Punjab Orthopaedic Association

Memorandum of Association

It will be a state chapter of Indian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) as provided in The Constitution of IOA and shall work on guidelines of IOA.

1.) Name of the Society: The name of the society will be: “Punjab Orthopaedic Association” (POA).
2.) Location of Registered Office of the Society: 3109, Sector 48 D, Chandigarh
3.) Area of Operation: Punjab and Chandigarh

4.) Aims and Objects of Society: Objects – The objects of the Association shall be the advancement for the Science and Art of orthopaedic Surgery and with that view inter alia to do the following :-

a.) To hold scientific meetings separately or along with the Indian Orthopaedic Association or such other Association or societies.
b.) To encourage scientific research and experimental work in Orthopaedic Surgery
c.) To hold scientific discussions and read papers on orthopaedic and allied subjects

d.) To provide for the delivery and holding of lectures, meetings and classes for medical practitioners/others for the purpose of directly or indirectly advancing the cause of orthopaedic Surgery

e.) To establish and maintain reference library/libraries relating to orthopaedic surgery
f.) To provide instructions an education for the advancement of Orthopaedic Surgery among medical practitioners
g.) To watch and advise on legislation affecting orthopaedic surgery and allied subjects

h.) To advise other association/voluntary bodies/Government agencies on matters affecting the interest and development of orthopaedic surgery including standardization of instruments, implants and orthotic & prosthetic appliances, problems of rehabilitation and resettlement of physically handicapped; to advice on matters concerning teaching and training of medical students (Undergraduates and post-graduates) and research in Orthopaedic Surgery and to suggest ways and means for improving the training of the paramedical personnel

i.) To associate together in one corporate body all qualified workers actively practicing or interested in the science and art of orthopaedic surgery and allied subjects

j.) To establish contact/affiliations with other societies or Association and exchange scientific information and collaborate with them in progress of common interest

k.) To publish journals, proceedings, brochures, periodicals and abstracts pertaining to orthopaedic surgery and allied subjects.
l.) To promote social and professional contacts among the surgeons in India and abroad

m.) To hold properties, movable or immovable that may be necessary or advantageous for the aforesaid objects, to purchase, sell, rent, lease and to mortgage the same for the benefit of the Association

n.) To receive donations and subscriptions and to hold the funds in trust for any particular purpose or purpose for the advancement of orthopaedic surgery and allied branches

o.) To encourage exhibitions of instruments, implants, tools, appliances etc., connected with or pertaining to orthopaedic surgery and to attempt to improve such instruments and appliances for the special needs of this country

p.) To construct, alter and maintain any building necessary for the running of the association in accordance with the law and guidelines of the government

q.) To make rules, regulations and by-laws of the Association and to delete, change or add to the same as and when necessary, conductive to the attainment of all or any of the objects of the association

r.) To initiate any other programme which may be decided on from time to time by the association for the advancement of orthopaedic surgery

5.) The association shall function in accordance with the rules and regulations (constitution) , a copy thereof is filed herewith duly certified in the prescribed manner

6.) The names, addresses and the occupations of the Executive Committee to whom, by the rules of the association, the management of the affairs are entrusted for the duration of their offices consist of the President, the Secretary and the Treasurer.

7.) The Society will adhere to the following four conditions:-

a.) The income and property of the society shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the object of the society as set forth in Memorandum of association and no portion thereof shall be paid to or transferred directly or indirectly to the members of the society.

b.) No member of the Governing Body of the society shall be appointed to any salaried offices of the Association or any office of the Association paid by fees and no remuneration shall be given by the Association to any member of such governing body except repayment of out of pocket expenditure and interest of money lent or rent for premises demised to the Association.

c.) The society/ Association by its constitution shall apply its profits, if any, or the other income in promoting the objects.

d.) If upon the winding up or dissolution of the Association there remains/ after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities , any property whatsoever, it shall not be distributed amongst the members of the Society, but shall be given or transferred to some other institution having objects similar to the society to be determined by the members of the society at or before the time of dissolution.

