The National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020.
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Ayush
Section
Section 1 Short title, extent and commencement.
(1) This Act may be called the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall come into force on such date1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint:
Provided that different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and any reference in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the coming into force of that provision.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall come into force on such date1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint:
Provided that different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and any reference in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the coming into force of that provision.
1. 7th October, 2020--- S. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8,11, 18, 19, 20,21, 54 and 55, vide notification No. S.O. 3475(E), see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
5th July, 2021--- S. 2, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, and 59, vide notification No. S.O. 2693(E), see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
5th July, 2021--- S. 2, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, and 59, vide notification No. S.O. 2693(E), see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
Section 2 Definitions.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--
(a) "Autonomous Board" means any of the Autonomous Boards constituted under section 18;
(b) "Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy" means the Board constituted under section 18;
(c) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the National Commission for Homoeopathy appointed under section 5;
(d) "Commission" means the National Commission for Homoeopathy constituted under section 3;
(e) "Council" means the Advisory Council for Homoeopathy constituted under section 11;
(f) "Homoeopathy" means the Homoeopathic System of Medicine and includes the use of biochemic remedies supplemented by such modern advances, scientific and technological development as the Commission may, in consultation with the Central Government, declare by notification from time to time;
(g) "Homoeopathy Education Board" means the Board constituted for Homoeopathy education under section 18;
(h) "licence" means a licence to practice Homoeopathy granted under sub-section (1) of section 33;
(i) "Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy" means the Board for assessment and rating of medical institutions constituted under section 18;
(j) "medical institution" means any institution within or outside India which, grants degrees, diplomas or licencesin Homoeopathy and includes affiliated colleges and deemed to be Universities;
(k) "Member" means a Member of the Commission referred to in section 4 and includes the Chairperson thereof;
(l) "National Register" means a National Medical Register for Homoeopathy maintained by the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy under section 32;
(m) "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette and the expression "notify" shall be construed accordingly;
(n) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(o) "President" means the President of an Autonomous Board appointed under section 20;
(p) "regulations" means the regulation made by the Commission under this Act;
(q) "State Medical Council" means a State Medical Council of Homoeopathy constituted under any law for the time being in force in any State or Union territory for regulating the practice and registration of practitioners of Homoeopathy;
(r) "State Register" means a State register for Homoeopathy maintained under any law for the time being in force in any State or Union territory for registration of practitioners of Homoeopathy;
(s) "University" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (f) of section 2 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) and includes a health university.
(a) "Autonomous Board" means any of the Autonomous Boards constituted under section 18;
(b) "Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy" means the Board constituted under section 18;
(c) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the National Commission for Homoeopathy appointed under section 5;
(d) "Commission" means the National Commission for Homoeopathy constituted under section 3;
(e) "Council" means the Advisory Council for Homoeopathy constituted under section 11;
(f) "Homoeopathy" means the Homoeopathic System of Medicine and includes the use of biochemic remedies supplemented by such modern advances, scientific and technological development as the Commission may, in consultation with the Central Government, declare by notification from time to time;
(g) "Homoeopathy Education Board" means the Board constituted for Homoeopathy education under section 18;
(h) "licence" means a licence to practice Homoeopathy granted under sub-section (1) of section 33;
(i) "Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy" means the Board for assessment and rating of medical institutions constituted under section 18;
(j) "medical institution" means any institution within or outside India which, grants degrees, diplomas or licencesin Homoeopathy and includes affiliated colleges and deemed to be Universities;
(k) "Member" means a Member of the Commission referred to in section 4 and includes the Chairperson thereof;
(l) "National Register" means a National Medical Register for Homoeopathy maintained by the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy under section 32;
(m) "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette and the expression "notify" shall be construed accordingly;
(n) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(o) "President" means the President of an Autonomous Board appointed under section 20;
(p) "regulations" means the regulation made by the Commission under this Act;
(q) "State Medical Council" means a State Medical Council of Homoeopathy constituted under any law for the time being in force in any State or Union territory for regulating the practice and registration of practitioners of Homoeopathy;
(r) "State Register" means a State register for Homoeopathy maintained under any law for the time being in force in any State or Union territory for registration of practitioners of Homoeopathy;
(s) "University" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (f) of section 2 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) and includes a health university.
