(1) With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf, there shall be established a Council to be called the Veterinary Council of India.
(2) The Council shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall by the said name sue or be sued.
(3) The Council shall consist of the following members, namely:--
(a) five members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst Directors of Animal Husbandry (by whatever name called) of those States to which this Act extends;
(b) four members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst the heads of veterinary institutions in the States to which this Act extends;
(c) one member to be nominated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research;
(d) the Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Government of India, ex officio;
(e) one member to be nominated by the Central Government to represent the Ministry of the Central Government dealing with animal husbandry;
(f) one member to be nominated by the Indian Veterinary Association;
(g) eleven members to be elected from amongst themselves by persons enrolled in the Indian veterinary practitioners register;
(h) one member to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst the Presidents of the State Veterinary Councils of those States to which this Act extends;
(i) one member to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst the Presidents of the State Veterinary Associations of those States to which this Act extends;
(j) Secretary, Veterinary Council of India, ex officio.
(4) The President and Vice-President shall be elected by the members from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided by regulations.
(5) Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall discharge the functions of the President.
(6) The names of persons nominated or elected as members shall be notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.
(7) A person shall not be qualified for nomination or election to the Council unless he holds a recognised veterinary qualification.