(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:—
- the Minister in-charge of Food Processing Industries, Central Government — Chairperson, ex officio;
- the Minister of the State for Food Processing Industries, Central Government— member, ex officio;
- Chairperson, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India— member, ex officio;
- the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry or Department of the Central Government dealing with Finance — member, ex officio;
- the Chief Executive Officer, National Institution for Transforming India — member, ex officio;
- 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;
- three representatives of eminence from Food Processing Industry to be nominated by the Chairperson of the Council— members;
- three eminent academicians known for their contribution in the field of food processing, to be nominated by the Chairperson of the Council — members;
- three Members of Parliament, of whom two shall be elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States —members:
- 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.