Section 3 Constitution of National Commission for Homoeopathy.
(1) The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute a Commission, to be known as the National Commission for Homoeopathy, to exercise the powers conferred upon, and to perform the functions assigned to it, under this Act.
(2) The Commission 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 or be sued.
(3) The head office of the Commission shall be at New Delhi.
(2) The Commission 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 or be sued.
(3) The head office of the Commission shall be at New Delhi.
Section 4 Composition of Commission.
(1) The Commission shall consist of the following persons, namely:--
(a) a Chairperson;
(b) seven ex officio Members; and
(c) nineteenpart-timeMembers.
(2) The Chairperson shall be a person of outstanding ability, proven administrative capacity and integrity, possessing a postgraduate degree in Homoeopathy from a recognised University and having experience of not less than twenty years in the field of Homoeopathy, out of which at least ten years shall be as a leader in the area of healthcare delivery, growth and development of Homoeopathy or its education.
(3)The following persons shall be appointed by the Central Government as ex officio Members of the Commission, namely:--
(a) the President of the Homoeopathy Education Board;
(b) the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy;
(c) the President of the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy;
(d) Advisor (Homoeopathy) or Joint Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of Homoeopathy, in the Ministry of AYUSH;
(e) the Director, National Institute of Homoeopathy,Kolkata;
(f) the Director,North Eastern Institute ofAyurveda and Homoeopathy,Shillong; and
(g) the Director-General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Janakpuri, New Delhi.
(4) The following persons shall be appointed by the Central Government as part-time Members of the Commission, namely:--
(a) three Members to be appointed from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing, who have special knowledge and professional experience in the areas of Homoeopathy, management, law, health research, science and technology and economics;
(b) ten Members to be appointed on rotational basis from amongst the nominees of the States and Union territories in the Advisory Council for a term of two years in such manner as may be prescribed.
(c) six members to be appointed from amongst the nominees of the States and Union territories, under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of section 11, of the Advisory Council for a term of two years in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that no Member shall either himself or through any of his family members, directly or indirectly, own or be associated with or have any dealings with the managing body of a private or non-government medical institution which is regulated under this Act.
Explanation.--For the purpose of this section and section 19, the term "leader" means the Head of a Department or the Head of an Organisation.
(a) a Chairperson;
(b) seven ex officio Members; and
(c) nineteenpart-timeMembers.
(2) The Chairperson shall be a person of outstanding ability, proven administrative capacity and integrity, possessing a postgraduate degree in Homoeopathy from a recognised University and having experience of not less than twenty years in the field of Homoeopathy, out of which at least ten years shall be as a leader in the area of healthcare delivery, growth and development of Homoeopathy or its education.
(3)The following persons shall be appointed by the Central Government as ex officio Members of the Commission, namely:--
(a) the President of the Homoeopathy Education Board;
(b) the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy;
(c) the President of the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy;
(d) Advisor (Homoeopathy) or Joint Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of Homoeopathy, in the Ministry of AYUSH;
(e) the Director, National Institute of Homoeopathy,Kolkata;
(f) the Director,North Eastern Institute ofAyurveda and Homoeopathy,Shillong; and
(g) the Director-General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Janakpuri, New Delhi.
(4) The following persons shall be appointed by the Central Government as part-time Members of the Commission, namely:--
(a) three Members to be appointed from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing, who have special knowledge and professional experience in the areas of Homoeopathy, management, law, health research, science and technology and economics;
(b) ten Members to be appointed on rotational basis from amongst the nominees of the States and Union territories in the Advisory Council for a term of two years in such manner as may be prescribed.
(c) six members to be appointed from amongst the nominees of the States and Union territories, under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of section 11, of the Advisory Council for a term of two years in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that no Member shall either himself or through any of his family members, directly or indirectly, own or be associated with or have any dealings with the managing body of a private or non-government medical institution which is regulated under this Act.
Explanation.--For the purpose of this section and section 19, the term "leader" means the Head of a Department or the Head of an Organisation.
Section 5 Search committee for appointment of Chairperson and Members.