Dr H S Sohal President (POA), Head,
Deptt of Orthopaedics, Aggarsen Hospital, Chandigarh Road, Patiala Phone : 9855778899
Dr Ravi Gupta Secretary (POA),
Associate Professor, Deptt of Orthopaedics, Govt. Medical College Hospital, Sector 32 B, Chandigarh 3109, Sector 48 D, Chandigarh Phone: 987652159
Dr Ravinder Singh, Treasurer (POA),
Professor and Head, Deptt of Orthopaedics, Gian Sagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Banur, District Patiala. Phone : 9815599218

Terms of Admission of Members

a.) All Orthopaedic surgeons of Punjab
(1) who have completed an acceptable training in orthopaedic surgery and
(2) are engaged in practice of orthopaedic surgery or
(3) related subject of orthopaedics or
(4) who are engaged in practice of allied subjects closely related to orthopaedic surgery.

Applications for Membership and Associate Membership must be made on an official form and be supported by two members of the association and forwarded to the secretary, who will place it before the Executive Committee for consideration. Life Members and full members may also submit names for consideration for election to any category of membership to the Secretary Election for all categories of membership shall be by a majority vote at a business meeting.

All the members are required to fill their biodata on the website of the association i.e www.punjaborthoassociation.com in order to have details of all the members on the net.

Subscription and consequences of nonpayment

a.) The subscription for the life members will be Rs 2500/- which can be changed/ determined from time to time by the executive committee and approved by a simple majority at a business meeting

b.) Associates who are elected as full members shall pay the appropriate subscription

c.) Honorary Fellows, Life Members and full Members may be invited to make periodical or annual contribution to any of the existing funds and trusts and other special activities of the association

d.) All persons attending scientific meetings may be required to pay a registration fee should that be considered necessary if and when it is considered necessary, for enhancement of contribution for Life Membership

Cessation of Membership:

e.) No member or associate will be entitled to any of the privileges of the Association with his or her subscription to the association and / or the Punjab journal of Orthopaedics if he has not paid arrears for more than three years and in the event of its remaining unpaid even after a reminder under Registered post, he or she shall automatically cease to be a Member or Associate of the Association. Re-election may be granted by the Executive Committee if all the arrears are paid and an application in writing is made to the Secretary.

f.) Any member of Associate wishing to withdraw his or her membership from the association shall give notice in writing to the secretary not less than three months before the end of the financial year.

g.) Any member or associate whose resignation is requested shall have the right to appeal to the next business meeting of the Executive Committee provided he or she makes a written application to the Secretary within 14 days of receiving the reques

Fine and Forfeitures

A member will cease to be a member and will not receive any of its privileges if

a) he has not paid the subscription as laid down in rule no. 2 e.

b) If it is proved by an enquiry committee constituted by the governing body that the member is working against the aims and objectives of the association

Categories of members

There will be five categories of members:
a.) Life Members
b.) Associate members
c.) Corresponding members
d.) Overseas Members
e.) Honorary Fellows
Life Members : All Orthopaedic surgeons of Punjab
(1) who have completed an acceptable training in orthopaedic surgery and
(2) are engaged in practice of orthopaedic surgery or
(3) related subject of orthopaedics or
(4) who are engaged in practice of allied subjects closely related to orthopaedic surgery.

The application for membership will be made to the Secretary, along with a life membership fee of Rs 2500/- (in the form of a cheque or draft in the name of Punjab Orthopaedic Assocation) which may be increased or decreased from time to time by the governing body with the approval of the general body, who will place it before the Executive Committee for scrutiny and acceptance. They will be members of the general body with right to vote and to be elected.

Associate Members : Associate Members may be elected from those who are trained in orthopaedic surgery and from physicians and surgeons in this or other countries who are interested in Orthopaedic surgery or allied branches of medicines.

