NATIONAL TRUST FOR WELFARE OF PERSONS WITH AUTISM, CEREBRAL PALSY, MENTAL RETARDATION AND MULTIPLE DISABILITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2018

About:

• The Bill amends the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.
  
  
• Features of 1999 Act:
  • It sets up a National Trust to enable persons with disability to live independently by promoting measures for their protection in case of death of their parents, evolving procedures for appointing their guardians and facilitating equal opportunities in society.
    
    
  • The Chairperson and members of the Board of the National Trust can hold office for a term of three years from the date of their appointment or until their successors are appointed, whichever is longer.
    
    
  
  
  
• Features of Amendment Bill, 2018:
  • The Bill fixes the tenure of the Chairperson and members of the Board to three years.
    
    
  • The Union government will initiate the process for appointment of the Chairperson or any member of the Board, at least six months prior to the expiry of his tenure so as to prevent the delay.
    
    
  
  
  
• Need of Bill: to government, the Bill was required as a Chairperson for the trust could not be appointed even after several attempts since 2012 as a suitable candidate meeting the stringent selection criteria could not be found.
  
  
• Timeline: The Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha in July, 2018 and passed by Rajya Sabha on December 12, 2018. It is yet to be introduced in Lok Sabha.