(1) The Central Government shall appoint the Chairperson referred to in section 4 and the President of the Autonomous Boardsreferred to in section 20 on the recommendation of a Search Committee consistingof--
(a) the Cabinet Secretary--Chairperson;
(b) two experts, possessing outstanding qualifications and experience of not less than twenty-five years in the field of Homoeopathy, to be nominated by the Central Government—Members;
(c) one expert, from amongst the members as referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (4) of section 4, to be nominated by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed—Member;
(d) one person, possessing outstanding qualifications and experience of not less than twenty-five years in the field of health research, management, law, economics or science and technology, to be nominated by the Central Government--Member;
(e) the Secretary to the Government of India incharge of the AYUSH, to be the Convenor-- Member:
Provided that forselection of part-time members of the Commission referred to in clause (a) of subsection (4) of section 4, the Secretary referred to in section 8 and other Members of the Autonomous Boards referred to in section 20, the Search Committee shall consist of members specified in clauses (b) to (d) and Joint Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of AYUSH as Convenor--Member and chaired by Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry ofAYUSH.
(2) The Central Government shall, within one month from the date of occurrence of any vacancy, including by reason of death, resignation or removal of the Chairperson or a Member, or within three months before the end of tenure of the Chairperson or Member, make a reference to the Search Committee for filling up of the vacancy.
(3) The Search Committee shall recommend a panel of at least three names for every vacancy referred to it.
(4) Before recommending any person for appointment as the Chairperson or a Member of the Commission, the Search Committee shall satisfy itself that such person does not have any financial or other interest which is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as such Chairperson or Member.
(5) No appointment of the Chairperson or Member shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or absence of a Member in the Search Committee.
(6) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (2) to (5), the Search Committee may regulate its own procedure.
(a) the Cabinet Secretary--Chairperson;
(b) two experts, possessing outstanding qualifications and experience of not less than twenty-five years in the field of Homoeopathy, to be nominated by the Central Government—Members;
(c) one expert, from amongst the members as referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (4) of section 4, to be nominated by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed—Member;
(d) one person, possessing outstanding qualifications and experience of not less than twenty-five years in the field of health research, management, law, economics or science and technology, to be nominated by the Central Government--Member;
(e) the Secretary to the Government of India incharge of the AYUSH, to be the Convenor-- Member:
Provided that forselection of part-time members of the Commission referred to in clause (a) of subsection (4) of section 4, the Secretary referred to in section 8 and other Members of the Autonomous Boards referred to in section 20, the Search Committee shall consist of members specified in clauses (b) to (d) and Joint Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of AYUSH as Convenor--Member and chaired by Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry ofAYUSH.
(2) The Central Government shall, within one month from the date of occurrence of any vacancy, including by reason of death, resignation or removal of the Chairperson or a Member, or within three months before the end of tenure of the Chairperson or Member, make a reference to the Search Committee for filling up of the vacancy.
(3) The Search Committee shall recommend a panel of at least three names for every vacancy referred to it.
(4) Before recommending any person for appointment as the Chairperson or a Member of the Commission, the Search Committee shall satisfy itself that such person does not have any financial or other interest which is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as such Chairperson or Member.
(5) No appointment of the Chairperson or Member shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or absence of a Member in the Search Committee.
(6) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (2) to (5), the Search Committee may regulate its own procedure.
Section 6 Term of office and conditions of service of Chairperson and Members.
(1) The Chairperson and Members (other than ex officio Members) and Members appointed under clauses (b) and (c) of subsection (4) of section 4 shall hold office for a term not exceeding four years and shall not be eligible for any extension or re-appointment:
Provided that such person shall cease to hold office after attaining the age of seventy years.
(2) The term of office of an ex officio Member shall continue as long as he holds the office by virtue of which he is such Member.
(3) Where a Member, other than an ex officio Member, is absent from three consecutive ordinary meetings of the Commission and the cause of such absence is not attributable to any valid reason in the opinion of the Commission, such Member shall be deemed to have vacated the seat.
(4) The salary and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of, the Chairperson and Member, other than an ex officio Member, shall be such as may be prescribed.
