Proclamation No. 7/1995

Establishment of the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission Proclamation

Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission Establishment Proclamation Proclamation No. 7/1995 A PROCLAMATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ETHIOPIAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION

WHEREAS, it has become necessary to establish the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows:

1. Short Title

This Proclamation may be cited as the “Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission Establishment Proclamation No. 7/1995.”

2. Establishment

1.  The Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") is hereby established as an autonomous public institution of the Federal Government.
2.  The Commission shall be accountable to the Council of Ministers.

3. Head Office

The head office of the Commission shall be in Addis Ababa and it may establish branch offices elsewhere as may be necessary.

4. Objective

The objective of the Commission shall be to encourage and enhance Science and Technology activities that enable the realization of the country’s socio- economic development objectives.

5. Powers and Duties of the Commission

The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

1.  to formulate the national science and technology
    policy which assist the country's development objec-
    tives and, upon approval by the Government, follow
    up its implementation;
2.  to formulate widely applicable science and technology
    plans and issue directives for the formulation of
    sectoral science and technology policies, plans,
    programmes and projects, and assess and ensure that
    their preparation is made in accordance with the
    directives and submit for Government approval;
3.  to support and encourage research and development
    centres and institutions that have contribution in the
    promotion of science and technology;
4.  to provide awards /incentives to individuals and
    institutions that have contributed to the development
    of science and technology;
5.  to develop the capability and establish the system for
    searching, selecting, negotiating, procuring, and im-
    porting technologies that are appropriate to the
    Ethiopian socio-economic conditions;
6.  to initiate a patent law that encourages and supports
    technology transfer, enhances the practical ap-
    plication of inventions and encourages the develop-
    ment of inventions and innovation; to implement
    same upon authorization;
7.  to assist and encourage the establishment of as-
    sociations that contribute to science and technology
    development and provide support for the publication
    and dissemination of science and technology papers
    prepared by professional associations;
8.  to encourage and ensure the application of studies,
    research and development activities carried out to
    improve and develop indigenous technologies;
9.  to establish a system for the collection of information
    on science and technology accomplishments, research
    work and results thereof;
10. to keep a list of professionals and institutions that
    engage in research and development activities.

6. Organization of the Commission

The Commission shall have:

1.  a National Science and Technology council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council");
2.  a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner appointed by the Government, and
3.  the necessary staff.

7. Members of the Council

The Council shall have the following members:

1.  The commissioner of the Commission...
    Chairman
2.  a representative of the Ministry of
    Economic Development and
    Cooperation... Member
3.  a representative of the Ministry of
    Health
4.  a representative of the Ministry of
    Trade and Industry
5.  a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture
6.  a representtive of the Ministry of Mines and Energy
7.  three prominent professionals to be designated by the Commissioner of the Commission
    Member(s)

8. Powers and Duties of the Council

The Council shall have the following powers and duties:

1.  to deliberate, and make recommendations, on
    science and technology policy;
2.  to evaluate all sectoral science and technology
    activities;
3.  to issue different guidelines and work programmes.

9. Meetings of the Council

1.  The Council shall hold a regular meeting once every
    three months; however, it may at any time hold an
    extraordinary meeting, whenever found necessary.
2.  There shall be a quorum where the majority of the
    members of the Council are present at its meetings.
3.  Decisions of the Council shall be passed by a majority
    vote; in case of a tie the Chairman shall have a casting
    vote.
4.  Without prejudice to the other provisions of this
    Article, the Council may draw up its own rules of
    procedure.

10. Powers and Duties of the Commissioner

1.  The Commissioner shall be the chief executive of the
    Commission and, as such, shall direct and administer
    the activities of the Commission.
2.  Without limiting the generality stated in sub-Article
    (1) of this Article, the Commissioner shall:

    a) exercise the powers and duties of the Commission
    specified in Article 5 of this Proclamation;
    b) employ and administer employees of the Commis-
    sion in accordance with the Federal civil service
    laws;
    c) prepare the annual work programme and budget of
    the Commission and implement same upon ap-
    proval;
    d) effect expenditure in accordance with the ap-
    proved budget and work programme of the
    Commission;
    e) represent the Commission in all its dealings with
    third parties;
    f) submit reports on the activities of the Commission.
3.  The Commissioner may delegate part of his powers and
    duties to the other officials and employees of the
    Commission to the extent necessary for the efficiency
    of the Commission.

11. Budget

The budget of the Commission shall be allocated by the government.

12. Books of Accounts

1.  The Commission shall keep complete and accurate
    books of accounts.
2.  The Commission's books of accounts and financial
    documents shall be audited annually by the Auditor
    General or by Auditors designated by him.

13. Duty to Cooperate

Any person or governmental or private organization or institution shall have the duty to cooperate in the implementation of this Proclamation.

14. Repeal

The Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission Establishment Proclamation No. 91/1994 is hereby repealed.

15. Transfer of Rights and Obligations

The rights and obligations of the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission established under Proclamation No. 91/1994 are hereby transferred to the Commission.

16. Effective Date

This Proclamation shall enter into force as of the 24th day of August, 1995.

Done at Addis Ababa, this 24th day of August, 1995.

NEGASO GIDADA (DR.)

PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA