MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
OF
WEST BENGAL ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATION

1. NAME
The name of the Association will be "West Bengal Orthopaedic Association.

2. ADDRESS
The address of office of the Association will be 53, Creek Row, Calcutta - 700 014.

3. JURISDICTION
The territorial jurisdiction of the association shall be the city of Calcutta including its metropolitan area and State of West Bengal.

4. GENERAL POLICY AND OBJECTIVES
Whereas the Indian Orthopaedic Association in its constitution encourages formation of local bodies. Chapters, Associations of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Calcutta and West Bengal who have been conducting since 1964, Scientific meetings, social gatherings etc. decided to form West Bengal Orthopaedic Association to function as a chapter of the Indian Orthopaedic Association - a no profit earning organisation - the objectives of which shall include all such activities for the advancement of art and science of orthopaedic surgery within its territorial jurisdiction with aims and objects as under:

(A) To promote, encourage and develop a continuing interest in different branches of orthopaedic surgery and its allied disciplines among the members of the medical profession and among other persons who are closely associated with and/or actively interested in the advancement, study, practice, scientific research, experimental work etc. in various problems of orthopaedic and traumatic surgery. The Association encourages the formation of city and district clubs with the approval of the West Bengal Orthopaedic Association.

(B) To foster uniform standards in teaching, training, research etc. in orthopaedic surgery in all its branches and allied subjects.

(C) To hold meetings, scientific discussions conferences either among its members or with other associations, bodies, to arrange for presentation of papers on the subjects & provide for and holding of lectures, classes etc. for the cause of advancement of art and science of orthopaedic surgery and its allied disciplines as and when necessary.

(D) To print and publish articles, bulletins, brochures, periodicals, proceedings of association and other materials pertaining to the specialty and to promote social and cultural activities among its members.

(E) To act independently, advice, co-operate contact and associate with other associations, voluntary bodies, Govt. agencies etc. who are directly or indirectly associated with matters affecting the interest, development and various facets of orthopaedic surgery in all its branches and collaborate with such bodies in teaching, training and travelling facilities for above purpose.

(F) To hold, rent, acquire, construct and purchase buildings and properties both movable and immovable that may be necessary and advantageous for the fulfillment of the objectives of the Association and to sell, rent, lease, mortgage, alter, renovate and maintain such properties either in full or part thereof for the said purpose.

(G) To receive and collect donations, subscriptions, award, prizes etc. from the members, non-members, other associations and similar bodies for the benefit and advantage and advancement of the aim of the association and to raise funds and as when necessary for the purposes stated above.

(H) To do all such activities as may be incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the above objects which may be decided upon from time to time by the association.

(I) The association will endeavor to protect the professional interest of its members and to look after the welfare of its members and their families.

5. MEMBERSHIP

(A) Eligibility of memberships of the Association shall include the following:

(1) Medical graduates resident in the State of West Bengal whose qualification is recognised by MCI and are engaged in the practice of orthopaedic surgery and it closely related or allied subjects including research and/or experimental work.
(2) Any other person accepted as member by the Executive Committee, subject to approval of the General members, in the interest of the Association.

(B) Members of the Association shall comprise of the following categories :

(1) FULL LIFE MEMBER:
Membership shall be open to qualified Orthopaedic Surgeons as recognised by the MCI and / or IOA guidelines.
(2) ASSOCIATE LIFE MEMBER:
Postgraduate trainees in orthopaedic surgery and medical graduates in independent practice of orthopaedic surgery for more than five years and or those practicing in closely allied subjects for more than five years, can become Associate Life Members on payment of requisite subscriptions at a time. They will not have any voting rights. Post graduate trainees, will become Full Life Members after successful completion of their Post Graduate Course and presentation of Prof of qualification.
(3) HONORARY MEMBER:
Honorary membership shall be conferred upon persons who have acquired profound knowledge, experience and excellent distinction in different branch of medical science and have made invaluable and extraordinary contributions for the service of the people in various fields, subjects to recommendation of the Executive Committee and approved by General body.

(C) PROCEDURE:

(1) A person willing to become a member shall express his willingness to the Secretary in a form that may be prescribed for the purpose.
(2) A person shall be deemed to be a Life / Associate Life/ Honorary member as soon as his membership is approved by the Executive Committee.

(D) TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Membership may be terminated on one or more of the following grounds after a notice of thirty days.

(1) Willful neglect of duty [duty is specified hereafter under Rights. Privileges Duties & Responsibilities of members under rule 5 (F)].
(2) Gross misconduct and continuous interference in the association's business and normal function.
(3) If the Executive Committee thinks fit to terminate such membership on reasonable grounds of misconduct in the interest of the association.
(4) Voluntary resignation after giving due notice in writing.

(E) REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP:

Terminated membership may be renewed on written proposal from the member in a manner contained in Section 5C (1) at the discretion of the Executive Committee. Such reinstatement will not be admissible for more than two occasions.