(5) The Chairperson or a Member may--
(a) relinquish his office by giving in writing a notice of not less than three months to the Central Government; or
(b) be removed from his office in accordance with the provisions of section 7:
Provided that such person may be relieved from duties earlier than three months or allowed to continue beyond three months until a successor is appointed, if the Central Government so decides.
(6) The Chairperson and every Member of the Commission shall make declaration of his assets and liabilities at the time of entering upon his office and at the time of demitting his office and also declare his professional and commercial engagement or involvement, in such form and manner as may be prescribed, and such declaration shall be published on the website of the Commission.
(7) The Chairperson or a Member, ceasing to hold office as such, shall not accept, for a period of two yearsfrom the date of demitting such office, any employment, in any capacity, including as a consultant or an expert, in any private Medical institution of Homoeopathy or, whose matter has been dealt with by such Chairperson or Member, directly or indirectly:
Provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed as preventing such person from accepting an employment in a body or institution including Medical institution of Homoeopathy, controlled or maintained by the Central Government or a State Government.
(8) Nothing in sub-section (7) shall prevent the Central Government from permitting the Chairperson or a Member to accept any employment in any capacity, including as a consultant or an expert, in any private Medical Institution of Homoeopathy, whose matter has been dealt with by such Chairperson or Member.
Provided that such person shall cease to hold office after attaining the age of seventy years.
(2) The term of office of an ex officio Member shall continue as long as he holds the office by virtue of which he is such Member.
(3) Where a Member, other than an ex officio Member, is absent from three consecutive ordinary meetings of the Commission and the cause of such absence is not attributable to any valid reason in the opinion of the Commission, such Member shall be deemed to have vacated the seat.
(4) The salary and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of, the Chairperson and Member, other than an ex officio Member, shall be such as may be prescribed.
(5) The Chairperson or a Member may--
(a) relinquish his office by giving in writing a notice of not less than three months to the Central Government; or
(b) be removed from his office in accordance with the provisions of section 7:
Provided that such person may be relieved from duties earlier than three months or allowed to continue beyond three months until a successor is appointed, if the Central Government so decides.
(6) The Chairperson and every Member of the Commission shall make declaration of his assets and liabilities at the time of entering upon his office and at the time of demitting his office and also declare his professional and commercial engagement or involvement, in such form and manner as may be prescribed, and such declaration shall be published on the website of the Commission.
(7) The Chairperson or a Member, ceasing to hold office as such, shall not accept, for a period of two yearsfrom the date of demitting such office, any employment, in any capacity, including as a consultant or an expert, in any private Medical institution of Homoeopathy or, whose matter has been dealt with by such Chairperson or Member, directly or indirectly:
Provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed as preventing such person from accepting an employment in a body or institution including Medical institution of Homoeopathy, controlled or maintained by the Central Government or a State Government.
(8) Nothing in sub-section (7) shall prevent the Central Government from permitting the Chairperson or a Member to accept any employment in any capacity, including as a consultant or an expert, in any private Medical Institution of Homoeopathy, whose matter has been dealt with by such Chairperson or Member.
Section 7 Removal of Chairperson and Members of Commission.
(1) The Central Government may, by order, remove from office the Chairperson or any other Member, who--
(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or
(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central Government, involves moral turpitude; or
(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as the Chairperson or a Member; or
(d) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or
(e) has acquired such financial or other interest asislikely to affect prejudicially his functions as a Member; or
(f) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to public interest.
(2) No Member shall be removed under clauses (e) and (f) of sub-section (1) unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.
(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or
(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central Government, involves moral turpitude; or
(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as the Chairperson or a Member; or
(d) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or
(e) has acquired such financial or other interest asislikely to affect prejudicially his functions as a Member; or
(f) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to public interest.
(2) No Member shall be removed under clauses (e) and (f) of sub-section (1) unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.
Section 8 Appointment of secretary experts, professionals officers and employees of Commission.
(1) There shall be a Secretariat for the Commission to be headed by a Secretary, to be appointed by the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of section 5.
(2) The Secretary of the Commission shall be a person of proven administrative capacity and integrity, possessing such qualifications and experience as may be prescribed.
(3) The Secretary shall be appointed by the Central Government for a term of four years and he shall not be eligible for any extension orre-appointment.
