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State of West Bengal - Act

The Alipurduar University Act, 2018

WEST BENGAL
India

The Alipurduar University Act, 2018

Act 17 of 2018

Published on 1 October 2018
Commenced on 1 October 2018
[This is the version of this document from 1 October 2018.]
[Note: The original publication document is not available and this content could not be verified.]

The Alipurduar University Act, 2018(West Bengal Act 17 of 2018)Last Updated 11th December, 2019[Dated 1st October, 2018]Government of West BengalLaw DepartmentLegislativeNo. 1871-L. - The following Act of the West Bengal Legislature, having been assented to by the Governor, is hereby published for general information:-[Passed by the West Bengal Legislature.][Assent of the Governor was first published in the Kolkata Gazette, Extraordinary, of the 1st October, 2018.]An Act to provide for constitution of the Alipurduar University and for certain matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.Whereas it is expedient to constitute the Alipurduar University in the district of Alipurduar on the land and properties of the existing Alipurduar College by abolishing the existing Alipurduar College, and to enable the University to function efficiently as a teaching, training and research centre in various branches of learning and courses of study, including Humanities, Social and Basic Sciences, management studies on tea, forestry, mountaineering and earth sciences and promoting advancement and dissemination of knowledge and learning, and extending higher education, to meet the requirements of higher education and research in the subjects and to serve the society and the nation:It is hereby enacted in the Sixty-ninth Year of the Republic of India, by the Legislature of West Bengal, as follows:-

Chapter I
Preliminary

1. Short title and commencement.

(1)This Act may be called the Alipurduar University Act, 2018.

(2)This section, section 62, section 63, section 64, section 65, section 66 and section 67 shall come into force at once; and the remaining provisions of this Act shall come into force on such date or dates as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act.

2. Definitions.

- In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-

(1)"appointed day" means the date referred to in sub-section (5) of section 63;

(2)"affiliated" in relation to a college or an institution means affiliated to the University under this Act, in which instruction is provided, under prescribed conditions, for General courses of study, Professional courses of study, Vocational courses of study, etc. at the undergraduate as well as at the Post-graduate levels of study;

(3)"autonomous college" means a college affiliated to the University and enjoying academic freedom to:-

(a)determine its own courses of study and syllabi;

(b)determine rules of admission subject to the reservation policy of the State Government; and

(c)evolve methods of conducting examination and evaluation, under the guidelines and overall supervision of the University;

(4)"convocation" means a meeting of the Court for the purpose of conferring degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates or other academic distinctions;

(5)"Constituent College" means an affiliated college in which instruction is provided, under prescribed conditions, for honours as well as for post-graduate courses of study, and which is declared as such by the University:Provided that, if in any professional subject no honours courses of study have been prescribed, a professional college may be a constituent college although no instruction is provided in that college for honours courses of study in that subject;

(6)"Director of Public Instructions" means the Director of Public Instructions, West Bengal, as may be appointed by the State Government, by order;

(7)"distance education" means instruction imparted through correspondence or distance mode as recognized by the appropriate regulatory authority and the State Government;

(8)"employee" in relation to the University means a person employed by the University and includes the employees of the existing college who had been appointed in a permanent substantive post and absorbed or appointed subsequently in the University in due course subjected to the specific provisions of this Act:

(9)"existing college" means the Alipurduar College, a Government-aided college, receiving regular grants from the State Government;

(10)"financial year" means the year ending on the 31st day of March;

(11)"Government college" means a college which is maintained and managed by the State Government;

(12)"Governor" means the Governor of the State of West Bengal;

(13)"hall" or "hostel" means a unit of residence of students maintained by the University;

(14)"Librarian" means,-

(a)in relation to the University, a Librarian or any other person holding a post of Librarian, by whatever name called, appointed as such by the University, and

(b)in relation to a college affiliated to the University, Librarian or any other person holding a post of Librarian, by whatever name called, appointed by such college with prior approval of the State Government;

(15)"Minister" means the Minister-in-Charge, Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology and Biotechnology, appointed as such by the Governor;

