(1)

With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification appoint in this behalf, there shall be constituted for the purposes of this Act a Council to be called the Rehabilitation Council of India.

(2)

The Council shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall by the said name sue and be sued.

(3)

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

(a) [ a Chairperson, from amongst the persons having experience in administration with professional qualification in the field of rehabilitation, disabilities, and special education, to be appointed by the Central Government; [Substituted by Rehabilitation Council of India (Amendment)Act, 2000(38 of 2000)]

(b) such number of members not exceeding seven, as may be nominated by the Central Government, to represent the Ministries of the Central Government dealing with matters relating to persons with disabilities;]

(c) one member to be appointed by the Central Government to represent the University Grants Commission;

(d) one member to be appointed by the Central Government to represent the Directorate General of Indian Council of Medical Research;

(e) two members to be appointed by the Central Government to represent the Ministry or department of the States or the Union territories dealing with Social Welfare by rotation in alphabetical order;

(f) such number of members not exceeding six as may be appointed by the Central Government from amongst the rehabilitation professionals working in voluntary organisations;

(g) such number of members not exceeding four as may be appointed by the Central Government from amongst the medical practitioners enrolled under the Indian Medical Council Act 1956 (102 of 1956), and engaged in rehabilitation of the handicapped;

(h) three Members of Parliament of whom two shall be elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States;

(i) such number of members not exceeding three as may be nominated by the Central Government from amongst the social workers who are actively engaged in assisting the disabled;

(j) the Member-Secretary, ex officio.

(4)

The office of member of the Board shall not disqualify its holder for being chosen as, or for being, a Member of either House of Parliament.