Associate Members may also be elected from those who are qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other paramedical personnel of at least five years standing in their respective professions and interested in rehabilitation of the orthopaedically Handicapped.

Associate members of association shall have the right of attending scientific meeting and social events and engaging in all scientific discussions but they shall not attend business meetings and take part in elections and will not have the voting rights

Corresponding Members : May be elected from distinguished orthopaedic surgeons resident abroad. They will not have voting right.

Honorary Fellows : May be elected from men or women of distinction, including laymen residing in India or abroad, who have made outstanding contribution to the progress of orthopaedic surgery. They will not have voting right.

Resignation and Expulsion of Member or Office bearer

No member or associate will be entitled to any of the privileges of the Association with his or her subscription to the association and / or the Punjab journal of Orthopaedics if he has not paid arrears for more than three years and in the event of its remaining unpaid even after a reminder under Registered post, he or she shall automatically cease to be a Member or Associate of the Association. Re-election may be granted by the Executive Committee if all the arrears are paid and an application in writing is made to the Secretary

a.) Any member of Associate wishing to withdraw his or her membership from the association shall give notice in writing to the secretary not less than three months before the end of the financial year

b.) Any member or associate whose resignation is requested shall have the right to appeal to the next business meeting of the Executive Committee provided he or she makes a written application to the Secretary within 14 days of receiving the request

Formation of General Body

The general body will consist of all the members with voting rights (life members only).

Power and Functions of General Body

The general body will be the supreme body and all the decisions taken by the executive/ governing body will be approved by the general body. For the approval of a decision by the general body, it should be passed by the majority which will be determined by the show of hands or by voting on ballot paper depending upon the circumstances. The general body will have the power to disqualify any member or office bearer who has been proved to be working against the interest of the association.

Meeting and quorum of the general body

The general body will have the following meetings :

a.) Annual business meeting: This will be held every year at the time of the annual conference of the association. The quorum of the meeting will be considered to be complete if it is attended by at least 50% of the registered life members in the conference. The meeting will be presided over by the President. The Secretary will conduct the meeting

b.) Special general body meeting: A special general body meeting may be called by the President if at least 25% of the life members give in request to call such a meeting for discussing some important matter. The quorum will be complete if at least 25 members are present in the meeting

Governing Body

Governing body will consist of the officers and the executive members :

a.) The officers of the Association shall be a President, President Elect, two Vice-presidents, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer. The executive members will be elected at the time of elections with an idea to have representatives from each area of the state. All Office bearers except the Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected annually

b.) Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, two immediate Past Presidents, President-Elect, two Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer and 6-8 members elected from the State

Head Quarter:

Till a permanent office with office staff is established, the head quarter of the association will be as decided by the executive and normally shall be at the place of the residence of Secretary. Joint Secretary and Treasure should preferably be elected from the place of HQ chosen.

Details of Office Bearers:
The executive will consist of:
President 1
Vice Presidents 2
Secretary 1
Joint Secretary 1
Treasurer 1
Executive members 6-8

In case of unrepresented areas of the state, the president can nominate an executive member with the approval of the executive. In addition the President can nominate up to maximum of two more executive members with the approval of the executive for smooth functioning of the association.

The Strength of the Governing Body including the details of Office Bearers

The governing body will consist of the officers and the executive members as per rule 10. The meetings of the executive body will be called by the President at least once a year. In addition the meeting will be called as and when required. The secretary will organize the meeting. The quorum will be complete if at least 2/3rd of the members of the governing body are present. The decisions will be taken by simple pass of majority. President will preside over all the meetings.