(16)"non-teaching staff" means,-

(i)in relation to the University, the non-teaching staff appointed as such by the University not holding any teaching post or a person not holding the post of an Officer or a person not holding the post of Librarian, by whatever name called;

(ii)in relation to an affiliated college, the non-teaching staff, not holding any teaching post (including part-time teaching post), appointed by such college, but does not include a Librarian;

(17)"prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(18)"Principal" means the head of a college or of an institution, by whatever name called;

(19)"private college" means a college which is fully financed, maintained and managed by private organization;

(20)"professional college" means a college affiliated to the University in which instruction is provided primarily for courses of study leading to any degree, diploma or certificate of the University in any professional subject and which is recognized under this Act as a professional college;

(21)"professional subject" means any of the following subjects, namely, law, teachers' training, engineering, technology, agriculture, library and information science, mass communication and journalism, management studies or such other subject as may be provided by Regulations;

(22)"registered graduate" means a graduate registered in the University on making application in the prescribed form and on payment of a fee and in such manner as may he provided by the Statutes:

(23)"State Government" means the Government of West Bengal in the Higher Education, Science and Technology and Biotechnology Department;

(24)"Statutes", "Ordinances", and "Regulations" shall mean respectively, the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations made under this Act;

(25)"Students' Council" means,-

(a)in relation to the University, the Students' Council constituted in the manner prescribed under the rules made by the State Government in this behalf; and

(b)in relation to an affiliated college, the Students' Council constituted in the manner prescribed under the rules made by the State Government in this behalf;

(26)"teacher of college" means a Professor, an Associate Professor or an Assistant Professor or a Reader holding a whole time substantive teaching post and appointed in a permanent vacancy in a college or recognized as such by the State Government;

(27)"teacher of University" means a Professor, an Associate Professor or an Assistant Professor or any other person, holding a whole time substantive teaching post and appointed in a permanent vacancy in the University or recognized as such by the University with prior approval of the State Government;

(28)"University" means the Alipurduar University as constituted under this Act;

(29)"University College" means a college, or an institute, or a college combined with an institute, maintained and managed by the University, whether established by it or not;

(30)"University Laboratory", "University Library", "University Museum", or "University Institution" means a laboratory, a library, a museum or an institution, as the case may be, maintained and managed by the University, whether established by it or not.

(31)"Vice-Chancellor" means the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Chapter II
University and its Officers

3. The University.

(1)The Chancellor and the first Vice-Chancellor of the University and the first members of the University Council, and all persons who may hereafter become the Vice-Chancellor of the University or the members of the University Council, the Court or the Executive Council, so long as they continue to hold such office or membership, shall constitute a body corporate by the name of the Alipurduar University.

(2)The University shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall have powers to sue and be sued by the name of the Alipurduar University.

4. Powers of the University.

- The University shall have the following powers, namely-

(1)to encourage and provide for instruction, teaching, training and research in such branches of learning and courses of study as it may think fit, and generally to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and learning, and the extension of higher education with special emphasis on the study of indigenous languages as well as culture and rural development:

(2)to establish, maintain and manage colleges, libraries, laboratories, museums and such other institutions or centres for study and research as it may deem necessary;

(3)to provide for specialization of studies in colleges and for organization by colleges having common laboratories, libraries, museums and other institutions or centres for study and research work;

(4)to affiliate colleges or institutions or centres and to withdraw such affiliation;

(5)to recognize affiliated colleges as professional colleges or autonomous colleges or private colleges and to withdraw recognition of any such college;

(6)to provide for affiliated colleges, other than Government colleges-

(a)the constitution, powers and functions of their Governing Bodies; and

(b)for the colleges other than the Government colleges and the private colleges, with the approval of the State Government-

(i)the terms and conditions of service and emoluments for posts of Principals, teachers and such other employees as it may deem fit;

(ii)the rules for Provident Funds; and

(iii)the duties and responsibilities of the Principal, Teachers and any other employee as deem fit and disciplinary actions and punishment for negligence or violations thereof;

(7)to provide for affiliated colleges the constitution, powers and functions for Teachers' Councils;

(8)to provide for the inspection, or investigation into the affairs, of colleges or institutions recognized by it or affiliated to it and to exercise general supervision and control over them;

