Section 24. Appointment of Chief Executive Officer.

(1) For every cantonment there shall be a Chief Executive Officer appointed by the Central Government or by such person as the Central Governmentay authorise in this behalf: Provided that, in the event of temporary absence of the Chief Executive Officer, not exceeding ninety days, the Principal Director shall designate an officer under his jurisdiction to perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer during such period. (2) Not less than one-half of the salary of the Chief Executive Officer shall be paid by the Central Government and the balance from the cantonment fund. (3) The Chief Executive Officer shall be the Member-Secretary of the Board and of every Committee of the Board.