the Commission of any immovable property belonging to the Board shall be null and void unless it is sanctioned by the Government;
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(ii) to appoint a committee or committees for securing the efficient performance of its functions and, in particular, for ensuring that such functions are performed with due regard to the requirements of the local area concerned;
(iii) to incur expenditure and undertake any work in any area in the Union territory for the framing and execution of such schemes as it may consider necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, or as may be entrusted to it by the Government; and
(iv) to enter into any contract and to do all things necessary for the purpose of this Act.
Power of Government to give directions
15. In the performance of its functions under this Act, the Board shall be bound by such directions as the Government or the Commission may give to it from time to time.
CHAPTER – IV Finance, Accounts, Audit and Reports Transfer of property to the Board
16. The Government may transfer to the Board any building, land or other property, movable or immovable for the use of and management by the Board on such conditions and subject to such limitations as may be imposed by the Government.
Funds of the Board