(A) Powers, Functions and Duties of the Executive Committee:

a.) The management of the association shall vest in the Executive Committee of the association

b.) The Executive Committee shall have power to fill up casual vacancies amongst the officers (except the President) and other members of the committee subject to confirmation at the next business meeting

c.) The executive Committee shall control the affairs of the Association, its funds and assets. The income and the property of the Association, howsoever derived shall be spent solely towards the objects of the Association and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly for any other purpose except for (a) the purpose of providing scholarships and fellowships to be offered for competition amongst the Life members, Full members and Associate of the Association (b) as gift to the orthopaedic Charitable, Education and other trusts of the Association

d.) The Executive Committee shall have power to request the resignation of member deemed contrary to the interest of the Association or to have ceased to take interest in the objects of the Association or to have been disobedient to the Rules or guilty of unprofessional act of public misdemeanor, provided that the person concerned shall be notified of the proposed action not less than eight weeks before the next business meeting

e.) The Executive Committee shall have power to remit, reduce or suspend the subscription of any Life Member, Full Member or Associate at its discretion

f.) Without prejudice to the power of the general body of the Association of the Executive Committee may exercise powers, functions and duties as under:

1.) To appoint committees, commissions and sub-committees and delegate such of the functions and powers to them as it may deem necessary

2.) To co-opt life member, full member, associate or any other persons to any committee

3.) To appoint delegates to represent the association at conferences in India and abroad

4.) To purchase, build or otherwise acquire and hold land, buildings, machinery, plants, furniture, vehicles, books and other equipment that may be found necessary in furtherance of the functions and duties of the Association for and to the name of the Association

5.) To receive donations and benefactions for and in the name of the Association
6.) To constitute trusts and foundations for specific activities of the Association, e.g. Education trust
7.) To arrange scholarship and fellowships
8.) The Executive Committee appoint and Auditor and fix his remuneration

9.) The Executive Committee may appoint a full time Administrative officer who will not be a member of POA for better management of day to day office work. His remuneration and specific duties shall be fixed by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Body

10.) To do all such acts and exercise all such powers as may be necessary in furtherance of the objects of the association.

11.) Journal:The Association shall publish its own journal named Punjab Journal of Orthopaedics. Efforts will be made to publish it within one year of ratification of the constitution. Initially it will be published yearly but later on its frequency may be increased as per needs. The executive will nominate an editor for the job. Editor will select his own team for his help. Editor will be member of the executive committee.

Mode of Elections

The elections will take place at the time of annual business meeting. The term of the office bearers is as under:

a.) All the office bearers will have the tenure of one year except for the Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer who will have the tenure for three years.

b.) The notice for the elections will be given by the Secretary. The nominations will be asked during the annual business meeting. The name of a member being considered for a post should be proposed by at least two members of POA with voting rights.

c.) If there are more than one candidate for a post, the elections will be conducted by the Secretary by a secret vote. The local organizing secretary of the annual conference where the business meeting is held shall provide all kinds of help and cooperation as required by the secretary.

d.)The final decision of the elections will be conveyed by the secretary unless he himself is a candidate. In that case President will nominate somebody from amongst the house as an election officer for the conduct of elections.

Power and Functions of the Governing Body

a.) The management of the association shall vest in the Executive Committee of the association

b.) The Executive Committee shall have power to fill up casual vacancies amongst the officers (except the President) and other members of the committee subject to confirmation at the next business meeting

c.) The executive Committee shall control the affairs of the Association, its funds and assets. The income and the property of the Association, howsoever derived shall be spent solely towards the objects of the Association and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly for any other purpose except for (a) the purpose of providing scholarships and fellowships to be offered for competition amongst the Life members, Full members and Associate of the Association (b) as gift to the orthopaedic Charitable, Education and other trusts of the Association

d.) The Executive Committee shall have power to request the resignation of member deemed contrary to the interest of the Association or to have ceased to take interest in the objects of the Association or to have been disobedient to the Rules or guilty of unprofessional act of public misdemeanor, provided that the person concerned shall be notified of the proposed action not less than eight weeks before the next business meeting

e.) The Executive Committee shall have power to remit, reduce or suspend the subscription of any Life Member, Full Member or Associate at its discretion

f.) Without prejudice to the power of the general body of the Association of the Executive Committee may exercise powers, functions and duties as under:

