(1) The State Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a body to be known as "the Maharashtra State Commission for Women" to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform the functions assigned to it under this Act.
(2) The Commission shall consist of-
(a) a Chairperson, who shall be an eminent woman committed to the cause of women ;
(b) not more than six non-official members preferably women, to be nominated by the State Government from amongst the persons of ability, integrity and standing who have served the cause of women or have had sufficient knowledge and experience in law or legislation, administration of matters concerning the advancement of women or leadership of any trade union or voluntary organisation for women for protection, upliftment and promotion of common interests of women :
Provided that, at least one member each shall be from amongst persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, respectively :
Provided further that, before nominating the Chairperson, the State Government shall consult the women organisations within the State of Maharashtra ;
(c) the Director General of Police shall be the ex-officio member of the Commission ;
(d) one Member-Secretary, to be nominated by the State Government, shall be a woman officer, who is a member of the Civil Services of the State or of an All India Service or holds a civil post under the State with appropriate experience, of the rank of Joint Secretary or above.