Publishing of Notification of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions 4th (Removal of Difficulties) order 2022

## Policy Analysis Report: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions 4th Removal of Difficulties Order, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the "National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions 4th Removal of Difficulties Order, 2022" based on the provided official gazette notification. This order amends the implementation timeline of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, specifically concerning the establishment of State Allied and Healthcare Councils. The core purpose is to clarify and extend the deadline for State Governments/Union Territories to constitute these councils due to difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The key finding is the extension of the deadline for council formation to two years from the Act's commencement date. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of the "National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions 4th Removal of Difficulties Order, 2022" (hereafter referred to as "the Order"). This analysis is based solely on the text provided in the official gazette notification. The report aims to inform stakeholders about the Order's purpose, provisions, and potential impact. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This Order amends the implementation timeline of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"). * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to remove difficulties in complying with Section 22 of the Act, which mandates the constitution of State Allied and Healthcare Councils. This is achieved by clarifying and extending the deadline for this process. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Amendment:** The provided text indicates that the original timeline for State Governments to establish State Allied and Healthcare Councils (six months from the Act's commencement on May 25, 2021) was initially extended to one year and six months (via the 3rd Removal of Difficulties Order, 2022). This amendment (the 4th Removal of Difficulties Order) is likely required because State Governments/Union Territories were still unable to meet the extended deadline due to the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic and related disruptions. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The Order directly impacts the timeframe for implementing Section 22 of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule clarifies that "all the State Governments/Union Territories shall, as soon as may be but within two year from the date of commencement of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, constitute State Allied and Healthcare Councils." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The original Act mandated a six-month timeframe (later extended to one year and six months). This amendment provides a further extension, setting the final deadline at two years from the Act's commencement date (May 25, 2021). This effectively extends the final deadline to May 25, 2023. The change is designed to provide State Governments/Union Territories with additional time to establish the required councils, acknowledging the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * State Governments and Union Territories: Responsible for establishing the State Allied and Healthcare Councils. * The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions: Oversees the implementation of the Act. * Allied and Healthcare Professionals: Ultimately affected by the establishment and regulation of these councils. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** State Governments/Union Territories are directly responsible for implementing the change by constituting the State Allied and Healthcare Councils. The Central Government, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issued the Order. * **Timelines:** The text specifies a clear timeline: State Allied and Healthcare Councils must be constituted within two years from the commencement of the Act (May 25, 2021). The Order came into force on the date of its publication in the official Gazette (November 16, 2022). * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** State Governments/Union Territories should adjust their implementation plans to reflect the extended deadline provided by this amendment. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcome of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to ensure the successful establishment of State Allied and Healthcare Councils across all States and Union Territories. By providing a more realistic timeframe, the Order aims to improve compliance with Section 22 of the Act. This will ultimately contribute to the effective regulation and standardization of allied and healthcare professions nationwide. The amendment mitigates the risk of states not complying with the act by the original deadline, and therefore promotes national standardization. **9. Conclusion:** The "National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions 4th Removal of Difficulties Order, 2022" is a significant amendment that addresses the challenges faced by State Governments/Union Territories in establishing State Allied and Healthcare Councils due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By extending the deadline for council formation to two years from the Act's commencement, the Order aims to facilitate the successful implementation of the Act and ensure effective regulation of allied and healthcare professions across the country. This amendment provides necessary flexibility and is crucial for the long-term success of the Act.

Key Entities Referenced