APPENDIX M-
FORMATION OF A CENTRAL COUNCIL ON
 BLINDNESS
 

In 1943 as a result of the recommendations of the Central Advisory Board of Education and Central Advisory Board of Health a Joint Committee was set up to consider the question of education and welfare of the Blind in India and the Report* was ready in 1944. The Report was considered by the Central Advisory Board of Education at their annual meeting held on the 16th to 18th January, 1945 when they resolved that the report after approval by the Central Advisory Board of Health should be circulated to the Provincial and State Governments for necessary action. The Report has been released with the approval of the Ministry of Health to all the Provincial and State Governments and the interested public. The Provincial and State Governments have been asked to set up councils in their respective Provinces and the Centre will co-ordinate the activities of these councils.

The Government of Bombay has formed one such council and other Provinces are considering the formation of such councils.

The detailed recommendations of the Committee regarding the formation of Councils on Blindness are contained in Chapter XVI, pages 73-79 of the Report.

The setting up of an Interim Central Council is under consideration of the Ministry.

The Interim Council will not have any separate Secretariat for the present for the work will be done by the staff working in the Ministry.

The Interim Council which will be a small body will function in an advisory capacity.