(F) ADMISSION FEE. SUBSCRIPTION. DEPOSITS. DONATIONS. SPECIAL FUND.
FORFEITURES ETC:

(1) Admission fees, subscriptions, donations, special funds for special purpose, contributions for any particular issue etc. are non-refundable and shall accrue no interest.
(2) Subscription of members shall be as under:
Life members Rs. 2000
Associate life members Rs. 2000
To be increased by 10% every five years, and to be ratified in the Annual General Body meeting.
(3) The association may receive and/or collect donations, deposits, contributions, special fund etc. in addition to subscriptions if the Executive Committee considers it reasonable and necessary.
(4) Executive Committee may adjust, alter, waive, amend the Rules and rate of admission, subscription, donation, deposit, special fund etc. if it thinks necessary and reasonable subject to approval of the general body.

(G) RIGHTS. PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS:

(1) A member shall have the right and access to inspect books of accounts, records, resolutions of the meetings and minutes and demand copies of such records etc. from the Secretary provided that such request must be made in writing to the Secretary.
(2) A member shall have the right to appeal to the President for consideration of any issue.
(3) A voting member shall have the privilege to propose and second any application for admission to membership of the association and shall have the right to make nomination and contest for any position of office bearers of the Executive Committee provided he has paid all his dues and is otherwise eligible. A member may propose and second any such nominations only in case of three persons in a year.
(4) A member shall be expected to perform his duties and discharge responsibilities as and when entrusted by the Executive Committee.
(5) Full Life members shall have the right to attend General Body meeting and to vote provided that the member is not a defaulter.
(6) The duty of each member is to uphold the integrity and prestige of the W.B.O.A. and its Constitution.

(H) FORMATION .FUNCTION. POWER. DISSOLUTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

(1) The Executive Committee shall consist of seventeen members as under:
President - 1
President-elect - 1
Vice President - 1
Secretary — 1
Editor _ 1
Joint Secretary - 1
Treasurer - 1
Member - 10

i. Ex-officio members of the Executive Committee shall be as under: -
Immediate past-President;
Immediate past-Secretary:
Immediate past-Treasurer.
ii. The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt two members only.
iii. The tenure of office of the members of the Executive Committee, including ex-officio and co-opted member shall be one year except the Secretary, Treasurer and Editor who shall serve for a term of three years.
iv. The members of the Executive Committee may offer themselves for reelection for another two terms one year each.

(2) The Executive Committee shall superintend, control and manage all affairs of the association including the sub-committees.

(3) The Executive Committee shall in the interest and betterment of the Association prescribe rules, terms and conditions regarding conduct of business and shall consider filling up of vacancy, refusal and cancellation of membership and other matters relating to donations, operation of bank account, investment, delegation of powers, disciplinary action, qualification and eligibility of membership and voters, sanctioning donations, loans, and advance to members and other Associations and shall take all necessary actions regarding matters as contained in Section - 5.

(I) MEETINGS. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. QUORUM. RESOLUTION ETC.

(1) The Executive Committee shall generally meet once in every month on the day and time suitable to its members. Notice of the meeting of the Executive Committee should be sent to its members at least fifteen days before such meeting is held.

i. Nine members shall constitute a quorum at the Executive Committee meeting.

(2) Annual general meeting shall be held not later than 31st March of each year to consider and accept the Annual Report and Annual accounts of the association and election of office bearers and may include any special item if desired by a Member.

i. Fifty (50) valid members shall constitute a quorum at the Ordinary General Body meeting.
ii. Eighty (80) valid members shall constitute a quorum at the Extra Ordinary General Body meeting.

(3) The President will have the right to ask for a satisfactory explanation from an executive committee member who fails to attend the executive committee meeting for more than three consecutive meetings without any reasonable cause.

(J) DUTIES. POWERS. RESPONSIBILITIES. RESIGNATION. REMOVAL OF THE OFFICE BEARERS.

(1) PRESIDENT:
The President shall assume his official duties from Ist of April and shall ask the Secretary to convene the first meeting of the newly elected Executive Committee for preparing policies of the Association and shall serve for the full period of term which shall normally be for one year or until his resignation has been accepted or his successor has been elected.

i. The President shall serve as an ex-officio member in all committees and enjoy all privileges therein.
ii. President ordinarily will preside at all meetings of the Association, conduct the business in meetings and perform such other duties as ordinarily pertains to his office.
iii. The President shall, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, appoint any Committee(s) for any issue/purpose and appoint any member(s) to act as office bearer(s) in such committee(s) if he thinks it necessary and may declare any such committee or office vacant.

NOTE: In the absence of the President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and the Editor - the Executive Committee shall elect a member for that particular post for any particular meeting or for the remaining term of office.

iv. The President may in the interest of the association ask any member to do such duties or additional duties as he may think necessary and ask such members to vacate his office with the approval of the Executive Committee.
v. When the President wishes to resign from office, he shall tender/submit his resignation to the Executive Committee through the Secretary.
vi. The President who has not served for a full term, except due to unavoidable circumstances, shall not succeed himself in the same office.

(2) PRESIDENT ELECT:

The President-elect shall assume the post of the President after the existing President's term expires on 31st March. The President-elect shall deputies 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. He shall submit his resignation to the President.