(4) The Secretary shall discharge such functions of the Commission as are assigned to him by the Commission and as may be specified by regulations made under this Act.
(5) The Commission may appoint such officers and other employees, as it considers necessary, against the posts created by the Central Government for the efficient discharge of its functions under this Act.
(6) The salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of the Secretary, officers and other employees of the Commission shall be such as may be prescribed.
(7) The Commission may engage, in accordance with the procedure specified by regulations, such number of experts and professionals of integrity and outstanding ability, who have special knowledge of Homoeopathy and experience in fields including medical education in Homoeopathy, public health, management, economics, accreditation, patient advocacy, health research, science and technology, administration, finance, accounts or law as it deems necessary, to assist the Commission in the discharge of its functions under this Act.
(2) The Secretary of the Commission shall be a person of proven administrative capacity and integrity, possessing such qualifications and experience as may be prescribed.
(3) The Secretary shall be appointed by the Central Government for a term of four years and he shall not be eligible for any extension orre-appointment.
(4) The Secretary shall discharge such functions of the Commission as are assigned to him by the Commission and as may be specified by regulations made under this Act.
(5) The Commission may appoint such officers and other employees, as it considers necessary, against the posts created by the Central Government for the efficient discharge of its functions under this Act.
(6) The salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of the Secretary, officers and other employees of the Commission shall be such as may be prescribed.
(7) The Commission may engage, in accordance with the procedure specified by regulations, such number of experts and professionals of integrity and outstanding ability, who have special knowledge of Homoeopathy and experience in fields including medical education in Homoeopathy, public health, management, economics, accreditation, patient advocacy, health research, science and technology, administration, finance, accounts or law as it deems necessary, to assist the Commission in the discharge of its functions under this Act.
Section 9 Meeting of Commission.
(1) The Commission shall meet at least once every quarter at such time and place as may be appointed by the Chairperson.
(2) The Chairperson shall preside at the meeting of the Commission and if, for any reason, the Chairperson is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission, any Member being the President of the Autonomous Boards, nominated by the Chairperson shall preside at the meeting.
(3) Unless the procedure to be followed at the meetings of the Commission is otherwise provided by regulations, one-half of the total number of Members of the Commission including the Chairperson shall constitute the quorum and all decisions of the Commission shall be taken by a majority of the members, present and voting and in the event of equality of votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the President of the Autonomous Board nominated under sub-section (2), shall have the casting vote.
(4) The general superintendence, direction and control of the administration of the Commission shall vest in the Chairperson.
(5) No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalid merely by reason of---
(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Commission; or
(b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a Chairperson or as a Member.
(6) A person who is aggrieved by any decision of the Commission, except the decision rendered under sub-section (4) of section 31, may prefer an appeal to the Central Government against such decision within fifteen days of the communication of such decision.
(2) The Chairperson shall preside at the meeting of the Commission and if, for any reason, the Chairperson is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission, any Member being the President of the Autonomous Boards, nominated by the Chairperson shall preside at the meeting.
(3) Unless the procedure to be followed at the meetings of the Commission is otherwise provided by regulations, one-half of the total number of Members of the Commission including the Chairperson shall constitute the quorum and all decisions of the Commission shall be taken by a majority of the members, present and voting and in the event of equality of votes, the Chairperson or in his absence, the President of the Autonomous Board nominated under sub-section (2), shall have the casting vote.
(4) The general superintendence, direction and control of the administration of the Commission shall vest in the Chairperson.
(5) No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalid merely by reason of---
(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Commission; or
(b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a Chairperson or as a Member.
(6) A person who is aggrieved by any decision of the Commission, except the decision rendered under sub-section (4) of section 31, may prefer an appeal to the Central Government against such decision within fifteen days of the communication of such decision.
Section 10 Power and functions of Commission.
