Section 23 - Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

Chapter IV

Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection

23. Constitution of Committee.-

(1) The Central Government shall, by notification, establish a Committee to be called the Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection consisting of the following members, namely:-

(a) Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Chairperson, ex officio;

(b) ten members not below the rank of Joint Secretary, ex officio, to be nominated by the Central Government, from any of the Ministries or Departments or organisations of the Central Government dealing with,-

(i) Defence;

(ii) External Affairs;

(iii) Finance;

(iv) Fisheries;

(v) Legal Affairs;

(vi) Science and Technology;

(vii) Shipping;

(viii) Tourism;

(ix) Environment;

(x) Communication;

(xi) Space;

(xii) National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research; and

(xiii) National Security Council Secretariat;

(c) two experts to be nominated by the Central Government, from the fields of,-

(i) Antarctic environment; and

(ii) Geo-politics;

(d) such other experts in the relevant field, to be nominated by the Central Government.

(2) An officer, not below the rank of Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences, shall be the Member-Secretary, ex officio.

(3) The members nominated under clauses (c) and (d) of sub-section (1) shall hold office for such period and subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the notification referred to in sub-section (1).

(4) The members nominated under clauses (c) and (d) of sub-section (1) shall be entitled to receive such allowances or fees as may be prescribed, for attending the meetings of the Committee.

(5) In the discharge of their functions, the members shall follow such procedure as may be prescribed.