(3) VICE-PRESIDENT:

In the absence of the President and President-elect, the Vice-President shall deputies on all functions of the President. He shall submit his resignation to the President.

(4) SECRETARY:

The secretary after assuming office shall convene all meetings of the Association and shall continue to serve for the full term of three years.

i. The Secretary shall keep all records of membership, meetings, minutes of such meetings, documents and seal, if any. send out notices of the meeting, prepare reports required for different meetings and perform such other duties as he may deem necessary or are entrusted to him.
ii. The Secretary shall be ex-officio member in all committees and enjoy all privileges therein.
iii. The Secretary shall submit his resignation to the President.
iv. The Secretary shall have power to supervise, control, guide, suggest and direct all activities of the association and take necessary actions for such and report such action to the Executive Committee.
v. The Secretary may incur petty expenditure not exceeding Rs. Five thousand in one month. Expenditure exceeding this amount has to be approved by the President and Treasurer and ratified by the Executive Committee in the next meeting.

(5) TREASURER:
The Treasurer shall resume his office and continue to serve for full term of three years.

i. The Treasurer shall arrange for collection of all deposits, donations, subscription, any special fund etc. and shall arrange for entry of such deposits & collections in the respective books for the purpose and maintain up-to-date accounts.
ii. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Treasurer to have custody of all funds to make all the statements showing financial position of the association upon demand and requisition, prepare annual accounts budget estimate and to perform such other duties pertaining to his office. He shall present audited accounts of the previous year and unaudited accounts of the current year at the Annual General Body meeting.
iii. The treasurer shall normally deposit all collection; within first ten working days of each month to the Bank account of the Association or otherwise decided by the Executive Committee.
iv. All bank transaction shall be jointly operated by the Treasurer and either the President or the Secretary.
v. The Treasurer shall be ex-officio member of all committees relating to financial matters of the association.
vi. The Treasurer shall make all payments and disbursements against proper authorization vouchers, bill and relevant paper duly signed by him.
vii. The Treasurer shall submit his resignation to the President.
viii. Treasurer will be custodian of all assets (moveable and immovable property) of the Association and shall hand over the same to his successor.

(6) EDITOR:

i. He shall be responsible for publication of the journal of the West Bengal Orthopaedic Association. He shall convene meetings of the Editorial Board every three months, ii. The Editorial Board shall consist of:

The President:
The President elect;
The Secretary;
The Treasurer;
The Editor;
The two Honorary Advisors, i. The Editor shall submit his resignation to the President.

(7) JOINT SECRETARY:
He shall look after the day to day working of the office under the direction of the Secretary.
 

6. RULES REGARDING ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS. NOMINATIONS.
DECLARATION OF RESULT ETC:

(A) The President-elect will be the Election Officer and will chair Election Committee consisting of:( 1) President; (2) the immediate Past-President and (3) himself and the Election committee shall perform such duties as they consider necessary for the smooth conduct of the election. The Election Committee shall meet not later than 30th September each year and start the election procedure.

(B) The Election officer, on behalf of the Election Committee shall issue notices relating to elections, nominations, publish voter list, supply ballots, select or appoint scrutinisers for scrutiny of nominations, ballots etc. inform members regarding any issue/point, suggestion/objection relating to elections, nominations, eligibility of voters etc. consider, decide and settle objection, if any, from members relating to election. If no objections is received within fourteen days from the date of issue of such notice, everything shall be taken as final and finally announce the result of election within 31st March during Annual General Body Meeting.

(C) Notice relating to election matters should be issued at least sixty days before the date fixed for election.

(D) Any office bearer who has served for three consecutive period of term in the same office shall retire and is not eligible for re-election for the same post for the next year.

(E) The term of office relating to office bearers shall be within the financial year except the Secretary, Treasurer & Editor.

8. RULES RELATING TO AMENDMENTS:

(A) Any proposal to amend any section and or subsection to this Constitution shall be made to the Secretary in writing seconded by at least thirty members with voting rights which shall be placed before the Executive Committee.
(B) Subsequent to perusal of the Executive Committee, the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Members and Life Members in manner the Executive Committee decided for consideration of the proposal within seventy days from the date of receipt of the proposal.
(C) A notice of thirty days, before such meeting to be held shall be required for the purpose.
(D) Twenty percent of the members or eighty members who are eligible to vote shall constitute a quorum at extra ordinary General Body Meeting.
(E) No proposal for amendment of any section and subsection of this constitution can be made which is against the General policy and objectives of the association.
(F) All provision of the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 as amended from time to time shall be applicable to the association.

9. DISSOLUTION / WINDING-UP OF THE ASSOCIATION :

The Association may be wound-up or dissolved by resolution to that effect passed by 3/4th of the total members eligible to vote at a General meeting. After winding up or dissolution of the Association, any property and / or funds and assets whatsoever, if there remains after satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, the same shall not be distributed amongst the members of the Association but shall be given or transferred to such other association and or trust having objective similar to the objectives of the Association or to Government.

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