The Footwear Design and Development Institute Act, 2017
The Footwear Design and Development Institute Act, 2017
Overview
The Footwear Design and Development Institute Act, 2017 is an Act of the Indian Parliament which declares the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) as an institution of national importance. The Act provides the Institute with statutory status to enable it to function as a premier institute for education, research, and development in footwear, leather, and allied industries.
Background
The Footwear Design and Development Institute was initially established in 1986 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as an autonomous body.
It aimed at promoting and developing skills in the footwear and leather sector, which are significant for India’s export economy.
The Act, passed in 2017, grants FDDI a statutory status similar to other national institutes of design and technology.
This status enables FDDI to grant degrees and diplomas, conduct research, and function autonomously with academic freedom.
Objectives of the Act
To promote professional education and training in footwear, leather goods, and allied industries.
To develop design capabilities, research, and innovation in these sectors.
To produce a skilled workforce tailored to industry needs.
To foster industry-institute interaction and contribute to policy formulation.
To enhance India’s global competitiveness in footwear and leather products.
Key Provisions of the Act
1. Establishment and Incorporation (Section 3)
The Act establishes the Footwear Design and Development Institute as a body corporate with perpetual succession.
The Institute can own property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its name.
2. Objects and Functions (Section 4)
Conduct academic and professional courses related to footwear, leather, and allied products.
Undertake research and development activities.
Organize seminars, workshops, and training programs.
Collaborate with industry, government, and international bodies.
Grant degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
3. Authorities of the Institute (Sections 5-9)
The governance of the Institute is vested in several authorities:
Board of Governors: The principal policy-making body.
Academic Council: Responsible for academic affairs and standards.
Finance Committee: Oversees financial matters.
Director-General: The chief executive officer managing daily operations.
4. Funding and Accounts (Sections 10-11)
The Institute receives funds from the Central Government and other sources.
It is required to maintain proper accounts and have them audited annually.
5. Statutes and Regulations (Sections 12-13)
The Institute can make statutes for its governance, including admission, fees, courses, discipline, and conduct of staff and students.
Importance of the Act
Provides the Institute with autonomy and statutory authority to grant degrees.
Enhances the quality and scope of education and research in the footwear and leather sectors.
Supports skill development and industry relevance, helping India’s export and manufacturing sectors.
Aligns the Institute with other national-level design and technology institutions.
Relevant Case Law
While the Act itself is relatively new and specific, some general principles regarding autonomy, statutory institutions, and degree-granting powers are relevant:
1. T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002)
Established that institutions granted statutory status have the right to academic freedom and autonomy.
The ruling supports the powers of bodies like FDDI to regulate admission, curriculum, and administration.
2. University Grants Commission v. Sri Venkateswara University (1995)
Emphasized the role of statutory institutions in maintaining academic standards and ensuring transparency in admissions.
3. Ashok Kumar v. Union of India (2018)
Upheld the autonomy of national institutes in administrative and academic matters, relevant to how FDDI would manage its affairs under the Act.
Conclusion
The Footwear Design and Development Institute Act, 2017 marks a significant milestone in formalizing and empowering an institution critical to India’s footwear and leather industry. By granting statutory status, the Act ensures that FDDI can provide high-quality education, research, and industry collaboration, thus contributing to skill development and the country’s economic growth.
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