1.) To appoint committees, commissions and sub-committees and delegate such of the functions and powers to them as it may deem necessary

2.) To co-opt life member, full member, associate or any other persons to any committee

3.) To appoint delegates to represent the association at conferences in India and abroad

4.) To purchase, build or otherwise acquire and hold land, buildings, machinery, plants, furniture, vehicles, books and other equipment that may be found necessary in furtherance of the functions and duties of the Association for and to the name of the Association

5.) To receive donations and benefactions for and in the name of the Association
6.) To constitute trusts and foundations for specific activities of the Association, e.g. Education trust
7.) To arrange scholarship and fellowships
8.) The Executive Committee appoint and Auditor and fix his remuneration

9.) The Executive Committee may appoint a full time Administrative officer who will not be a member of POA for better management of day to day office work. His remuneration and specific duties shall be fixed by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Body

10.) To do all such acts and exercise all such powers as may be necessary in furtherance of the objects of the association.

Meeting, Quorum and Notice of Governing Body

The governing body will meet at least once in every year at the time of the annual business meeting. In addition the secretary with the approval of the president will call the executive body meeting as and when an important decision needs to be taken. He will give at least 2 weeks notice for the meeting to all the members of the governing body. The quorum will be considered to be complete if 2/3 of the members are at least present in the meeting. In case of dire need, the President Secretary and Treasurer can take an important decision which will be subsequently ratified by the next general body meeting.

Duties and powers of the officers

President:

1.) He shall preside over the meetings of the Executive Committee and all other scientific and business meetings, functions, seminars, symposia etc., convened by or on behalf of the association. He shall deliver a presidential address

2.) The President shall be ex-officio member of all Committees and Sub-Committees

3.) The President may co-opt a Life Member or Full Member in the Executive Committee from Regions unrepresented in the Executive Committee. The number of co-opted member shall not exceed three and their tenure of service shall be determined by the President

4.) The President shall submit his resignation to the Executive Committee

President-Elect:

1.) The President-Elect shall deputize for the President on all occasions when the President is absent or ceases to hold office during his term. He shall succeed as President for the rest of the term

2.) He shall submit his resignation to the President

Vice Presidents:

1.) In the absence of the President or President-Elect, one of the Vice-Presidents shall deputize in all functions of the President

2.) He shall submit his resignation to the President

3.) In the absence of the President, President-Elect and Vice-Presidents, the Executive committee shall elect a chairman for any particular meeting or for the remaining term of office

Secretary:

1.) The secretary shall be responsible for the organization and execution of all policies and programmes of the association and shall submit reports at the meeting of the Executive committee regarding thereto. He shall also present the annual report at the annual meeting of the Executive Committee giving a general review of the work of the Association in the preceding year.

2.) He shall prepare and keep the minutes of all the business meetings of the association and meetings of the executive committee and see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of rules and bye-laws. He will circulate the accounts for the year along with the minutes of the last annual general body meeting along with the notice of the next annual general body meeting

3.) He shall be the custodian of the seal of the Association and other associated items

4.) He shall be the custodian of all the documents and the papers of the association

5.) He shall be the Returning officer for all the elections except where he is a contesting candidate for any office bearer, and his declaration by him shall be final unless reverted by the President. The President will be overseeing the election himself when the returning officer is a candidate

6.) He shall make the appointment of all vacancies in the association starting with a basic monthly salary of less than rupees one thousand to be approved by the executive committee in its next meeting

7.) He shall have the power to suspend, punish and otherwise control or regulate the employees of the association whose monthly salary is less than rupees one thousand by the executive committee in its next meeting

8.) He will sign and execute all contracts or other instruments in the name of the association and shall exercise general supervision over the affairs of the association

9.) He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and sub-committees of the association

10.) He shall inform the managing editor of the Punjab journal of Orthopaedics the arrears of the subscription of the full members and associates of the association within the first month of the commencement of the new year He shall prepare a current voters list of all the Life Members and Full Members of the Association within the first quarter of each year He shall submit his resignation to the President He shall act as a liaison officer between the POA and the other associations including Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA)

