New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS): The government on Wednesday approved an amendment seeking to fix the terms of Chairperson and members of the National Trust to three years.

The proposal for the tenure of the office holders of the statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment was passed by the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It will also seek to amend relevant sections of the 'National Trust for the Welfare of Person with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act', 1999 to fix their terms.

Under sections 4(1) and 5(1) of the Act, the incumbent Chairperson or member, in case of his or her resignation or termination, is allowed to hold the position till a replacement is found.

"The wording of the above provisions of the Act in its present form has resulted in continuation of a Chairman for an indefinite period as no suitable successor could be found eligible for appointment," a government statement said.

"The proposed amendments in these provisions of the Act seek to avoid such a situation and will thus eliminate any chance of prolonged continuation in the same post by any incumbent," it added.