(1)

The Central Government shall by notification constitute a National Council for Transgender Persons to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to it, under this Act.

(2)

The National Council shall consist of -

(a) the Union Minister in-charge of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Chairperson,ex officio;

(b) the Minister of State, in-charge of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the Government, Vice-Chairperson,ex officio;

(c) Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Member,ex officio;

(d) one representative each from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Home Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs, Minority Affairs, Human Resources Development, Rural Development, Labour and Employment and Departments of Legal Affairs, Pensions and Pensioners Welfare and National Institute for Transforming India Aayog, not below the rank of Joint Secretaries to the Government of India, Members,ex officio;

(e) one representative each from the National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women, not below the rank of Joint Secretaries to the Government of India, Members,ex officio;

(f) representatives of the State Governments and Union territories by rotation, one each from the North, South, East, West and North-East regions, to be nominated by the Central Government, Members,ex officio;

(g) five representatives of transgender community, by rotation, from the State Governments and Union territories, one each from the North, South, East, West and North-East regions, to be nominated by the Central Government, Members;

(h) five experts, to represent non-governmental organisations or associations, working for the welfare of transgender persons, to be nominated by the Central Government, Members; and

(i) Joint Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment dealing with the welfare of the transgender persons, Member Secretary,ex officio.

(3)

A Member of National Council, other thanex officio member, shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his nomination.