Sonia appointed chairperson of NAC

NEW DELHI: The government on Monday appointed Congress president Sonia Gandhi chairperson of the National Advisory Council (NAC). She had resigned from the post in March 2006 following a controversy over the office of profit.

Ms. Gandhi, chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, will enjoy the rank of Cabinet Minister and her appointment has been made with immediate effect, an official spokesperson said here. Her tenure would be co-terminus with that of the NAC.

The other members of the Council are expected to be nominated in a few days.

Under the special provisions for an MP being appointed NAC member, he or she cannot draw any perk, allowance or remuneration from the Council other than the compensatory allowance as defined in the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959, the spokesperson said.

For non-MPs, the salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of the chairperson and members shall be such as the government may by order specify from time to time.

The chairperson of the NAC shall be entitled to the same salary, pay, allowances and other facilities to which a member of the Union Council of Ministers is entitled. Members shall draw such salary and allowances the Central government may by order determine from time to time.