(9)to take over for a period of twelve months the management of any college or institution, affiliated to, or recognized by the University, other than a Government college or a private college in order to ensure that proper standards of teaching, training or instruction are maintained therein:Provided that the University may, if it considers it necessary so to do, extend such period, however, that -the aggregate period shall not extend eighteen months;

(10)to dissolve, in consultation with the State Government, the Governing Body of any affiliated college, professional college, autonomous college, institution, other than a private college or a Government college and pending reconstitution of the Governing Body thereof in such manner as may be provided and to appoint an Administrator or an ad hoc Governing Body:Provided that the reconstitution of the Governing Body shall be made within a period of twelve months from the date of dissolution:Provided further that the University may, if it considers it necessary so to do, extend such period, however, that the aggregate period shall not exceed eighteen months;

(11)to institute degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions;

(12)to hold examinations and to confer degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions on persons who shall have pursued an approved course of study in an affiliated college, professional college or University College or a University Laboratory unless exempted therefrom in the manner provided by the Regulations and shall have passed the prescribed examinations of the University, or shall have carried on research under conditions provided;

(13)to withdraw or to cancel degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates or other academic distinctions under such conditions as may be provided by the Statutes and after giving the person affected a reasonable opportunity to present his case;

(14)to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions under conditions provided by the Statutes;

(15)to institute Professorships including Distinguished or Chair Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships and other teaching posts required by the University with prior approval of the State Government and to appoint persons to such Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships or other teaching posts, or to recognize persons as Professors, Associate Professors or Assistant Professors of the University, or as holders of other teaching posts of the University for the purpose of imparting instruction and for conducting research in the University;

(16)to create posts, as and when required, of officers and employees of the University besides those provided for in this Act with the prior concurrence and approval of the State Government;

(17)to provide, subject to the provisions of this Act, the constitution, powers and duties of the Boards of Studies, the Finance Committee, and other bodies as may be provided by the Statutes;

(18)to provide by the Statutes the powers and duties of officers of the University;

(19)to provide by the Statutes, subject to the provisions of this Act, the terms and conditions of service, including the rules of conduct and discipline and the emoluments for all categories of posts of the University;

(20)to make provisions for provident and other funds for the employees of the University;

(21)to determine fees or other charges for examinations and other purposes, and to demand and receive the fees or other charges so prescribed;

(22)to establish, maintain and manage halls and hostels and to withdraw such recognition:

(23)to provide for the promotion of the health and welfare of students and of discipline among them;

(24)to co-ordinate the activities of, and give financial aid to affiliated or recognized colleges and institutions;

(25)to extend grant to the National Service Scheme and National Cadet Corps from the University Fund;

(26)to enter into an agreement with the Government or with any person, body or authority for taking over by the University of the management of any college or institution, including its assets and liabilities, or for any other purpose not repugnant to the provisions of this Act;

(27)to acquire, hold and dispose of property, movable and immovable and to make grants and advances for furthering any of its objects;

(28)to accept and administer gifts, endowments and benefactions, for the furtherance of any of its objects for the University or for or on behalf of any college or institution established by, affiliated to, or recognized by, the University, and to institute awards, fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, studentships, stipends, bursaries, exhibitions, medals and prizes;

(29)to accept grants and to raise loans or to accept loans from the Central or any State Government or the University Grants Commission, and with the approval of the State Government also from the other sources;

(30)to co-operate with other Universities, institutions and educational authorities in matters that relate to and further the educational objectives of the University;

(31)generally to do all such acts and things as may be necessary or desirable for, or incidental to, the advancement of the objects or purposes of the University;

(32)to impart instruction through distance education with the approval of the Distance Education Council;

(33)to introduce interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary integrated courses in selected subjects;

(34)to initiate collaborative teaching and research programme with other universities and to provide modalities for Credit Transfer and Award of Joint Degrees if deemed necessary.

5. Teaching in the University.

(1)All recognized teachings in connection with the degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University shall be conducted by the teachers of the University or of any affiliated or constituted institution, as the case may be, under the general control of the Court and the Executive Council.