Joint Secretary : He shall look after the day-to-day working of the association, under the direction of the Secretary

Treasurer

1.) He will keep accounts of the Association
2.) He shall present the Annual Audited Accounts of the previous year and unaudited accounts of the current year at the Annual Body Meeting
3.) He shall present a Budget for the next year at the Annual General Body Meeting
4.) During his absence due to illness or abroad, the President will delegate in writing his duties to any other member of the Executive Committee

5.) All cheques and other negotiable instruments shall be signed jointly by the Treasurer and any one of the following: the Secretary, Joint Secretary or the President

6.) He will submit his resignation to the President

7.) The Secretary and Treasurer may incur petty expenses for smooth running of the Association work, not exceeding one thousand rupees on one single item and get it reimbursed on production of proper receipts and vouchers

The manner of investment of funds, keeping of account and annual or periodical Audit of the Account by a certified Chartered Accountant

The Society will open an account with a nationalized bank which will be operated by President / Secretary and Treasurer. As per requirements, the funds may be transferred in the form of a fixed deposit to get better rate of interest. The account shall be maintained by the Treasurer in terms of all the receipts and expenditures. He shall provide all the details of the account to the Secretary before the annual business meeting. The Treasurer shall get the account audited by a certified charted accountant every year before the annual business meeting and shall present the audited statement of the account to the general body meeting.

Alteration of constitution and rules and regulations of the society (As per provisions of the rule 12 and 12 A of the Society Registration Act, 1860)

The rules and regulations shall be altered only by the vote of at least three-fourths of the members (life and full) present at a meeting specially convened for the purpose. The Secretary shall dispatch a notice of such meeting and of every proposed alteration by post to every member eligible to vote, not less than 30 days before the date of the meeting and no rule shall be altered unless such notice has been given.
One-sixth of life members and full members in the register of Association shall form a quorum at a meetings convened to alter the constitution

Indemnity

Neither the office bearers nor the members of the Central and /or branches Executive authorities nor members of the Association shall be answerable for any act done in good faith by them for the sake of conformity only, for the monies of the Association other than such as shall come into their own hands or for any collections or receiver of monies appointed by the Central Executive/Council/Branch Executive Committee or member of the Association or any reason of any error in judgment or mere indiscretion on their part in the performance of their duties or otherwise on account except for willful negligence or fraud. Every person being an office bearer or a member of the Central Executive Council/Branch Executive Committee or a member of the Association, his heirs, executors and administrators shall at time be indemnified out of the funds of the association from the against all costs, losses, damages and or expenses whatsoever incurred or sustained by him in the execution of his powers or duties and every person having been a/or being an office bearer or a member of the Central Executive Council/Branch Executive Committee or a member of the Association, his heirs, executors and administrators shall be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the Association against all action, suits, claims and demands whatsoever brought or made against him or them either severally or jointly in respect of any engagement of the Association such as may be incurred by his own personal willful neglect or fraud Dissolution

The manner of dissolution of the Society (As per provisions of Section 13 and 14 of Society Registration Act 1860)

No less than three-fifth of the life members and full members of the association may determine that it shall be dissolved and thereupon it shall be dissolved forth with or at any time agreed upon, and all necessary steps shall be taken by the Executive Committee for the disposal and settlement of the property of the Association, the claims and liabilities, according to the Rules of the Association the adjustment of affairs shall be referred to the Principal court of the original civil jurisdiction of the district in which the office of the association situates and the court shall make such order in the matter as it shall deem requisite If on the dissolution of the Association there remains after satisfaction of its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever the same shall not be paid or distributed among the members of the association but shall be given or transferred to some other institution or institutions having the object of the advancement of medical sciences and art, such institution or institutions to be determined by the three-fifth of the members at or before the time of dissolution and, if and so far as effect cannot be given to such provision then to some other charitable object