(1)

With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf, there shall be established a central body to be called the Council.

(2)

The Council shall consist of the following members, namely:—

(a) the Minister in-charge of Food Processing Industries, Central Government — Chairperson, ex officio;

(b) the Minister of the State for Food Processing Industries, Central Government— member, ex officio;

(c) Chairperson, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India— member, ex officio;

(d) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry or Department of the Central Government dealing with Finance — member, ex officio;

(e) the Chief Executive Officer, National Institution for Transforming India — member, ex officio;

(f) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry or Department of the Central Government dealing with Higher Education — member, ex officio;

(g) three representatives of eminence from Food Processing Industry to be nominated by the Chairperson of the Council— members;

(h) three eminent academicians known for their contribution in the field of food processing, to be nominated by the Chairperson of the Council — members;

(i) three Members of Parliament, of whom two shall be elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States —members:

(j) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry of the Central Government dealing with Food Processing Industries — Member-Secretary, ex officio.

(3)

The Central Government may, by order, designate one amongst the members as Vice-chairperson to the Council.