(2)The courses of study, the curricula and the authorities responsible for organizing such teaching shall be such as may be provided by regulations.

6. University to be open to all classes, castes and creeds.

- The University shall be open to persons of either sex and of whatever race, creed, caste or class, and it shall not be lawful for the University to adopt or impose on any person any test whatsoever of religious belief or profession in order to entitle him to be appointed as a Teacher of the University or to hold any office therein or to be admitted as a student in the University, or to enjoy or exercise any privilege thereof.

7. Jurisdiction of the University.

(1)The territorial limits of jurisdiction of the University shall be the District of Alipurduar.

(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), any college or institution situated beyond the limits of jurisdiction of the University, may apply to the University for affiliation and the University may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may, with the approval of the State Government, think fit to impose, admit the same to all the privileges of the University.

(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force and with effect from such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf under sub-section (1) and sub-section (2)-

(a)such colleges existing on the said date within the limits of the jurisdiction, shall-

(i)be deemed to be affiliated to the University and continue to be so affiliated until the University otherwise directs; and

(ii)cease to be affiliated from any other University to which they may have been affiliated before the said date subject to the conditions that nothing in this Act shall affect the powers exercised by the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, The West Bengal University of Teachers' Training, Education Planning and Administration, the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, or such other University as may be notified by the State Government from time to time;

(iii)any person of any such college or institution holding any post under the previously affiliated University shall cease to hold such post or office;

(b)no. college or institution situated within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the University, but not admitted to its privileges, shall be associated with or be admitted to the privileges of any other University except with the prior approval of the State Government.

Explanation. - For the purpose of this section, to enable higher education to reach the unreached, the territorial limit shall not be insisted upon in the matter of distance education mode of learning.

8. Delegation of power.

- The University may delegate such of its powers as it may deem expedient to any of its authorities referred to in section 21 or to any of its officers, and may, at any time, withdraw at its discretion any power so delegated.

9. Officers of the University.

- The following shall be the officers of the University:-

(1)the Vice-Chancellor;

(2)the Registrar;

(3)the Deans of Faculties;

(4)the Director of School of Studies;

(5)the Finance Officer;

(6)the Law Officer;

(7)the Controller of Examinations;

(8)Inspector of Colleges;

(9)the University Librarian; and

(10)such other persons holding such other posts as may be declared by Statutes to be the posts of officers of the University.

10. The Chancellor.

(1)The Governor of the State of West Bengal shall, by virtue of his office, be the Chancellor of the University. He shall be the head of the University and the President of the Court and shall, when present, preside at the meetings of the Court.

(2)The Chancellor shall exercise such powers as may be conferred on him by or under the provisions of this Act.

(3)Where power is conferred upon the Chancellor to make nominations to any authority or body of the University, the Chancellor shall, to the extent necessary, nominate persons to represent interests not otherwise adequately represented.

(4)Every proposal to confer any honorary degree shall be subject to confirmation by the Chancellor.

11. The Vice- Chancellor.

(1)

(a)The Vice-Chancellor shall be a distinguished academician with proven competence and integrity and having a minimum of ten. years experience in a University system of which at least five years shall be as professor or ten years of experience in a reputed research or academic administrative organization of which at least five years shall be in an equivalent position of professor.

(b)The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor out of a panel of three names recommended in order of preference by the Search Committee constituted by the State Government. While preparing the panel, the Search Committee must give proper weightage to academic excellence, exposure to the higher education system in the country and abroad and adequate experience in academic and administrative governance and reflect the same in writing while submitting the panel to the Chancellor.

(c)The Search committee shall be constituted in the following manner :-

(i)an academician, not below the rank of the Vice-Chancellor of a Central or State-aided University or the Director of a National institute of higher learning, to be nominated by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the Committee;

(ii)an academician, not below the rank of a Professor of a Central or State aided University or National institute of higher learning, to be nominated by the State Government:

(iii)an academician not below the rank of a Professor of a Central or State aided University or National institute of higher learning, to be nominated by the Court:

Provided that the nominees, as mentioned under sub-clause (i), (ii) and (iii) shall not be the persons associated with the concerned University for which the Search committee is constituted.

