12.(1) The Executive Officer of every cantonment shall be appointed by the Government, or by such person as the Government may authorise in this behalf, ²[* * *]: ³[* * *] (2) Not less than half the cost of the salary of the Executive Officer and a proportionate share of the his leave salary and pension contribution shall be paid to the Government from the cantonment fund: ⁴[* * *] (3) The Executive Officer shall be the Principal Executive Officer of the Cantonment Board and the Secretary of the Board and of every committee of the Board but shall not be a member of the Board or of any such committee. He shall have the right to take part in the discussions but not to move any proposals at the meetings of the Board and of the Committees.