The Cabinet on Thursday approved the setting up of a National Automotive Board (NAB) under the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI).
The board will comprise domain experts who will promote research and development activities and play a big role in developing skills for the automobile sector.
The board was envisaged as a national authority, to oversee the functioning of the National Automotive Testing and Research and Development Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) centres.
Think-tank
The board will also act as a think-tank for the Government, particularly looking at the growth of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.
NATRIP was formed to set up new auto testing and research and development centres and to upgrade existing ones.
The NAB will have members from the DHI, the Planning Commission, and the Ministries of Road Transport and Highways, Science and Technology, and Environment and Forests. Besides, there will be scientists and industry representatives on the board.
The total expenditure on the NAB is estimated to be approximately Rs 2-3 crore per annum. The board will have its headquartere in the National Capital Region.