(2)

(a)The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a period of four years or till he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier, and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term of four years or till he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier, following the provisions of sub-section (1).

(b)The Chancellor may, notwithstanding the expiration of the term of the office of Vice-Chancellor or his attaining the age of sixty-five years, allow him to continue in office till a successor assumes office, provided that he shall not continue as such for any period exceeding six months.

(3)The Vice-Chancellor shall be a whole-time officer of the University and shall be paid from the University Fund such salary and allowances as the Chancellor may decide in consultation with the State Government.

(4)The Vice-Chancellor may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Chancellor;

(5)If-

(a)the Vice-Chancellor is, by reason of leave, illness or other cause, temporarily unable to exercise the powers and perform the duties of his office, or

(b)a vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor by reason of death, resignation, removal, expiry of the term of his office or otherwise, then during the period of such temporary inability or pending the appointment of a Vice- Chancellor, as the case may be, the Chancellor, in consultation with the Minister, appoint a person to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor.

(6)The vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chancellor occurring by reason of death, resignation or expiry of the term of his office, removal or otherwise shall be filled up by appointment of a Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) within a period of six months from the date of occurrence of the vacancy, and such period should be held to include any period for which a Vice-Chancellor is allowed to continue in office under, clause (b) of sub-section (2), or a person is appointed by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor under sub-section (5).

(7)The Vice-Chancellor may be removed from his office by the Chancellor if he is satisfied that the incumbent-

(a)has become insane and adjudged by a competent court to be of unsound mind; or

(b)has become an undischarged insolvent and stands so declared by a competent court; or

(c)has been physically unfit and incapable of discharging function due to protracted illness or physical disability: or

(d)has willfully omitted or refused to carry out the provisions of this Act or has committed breach of any of the terms and conditions of the service contract or has abused or misused the powers vested in him or if the continuance in the office of the Vice-Chancellor is detrimental to the interest of the University; or

(e)has been proved to be guilty of criminal breach of trust or criminal negligence or gross financial irregularity or impropriety or gross negligence of duty; or

(f)has shown incompetence to perform or has persistently made default in the performance of the duties imposed on him by or under this Act; or

(g)has been convicted by a Court for any offence within the concept and meaning of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; (2 of 1974.) or

(h)is a member of, or otherwise associated with, any political party or acts in any partisan manner while in office:

Provided that the Vice-Chancellor shall be given a reasonable opportunity to show cause by the Chancellor before taking recourse for his removal under clauses (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h).Explanation. - For the purpose of this sub-clause, whether any party is a political party or any association is a political association or any act of the Vice-Chancellor is partisan, the decision of the Chancellor thereon shall be final.

12. Powers and duties of the Vice- Chancellor.

(1)The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University and shall, in the absence of the Chancellor, preside over the meeting of the Court. He shall, by virtue of his office, be a member and the Chairman of the Executive Council and the Academic Councils for Post-graduate and Undergraduate Studies and also the Chairman of any other authority or body of the University of which he may be a member. He shall also be entitled to be present at and to address any meeting of any other authority or body of the University of which he may not be a member, but shall not be entitled to vote thereat.

(2)The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene meetings of the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies and of any other authority or body of the University.

(3)It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that the provisions of this Act, and the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations, are faithfully observed and to take such action as may be necessary for this purpose.

(4)The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to exercise general control and supervision over all other officers of the University and over all Teachers and employees of the University and generally over all the affairs of the University.

(5)The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and discharge such other duties as may be delegated to him by any authority or body of the University or as may be provided by Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations.

(6)The Vice-Chancellor may take on behalf of the University such action as he may deem expedient in any matter which, in his opinion, is either urgent or of an emergent nature and shall report the same for confirmation at the next meeting to the authority or body which, in the ordinary course. would have dealt with the matter:Provided that if the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor is not approved by the authority or body concerned, the matter shall immediately be referred to the Chancellor whose decision thereon shall be final.

(7)The Vice-Chancellor may, with the approval of the Executive Council, delegate any of his powers (other than the power referred to in sub-section (6)) to any other officer subordinate to him.

