(1)Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2) the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish a Committee consisting of the following [fifteen members] [Substituted 'twelve members' by Maharashtra Act No. 23 of 2018, dated 28.3.2018.], that is to say-(a)[fourteen members] [Substituted 'eleven members' by Maharashtra Act No. 23 of 2018, dated 28.3.2018.], [including the chairman and Co-Chairman] [Substituted 'including the Chairman' by Maharashtra Act No. 2 of 2018, dated 15.1.2018.], to be appointed by the State Government from amongst persons ordinarily residing in the State who are devotees of God Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini and who, prior to their appointment, make a declaration accordingly in the form determined by the State Government;[Provided that, the Co-Chairman shall perform such of the functions and discharge such of the duties of the chairman as may be prescribed;] [Added by Maharashtra Act No. 2 of 2018, dated 15.1.2018.](b)the President of the Pandharpur Municipal Council - ex-officio, if he is a devotee of God Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini and makes a declaration as aforesaid; and is not disqualified under any of the provisions of this Act; and if he is disqualified or does not make such declaration within the period specified by the State Government, then a member of such Council appointed by the State Government who is not so disqualified and who makes such declaration;Provided that, the disqualification under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 23 shall not apply in relation to President.
