NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILS

1.  INTRODUCTION

• Two national advisory councils:

• National Advisory Council for Indian community.
• National Advisory Council for Minority communities.

• Both councils are chaired by the Hon. Prime Minister and the Minister for Multi- ethnic Affairs and National Reconciliation & Unity as a deputy chairman.
• This forum was established to serve the needs of the Indian and Minority communities.
• It is similar to the Great Council of Chiefs for the indigenous Fijians and the Rotumans.
• The two councils were established in the year 2002, through the initiative of the Hon. Prime Minister

2.   FUNCTIONS

• Its primary role is to suggest means and ways to bring about the developmental needs of the Indian and minority communities and accordingly render advice to the Hon. Prime Minister.
• To provide advice to the Hon. Prime Minister on any policy matter that is affecting the Indiansand minority communities.

3.   MEMBERSHIP

       The current membership consists of the following:

• 21 appointed to represent the Indian community
• 18 appointed to represent the Minority communities
• 15 ex-officio members (CEO’s and Divisional Commissioners)

4.   APPOINTMENTS

All appointments of councillors and ex-officio members are to be endorsed by the Hon. Prime Minister.

5.   TERM

       The term of the council is normally two (2) years.

6.    MEETINGS

       The councils have met eight (8) times since they were established in the year 2002

7.    ISSUES

Since this is a high level forum which is chaired by the Hon. Prime Minister, discussion is concentrated on “policies” and other matters that are affecting the Indians and the minorities.

8.   SECRETARIAT

The secretariat service is provided by the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and National Reconciliation and Unity.

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