13. The Registrar.

(1)The Registrar shall be a whole-time officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Executive Council on the recommendation of a Committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman, a nominee of the Chancellor, two nominees of the Executive Council and a nominee of the State Government, and on such terms and conditions, as prescribed by, or under, this Act.

(2)The Registrar may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-Chancellor.

(3)If the Registrar is for any reason temporarily unable to exercise the powers or perform the duties of his office, the Vice-Chancellor may with the approval of the Executive Council appoint a teacher of the University or an officer of the University, temporarily for a period not exceeding six months, to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Registrar.

14. Powers and duties of the Registrar.

- Subject to the supervision, direction and general control of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar shall act as the Secretary of the Court and the Executive Council and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be provided by the Statutes, or delegated to him by or under this Act.

15. Finance Officer.

(1)The Finance Officer shall be a whole-time officer of the University. He shall be appointed by the Executive Council on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor as the Chairman, a nominee of the Chancellor, two nominees of the Executive Council and a nominee of the State Government for such period and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by or under this Act.

(2)The Finance Officer may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-Chancellor.

(3)If the Finance Officer is for any reason temporarily unable to exercise the powers and perform the duties of his office, the Vice-Chancellor, with the approval of the Executive Council, may appoint a person temporarily for a period not exceeding six months to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Finance Officer.

16. Powers and duties of the Finance Officer.

(1)Subject to the supervision, direction and general control of the Vice- Chancellor, the Finance Officer shall be in charge of the administration of the funds, the finances and the properties and assets of the University and of all trusts and endowments; and he shall take special interest in activities that aim at raising funds for the purposes of the University and for augmenting the resources of the University.

(2)The Finance Officer shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be provided or delegated to him by or under the provisions of this Act, the Statutes. the Ordinances or the Regulations. as the case may he.

17. The Law Officer.

(1)There shall be a Law Officer in the University.

(2)The Law Officer shall assist the University in all legal issues and shall represent the University in all legal proceedings before the Court of Law.

(3)The Law Officer shall have such powers and functions as may be provided by the Statues.

18. The Controller of Examinations.

(1)The Controller of Examinations shall be a whole-time officer of the University. He shall be appointed by the Executive Council on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor as the Chairman, a nominee of the Chancellor, two nominees of the Executive Council and a nominee of the State Government for such period and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by or under this Act.

(2)The Controller of Examinations may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-Chancellor.

(3)If the Controller of Examinations is for any reason temporarily unable to exercise the powers and perform the duties of his office, the Vice-Chancellor, with the approval of the Executive Council, may appoint a person temporarily for a period not exceeding six months to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Controller of Examinations.

19. Powers and duties of the Controller of Examinations.

(1)Subject to the supervision, direction and general control of the Vice- Chancellor, the Controller of Examinations shall be in charge of the conduct of examinations and tests of the University and declarations of their results.

(2)The Controller of Examinations shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be provided or delegated to him by or under the provisions of this Act, the Statutes, the Ordinances or the Regulations, as the case may be.

20. Supervisory powers of the Registrar, the Finance Officer, the Law Officer and the Controller of Examinations.

- In their respective spheres of duties, the Registrar, the Finance Officer, the Law Officer and the Controller of Examinations shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, have the power of supervision and control over all officers and employees serving in departments under their charge and shall exercise such disciplinary power as may be conferred on them by or under this Act or by the Statutes or Ordinances or the Regulations, as the case may be.

Chapter III
Authorities of the University

21. Authorities.

- The following shall be the authorities of the University:-

(1)the Court;

(2)the Executive Council;

(3)the Faculty Council(s) for Post-graduate Studies;

(4)the Council(s) for Undergraduate Studies;

(5)the Board of Studies;

(6)the Finance Committee;

(7)such other authorities as may be declared by regulations to be the authorities of the University.

22. The Court.

(1)The Court shall be the supreme authority of the University.