(1) The Commission shall perform the following functions, namely:--
(a) lay down policies for maintaining a high quality and high standards in education of Homoeopathy and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
(b) lay down policies for regulating medical institutions, medical researches and medical professionals and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
(c) assess the requirements in healthcare, including human resources for health and healthcare infrastructure and develop a road map for meeting such requirements;
(d) frame guidelines and lay down policies by making such regulations as may be necessary for the proper functioning of the Commission, the Autonomous Boards and the State Medical Councils of Homoeopathy;
(e) ensure coordination among the Autonomous Boards;
(f) take such measures, as may be necessary, to ensure compliance by the State Medical Councils of Homoeopathy of the guidelines framed and regulations made under this Act for their effective functioning under this Act;
(g) exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to decisions of the Autonomous Boards;
(h) make regulations to ensure observance of professional ethics in Medical profession and to promote ethical conduct during the provision of care by medical practitioners;
(i) frame guidelines for determination of fees and all other charges in respect of fifty per cent. of seats in private medical institutions and deemed to be Universities which are governed under the provisions of this Act.
(j) exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
(2) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by signature of the Secretary and the Commission may delegate such of its powers on administrative and financial matters, as it deems fit, to the Secretary.
(3) The Commission may constitute sub-committees and delegate such of its powers to them as may be necessary to enable them to accomplish specific tasks.
(a) lay down policies for maintaining a high quality and high standards in education of Homoeopathy and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
(b) lay down policies for regulating medical institutions, medical researches and medical professionals and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
(c) assess the requirements in healthcare, including human resources for health and healthcare infrastructure and develop a road map for meeting such requirements;
(d) frame guidelines and lay down policies by making such regulations as may be necessary for the proper functioning of the Commission, the Autonomous Boards and the State Medical Councils of Homoeopathy;
(e) ensure coordination among the Autonomous Boards;
(f) take such measures, as may be necessary, to ensure compliance by the State Medical Councils of Homoeopathy of the guidelines framed and regulations made under this Act for their effective functioning under this Act;
(g) exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to decisions of the Autonomous Boards;
(h) make regulations to ensure observance of professional ethics in Medical profession and to promote ethical conduct during the provision of care by medical practitioners;
(i) frame guidelines for determination of fees and all other charges in respect of fifty per cent. of seats in private medical institutions and deemed to be Universities which are governed under the provisions of this Act.
(j) exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
(2) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by signature of the Secretary and the Commission may delegate such of its powers on administrative and financial matters, as it deems fit, to the Secretary.
(3) The Commission may constitute sub-committees and delegate such of its powers to them as may be necessary to enable them to accomplish specific tasks.
Section 11 Constitution and composition of Advisory council for Homoeopathy.
(1) The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute an advisory body to be known as the Advisory Council for Homoeopathy.
(2) The Council shall consist of a Chairperson and the following Members, namely:--
(a) the Chairperson of the Commission shall be the ex officio Chairperson of the Council;
(b) every Member of the Commission shall be ex officio member of the Council;
(c) one Member, to represent each State, who is the Vice-Chancellor of a University in that State, possessing qualifications in Homoeopathy, to be nominated by that State Government, and one member to represent each Union territory, who is the Vice- Chancellor of a University in that Union territory, possessing qualifications in Homoeopathy, to be nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Government of India:
Provided that where the Vice-Chancellor possessing qualifications in Homoeopathy is not available, a Dean or Head of Faculty possessing qualificationsin Homoeopathy shall be nominated;
(d) one member to represent each State and each Union territory from amongst elected members of the State Homoeopathy Medical Council, to be nominated by that State Medical Council;
(e) the Chairman, University Grants Commission;
(f) the Director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council;
(g) four Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons holding the post of Director in the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management and the Indian Institute of Science;
(h) the terms of non-ex officio Members in the Council shall be four years.
(2) The Council shall consist of a Chairperson and the following Members, namely:--
(a) the Chairperson of the Commission shall be the ex officio Chairperson of the Council;
(b) every Member of the Commission shall be ex officio member of the Council;
(c) one Member, to represent each State, who is the Vice-Chancellor of a University in that State, possessing qualifications in Homoeopathy, to be nominated by that State Government, and one member to represent each Union territory, who is the Vice- Chancellor of a University in that Union territory, possessing qualifications in Homoeopathy, to be nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Government of India:
Provided that where the Vice-Chancellor possessing qualifications in Homoeopathy is not available, a Dean or Head of Faculty possessing qualificationsin Homoeopathy shall be nominated;
(d) one member to represent each State and each Union territory from amongst elected members of the State Homoeopathy Medical Council, to be nominated by that State Medical Council;
(e) the Chairman, University Grants Commission;
(f) the Director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council;
(g) four Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons holding the post of Director in the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management and the Indian Institute of Science;
(h) the terms of non-ex officio Members in the Council shall be four years.
