CONSTITUTION OF NAOP

Constitution of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) – A Complete Guide
The National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) was established with the aim of fortifying and enlarging the scope of psychology in India. This is a platform that not only advances hematology in its academic and professional domain but also shapes the quality of psychological services available to society. In this article, we will make you aware of all the important points of the constitution of NAOP.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Information

The constitution of NAOP (India) was officially adopted on 13 December 2014 at the annual conference held in Bhopal. It is hereinafter referred to as the ‘Academy’. This constitution is named as “Statutes of the National Academy of Psychology (India)”.

Objectives and Objectives

The main objective of NAOP (India) is to promote psychology as a discipline, protect its interests and make it useful for social welfare.

Its major objectives include:

To promote the field of psychology in India and protect its interests.
Publish high quality scientific journals.
Develop accreditation mechanisms for psychology courses.
Establish contacts with national and international organizations.
Honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to psychology research or professional practice as Fellows.
Ensure the highest ethical standards in teaching, research and professional services.
Promote the highest standards in psychological measurement, tests and instruments.
Perform other necessary functions to achieve the above goals.

Membership

Three types of membership are offered in NAOP:

Full Members: Persons having a minimum Masters degree in psychology or a related subject.
Must be engaged in teaching, research or professional practice.
Will have voting rights.
Associate Members: Students of psychological science or related subjects.
They will not have voting rights.
Foreign Affiliates: Persons residing outside India who are academically or professionally associated with psychology.
Will not have voting rights.

Membership Process:

Membership is granted through application/nomination.
All members have to pay the prescribed annual fee.
Membership can be terminated in case of non-payment of fee or unethical behavior.
A member can become a member of a maximum of three divisions.

Council of Members Functions and Powers:

Consideration and approval of budget and audit reports.
Fixation of fees for different membership classes.
Determining measures to generate financial resources.
Granting accreditation.
Establishing contacts with other national and international organizations.
Approving the annual report.
Taking decisions on all matters related to the objectives of the Academy.

Meeting:

Generally, the Academy meets at least once a year at the time of the annual conference.
Special meetings can also be held on the demand of 25% of the full members or the Executive Council.
Electronic meetings can also be organized if necessary.

Executive Council

Functions:

Formulate policies and plan.
Review the mission of the Academy and develop long-term vision.
Realize the objectives of the Academy.
Implement the decisions of the Council.
Form various committees.
Establish standards for psychological tests.
Develop criteria for accreditation, certification and licensing.
Formulate ethical standards and regulations.

Structure:

President
President-Elect
Past President
Secretary-General
Treasurer
Chair, Publication Committee
Seven members
Tenure of office-bearers:
President, Next President, Past President: 1 year
Secretary-General and General Members: 2 years, renewable
Treasurer and Chairman of Publication Committee: 3 years, renewable
Responsibilities of office-bearers

President:

Lead the Academy.
Preside over meetings.
Act as the Chief Speaker in the Annual Conference.
Represent the Academy officially.

General Secretary:

Administer the office.
Do all types of correspondence on behalf of the Academy.
Play an active role in implementing decisions.
Coordinate the work of the Committees.
Prepare annual reports.

Treasurer:

Responsible for the financial management of the Academy.
Maintaining accounts and cash books.
Managing all payments and receipts.
Preparing annual accounting reports.
Chairman of the Publications Committee
Coordinate with editors and publishers of the Academy’s publications.

Committees

NAOP has the following Standing Committees:

Membership Committee
Publication Committee
Finance Committee
Fellowship & Awards Committee
Conference Committee
Election Committee
Accreditation & Certification Committee
Ethics Committee
Social Policy Committee
Liaison Committee

Academic Divisions of NAOP

NAOP has various academic divisions whose main objectives are:

To organize seminars, research paper sessions, workshops and training programmes.
To improve the quality of courses at various levels.
To publish quality books and journals.
To conduct other academic activities for the promotion of the Division.

Board of Advisors

Consists of 3 members who are nominated for three years.
To advise the Executive Council and the Council of Members.
To help in furthering the objective of the Academy.
To act as the Appellate Authority.

Regulations

The Executive Council and Committees develop necessary regulations for the functioning of the Academy.
These are implemented after the approval of the Council.

Fellowships and Awards

Fellows of the Academy are allowed to use the title FNAPsy (Fellow of National Academy of Psychology).

Amendments to the Constitution

Any provision of the Constitution can be amended only by a two-thirds majority of the Council.
This is done on the recommendation of the Executive Council.

Conclusion

The Constitution of NAOP not only defines the structural and organizational framework of the Academy but also clarifies its values, ethics and long-term vision. It provides a strong and effective platform for the development of psychology in India. This platform helps in achieving the highest standards of psychological science by bringing together academicians, researchers and professionals.

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