(2)The Court shall consist of the following members:-

(a)Ex officio members -

(i)the Chancellor;

(ii)the Vice-Chancellor;

(iii)the Secretary, Higher Education, Science and Technology and Biotechnology Department, Government of West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of West Bengal;

(iv)the Secretary, Finance Department, Government of West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of West Bengal;

(v)the Chairman, West Bengal State Council of Higher Education or his nominee;

(vi)the Director of Public Instruction, West Bengal or his representative not below the rank of Additional Director of Public Instruction;

(vii)the Chairperson of the West Bengal College Service Commission or a member of the Commission as his nominee;

(viii)a nominee of the Chairman, University Grants Commission;

(b)Representatives of Departments of the University and affiliating Colleges-

(ix)Heads of Departments of the University;

(x)five senior most Professors of Departments of University to be selected by the Vice-Chancellor in alphabetical order of the Department, of whom not more than one Professor shall be from the same Department;

(xi)Principals of affiliated Colleges, not more than ten, to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor of whom-

(a)One shall be from a Law College;

(b)One shall be from other Professional Colleges;

(c)One shall be from Women's College;

(xii)five teachers from the Council of Undergraduate studies, of whom at least two shall be Associate Professor and others shall not be below the rank of Assistant Professor, to be elected by the members of the Council from amongst themselves in the manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(xiii)one representative of Officers of the University, to be elected from amongst themselves in the manner as may be provided by the Statutes:

(xiv)two representatives of non-teaching employees of whom-

(a)One from non-teaching employees of the University,

(b)One from non-teaching employees of the affiliated colleges of the University,

to be elected from amongst themselves in the manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(c)Nominated Members:-

(xv)not more than five persons to be nominated by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister from amongst the persons interested in University education:

Provided that no employee of the University or of a College or institution affiliated with the University or recognized by it shall be eligible to be a member under this clause;

(d)Special Invitee:-

(xvi)any official or expert in any field or eminent educationist, whom the Vice-Chancellor may require for advice, consultation or assistance, may be invited to attend the meeting:

Provided that not more than one official or expert or eminent educationist may be invited in a meeting at a time.

(3)A member of the Court shall hold office for a period of four years, if not expressly provided otherwise in sub-section (1). Any vacancy among the members of the Court shall be filled up immediately by the concerned authority.

(4)No act or proceedings of the Court or any Body or authority constituted by the Court shall be invalid or called in question by reason of the existence of any vacancy, initial or subsequent, in the Court or in any body constituted by the Court, as the case may be.

23. Powers and duties of the Court.

(1)Subject to such conditions as may be provided by or under the provisions of this Act, the Court shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties:-

(i)to establish University Colleges, University Departments, institutions, libraries, laboratories and museums of study and research;

(ii)to confer, on the recommendation of the State Government and the University Grants Commission, such special powers as may be provided by Statutes on any college or institution providing instruction for courses of study in fine arts or music or conducting higher studies and research:

Provided that the Court may withdraw, with the concurrence of the State Government and the University Grants Commission, all or any of the special powers conferred on any such college or institution;

(iii)to create and institute Professorships including Distinguished or Chair Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships, and such posts including posts of Officers as may be necessary for the establishment of the University Colleges, University Departments, institutions, libraries, laboratories and museums referred to in clause (i) with prior approval of the State Government:

(iv)to institute degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions;

(v)to institute fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, studentships, stipends, bursaries, exhibitions, medals and prizes to be awarded out of the University Fund;

(vi)to confer degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions on persons who-

(a)have pursued prescribed courses of studies or have been exempted therefrom in the manner provided, and have passed such examinations as may be determined by the University, or

(b)have carried on research in accordance with such conditions as may be provided by the Regulations;

(vii)to withdraw or to cancel degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates or other academic distinctions under such conditions as may be provided by Statutes and after giving the person affected a reasonable opportunity to present his case;

(viii)to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions;

(ix)to consider the Annual Statement of Accounts and the Annual Financial Estimates approved by the Executive Council and to pass such resolutions relating thereto as may be considered necessary:

Provided that for the purpose of passing a resolution modifying or rejecting any such Annual Financial Estimates it shall be necessary for a majority of the total number of members of the Court existing at the time to vote in favour of the resolution;

(x)to consider the Annual Report as prepared by the Executive Council and to pass such resolutions relating thereto as may be considered necessary;

