Chapter I PRELIMINARY

(1) This Act may be called the Commission for Development of Backward Areas of Andhra Pradesh Act, 2008. (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh.

In this Act unless the context otherwise requires,- (a) "Backward areas" for the purpose of this Act means such backward areas of Andhra Pradesh as may be identified by the Commission; (b) "Commission" means Commission for Development of Backward Areas of Andhra Pradesh constituted under section 3; (c) "District" means a District as construed in the Andhra Pradesh District (Formation) Act, 1974; (d) "Government" means the State Government of Andhra Pradesh; (e) "Member" means a Member of the Commission and includes the Chairperson; (f) "notification" means a 'notification' published in the Andhra Pradesh gazette and the word notified shall be construed accordingly; (g) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act.

(1) The Government may constitute a body to be known as the Commission for Development of Backward Areas of Andhra Pradesh to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform the functions assigned to it under this Act. (2) The Commission shall consist of the following Members nominated by the Government:- (a) Chairperson will be an eminent person of public standing; (b) Two eminent persons from the disciplines of Economics/ Sociology/Public Administration to be nominated; (c) a Member-Secretary who shall be an officer of the Government not below the rank of Secretary to Government.

(1) Every Member shall hold office for a term of three years from the date he assumes office: Provided that the Government may by notification, and for reasons specified therein extend the term of office of the member for a period not exceeding six months at a time. (2) A Member may by writing under his hand addressed to the Government resign from the office of Chairperson or as the case may be a Member at any time. (3) The Government may remove a person from the office of Member if that person,- (a) becomes an undischarged insolvent; (b) is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence with in the opinion of the Government involves moral turpitude; (c) becomes unsound mind and stand so declared by competent Court; (d) becomes incapable of acting; (e) has in the opinion of the Government, so abused the position of Chairperson or Member as to render that person's continuance in the office detrimental to the public interest: Provided that no person shall be removed under this clause until that person has been given an opportunity of being heard in the matter. (4) A vacancy caused under sub-section (2) or otherwise shall be filled in by fresh nomination. (5) The salaries and allowances payable to and the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and Members shall be such as may be prescribed.

(1) The Government may provide the Commission with such officers and employees as may be necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission. (2) Necessary assistance for collection of data shall be provided by all the Departments of the Government. (3) The salaries and allowances payable to and the other terms and conditions of service of the officers and others employees appointed for the purpose of the Commission shall be such as may be prescribed.

The salaries and allowances payable to the Chairperson and Members and the administrative expenses, including salaries, allowances and pensions payable to the officers and other employees referred to in sub-section (1) of section 5 shall be paid out of the grants referred to in sub-section (1) of section 11.

No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalid on the ground merely of the existence of any vacancy or defect in the constitution of the Commission.

(1) The Commission shall meet as and when necessary at such time and place as the Chairperson may deem fit. (2) The Commission shall regulate its own procedure. (3) All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be authenticated by the Member Secretary or any other officer of the Commission duly authorized by the Member-Secretary in this behalf.