Section 12 Functions of Advisory Council for Homoeopathy.
(1) The Council shall be the primary platform through which the States and Union territories may put forth their views and concerns before the Commission and help in shaping the overall agenda, policy and action relating to medical education, training, research and development of Homoeopathy.
(2) The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to determine and maintain, and to coordinate maintenance of the minimum standards in all matters relating to medical education, training, research and development.
(3) The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to enhance equitable access to medical education.
(2) The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to determine and maintain, and to coordinate maintenance of the minimum standards in all matters relating to medical education, training, research and development.
(3) The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to enhance equitable access to medical education.
Section 13 Meetings of Advisory Council for Homoeopathy.
(1) The Council shall meet at least twice in a year atsuch time and place as may be decided by the Chairperson.
(2) The Chairperson shall preside at the meeting of the Council and if for any reason the Chairperson is unable to attend a meeting of the Council, such other member as nominated by the Chairperson shall preside over the meeting.
(3) Unless the procedure is otherwise provided by regulations, one-half of the Members of the Council including the Chairperson shall form the quorum and all acts of the Council shall be decided by a majority of the Members present and voting.
(2) The Chairperson shall preside at the meeting of the Council and if for any reason the Chairperson is unable to attend a meeting of the Council, such other member as nominated by the Chairperson shall preside over the meeting.
(3) Unless the procedure is otherwise provided by regulations, one-half of the Members of the Council including the Chairperson shall form the quorum and all acts of the Council shall be decided by a majority of the Members present and voting.
Section 14 National Eligibility cum-Entrance Test.
(1) There shall be a uniform National Eligibility-cumEntrance Test, for admission to the undergraduate in Homoeopathy in all medical institutions governed under this Act.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test in English and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner, as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The Commission shall specify by regulations the manner of conducting common counselling by the designated authority for admission to allthemedicalinstitutions governed under this Act:
Provided that the common counselling shall be conducted by the designated authority of --
(i) the Central Government, for All India seats; and
(ii) the State Government, for the remaining seats at the State level.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test in English and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner, as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The Commission shall specify by regulations the manner of conducting common counselling by the designated authority for admission to allthemedicalinstitutions governed under this Act:
Provided that the common counselling shall be conducted by the designated authority of --
(i) the Central Government, for All India seats; and
(ii) the State Government, for the remaining seats at the State level.
Section 15 National Exit Test.
(1) A common final year undergraduate medical examination, to be known as the National Exit Test, shall be held for granting licence to practice as medical practitioner of Homoeopathy and for enrolment in the State Register or National Register, as the case may be.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Exit Test for Homoeopathy in English and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The National Exit Test shall become operational on such date, within three years from the date on which this Act comes into force, as may be appointed by the Central Government, by notification.
(4) Any person with a foreign medical qualification shall have to qualify National Exit Test for the purpose of obtaining licence to practice Homoeopathy as medical practitioner of Homoeopathy and for enrolment in the State Register or the National Register, as the case may be, in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Exit Test for Homoeopathy in English and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The National Exit Test shall become operational on such date, within three years from the date on which this Act comes into force, as may be appointed by the Central Government, by notification.
(4) Any person with a foreign medical qualification shall have to qualify National Exit Test for the purpose of obtaining licence to practice Homoeopathy as medical practitioner of Homoeopathy and for enrolment in the State Register or the National Register, as the case may be, in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
Section 16 Post-Graduate National Entrance Test.
