I am directed to say the question of delegating the powers to the Principal Collectors of Customs and Central Excise to reconstitute the Regional Advisory Committees for Organised Sectors and also for Small Scale Industries, in the Central Excise Collectorates, has been under consideration of the Board for the past some time. The Board has now decided to delegate to the Principal Collectors the powers, to reconstitute the Regional Advisory Committees, both for organised Sectors and Small Scale Industries, in the Central Excise Collectorates, with immediate effect. The Principal collectors will exercise their powers in accordance with the Board's guidelines/ instructions contained in Board's letters F.No. 282/ 34/ 73-CX.9 dt. 22.12.75 (reconstitution of RACs for SSi) and F.No. 282/ 10/ 93-CX-9 dt. 21.12.1993 (Circular No. 1/93-CX.9- "reconstitution of RACs for OS)". Details of reconstituted RACs should be forwarded to the Board for post-facto approvals.

2.    It is further desired that in addition to the existing guidelines, while considering nomination of persons, it should be ensured that they represent a registered Association which has furnished its Audited Accounts, for the last year/ years.

3.    Copies of the public notices regarding reconstitution of the RACs and of the minutes of the meetings of the RACs should also continue to be sent to Board by the Collectors of Central Excise.

4.    All pending matters relating to the reconstitution of the RACs for Central Excise Collectorates may now be decided by the principal Collectors of Customs and Central Excise.