(1) A uniform Post-Graduate National Entrance Test shall be conducted for admission to post-graduate courses in Homoeopathy in all medical institutions governed under this Act.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Entrance Test for admission to post- graduate courses in English and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner, as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The Commission shall specify by regulations the manner of conducting common counselling by the designated authority for admission to the post-graduate seats in all medical institutions governed under this Act.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Entrance Test for admission to post- graduate courses in English and in such other languages, through such designated authority and in such manner, as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The Commission shall specify by regulations the manner of conducting common counselling by the designated authority for admission to the post-graduate seats in all medical institutions governed under this Act.
Section 17 National Teachers’ Eligibility Test for Homoeopathy.
(1) A National Teachers' Eligibility Test shall be conducted separately for the post- graduates of Homoeopathy who desire to take up teaching profession in that discipline.
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Teachers' Eligibility Test for Homoeopathy through such designated authority and in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The National Teachers' Eligibility Test for Homoeopathy shall become operational on such date, within three years from the date on which this Act comes into force, as may be notified by the Central Government:
Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to the teachers appointed prior to the date notified under sub-section (3).
(2) The Commission shall conduct the National Teachers' Eligibility Test for Homoeopathy through such designated authority and in such manner as may be specified by regulations.
(3) The National Teachers' Eligibility Test for Homoeopathy shall become operational on such date, within three years from the date on which this Act comes into force, as may be notified by the Central Government:
Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to the teachers appointed prior to the date notified under sub-section (3).
Section 18 Constitution of Autonomous Boards.
(1) The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute the following Autonomous Boards, under the overall supervision of the Commission, to perform the functions assigned to such Boards under this Act, namely:---
(a) the Homoeopathy Education Board;
(b) the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy; and
(c) the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy.
(2) Each Board referred to in sub-section (1) shall be an autonomous body which shall carry out its functions under this Act in accordance with the regulations made by the Commission.
(a) the Homoeopathy Education Board;
(b) the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy; and
(c) the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy.
(2) Each Board referred to in sub-section (1) shall be an autonomous body which shall carry out its functions under this Act in accordance with the regulations made by the Commission.
Section 19 Composition of Autonomous Boards.
(1) The composition of the Autonomous Boards shall be as under, namely:--
(a) the Homoeopathy Education Board shall consist of a President and four Members from the discipline of Homoeopathy;
(b) the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy shall consist of a President from the discipline of Homoeopathy and two Members, out of whom one Member shall be from the discipline of Homoeopathy and the other Membershall be an acceditation expert;
(c) the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy shall consist of a President from the discipline of Homoeopathy and two Members, out of whom one Member shall be from the discipline of Homoeopathy and the other Member shall be a person who has demonstrated public record of work on medical ethics or chosen fromany ofthe disciplines of quality assurance, public health, law or patient advocacy.
(2) The President and Members of the Autonomous Boards to be chosen under sub-section (1) shall be persons of outstanding ability, proven administrative capacity and integrity, possessing post-graduate degree in respective disciplines from a recognised University and having experience of not less than fifteen years in respective fields, out of which at least seven years shall be as a leader:
Provided that seven years as leader in the case of the President and Member from Homoeopathy shall be in the area of health, growth and development of education in Homoeopathy.
(a) the Homoeopathy Education Board shall consist of a President and four Members from the discipline of Homoeopathy;
(b) the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy shall consist of a President from the discipline of Homoeopathy and two Members, out of whom one Member shall be from the discipline of Homoeopathy and the other Membershall be an acceditation expert;
(c) the Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy shall consist of a President from the discipline of Homoeopathy and two Members, out of whom one Member shall be from the discipline of Homoeopathy and the other Member shall be a person who has demonstrated public record of work on medical ethics or chosen fromany ofthe disciplines of quality assurance, public health, law or patient advocacy.
(2) The President and Members of the Autonomous Boards to be chosen under sub-section (1) shall be persons of outstanding ability, proven administrative capacity and integrity, possessing post-graduate degree in respective disciplines from a recognised University and having experience of not less than fifteen years in respective fields, out of which at least seven years shall be as a leader:
Provided that seven years as leader in the case of the President and Member from Homoeopathy shall be in the area of health, growth and development of education in Homoeopathy.
Section 20 Search Committee for appointment of President and Members.
The Central Government shall appoint the President and Members of the Autonomous Boards on the basis of the recommendations made in accordance with the procedure specified in section 5 by the Search Committee constituted thereunder.