(xi)to consider, and advise on, such other reports from the Executive Council or any other body as may be made to it;

(xii)to consider, and advise on, proposals from the Executive Council for entering into agreement with the Government or with any person, body or authority for the taking over by the University of the management of any college or institution, including its assets and liabilities, or for any other purpose not repugnant to the provisions of this Act;

(xiii)to consider, and advise on, proposals from the Executive Council for cooperation with other universities, institutions and educational authorities in matters that relate to or further the educational objectives of the University;

(xiv)to consider and suggest measures for the improvement of the administration and finances of the University, and generally for the furtherance of its objectives;

(xv)to make rules for the transaction of its own business;

(xvi)to exercise all other powers and perform all other functions conferred and imposed on the Court by or under this Act.

(2)The Court shall not exercise the powers and perform the duties referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) to (viii) of sub-section (1) except on the recommendation of the Executive Council but may send proposals in respect thereof to the Executive Council for its recommendation.

(3)The Court shall have the power to review the action of the Executive Council, save where the Executive Council has acted in accordance with the powers conferred on it by or under this Act:Provided that if any question arises as to whether the Executive Council has acted in accordance with the powers conferred on it by or under this Act, the matter shall be decided by reference to the Chancellor whose decision shall be final.

24. Meetings of the Court.

(1)The Court shall meet at least thrice in a financial year, other than for convocation, on dates to be fixed by the Vice-Chancellor. One of such meetings shall be held before March and shall be called the Annual Meeting. The Court may also meet at such other times as it may, from time to time, decide.

(2)One-third of the total number of members of the Court shall be a quorum for a meeting of the Court:Provided that such quorum shall not be required at convocation.

(3)The Vice-Chancellor may, whenever he thinks fit, and shall, upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than fifty per cent of members of the Court, convene a meeting of the Court. A meeting on such requisition shall be held within fifteen days of the receipt of the requisition by the Vice-Chancellor.

25. The Executive Council.

(1)The Executive Council shall consist of the following members:-

(a)Ex officio Members:-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor;

(ii)the Secretary, Higher Education, Science and Technology and Biotechnology Department, Government of West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Secretary, Higher Education Department, to the Government of West Bengal;

(iii)the Secretary, Finance Department, Government of West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of West Bengal;

(iv)the Chairman, West Bengal State Council of Higher Education or his nominee;

(v)the Director of Public Instruction, West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of Additional Director of Public Instruction;

(vi)the Deans of Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies;

(vii)Principals of affiliated Colleges, not more than seven, to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor of whom-

(a)One shall be from a Law College;

(b)One shall be from other Professional Colleges;

(c)One shall be from Women's College;

(b)Other Members:-

(viii)three Heads of Departments, by rotation for one year in alphabetical order of the Department, to be selected by the Vice-Chancellor;

(ix)seven teachers from the Faculty Council for the Post-graduate studies of whom four shall be Professors, two shall be Associate Professors and one shall be Assistant Professor and they shall be elected by the members of the Faculty Council from amongst themselves in the manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(x)five teachers of whom at least two shall belong to the rank of Associate Professor and others shall be not below the rank of Assistant Professor from the Council of Undergraduate studies to be elected by the members of the Council from amongst themselves in the manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(xi)two persons interested in University education, nominated by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister:

Provided that no employee of the University or of a College or institution affiliated with the University or recognized by it shall be eligible to be a member.

(2)A member of the Executive Council shall hold office for a period of four years, if not expressly provided otherwise in sub-section (1). Any vacancy among the members of the Executive Council shall be filled up immediately by the concerned authority.

(3)No act or proceedings of the Executive Council or any Body of authority constituted by the Executive Council shall be invalid or called in question by reason of the existence of any vacancy, initial or subsequent, in the Executive Council or in any body constituted by the Executive Council, as the case may be.

(4)One-third of the total number of members shall be a quorum for a meeting of the Executive Council.

26. Powers and duties of the Executive Council.

- Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Executive Council shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties:-

(i)to initiate proposals for the making of Statutes and Ordinances including proposals for amendment or repeal thereof, in the manner hereinafter provided;

(ii)to recommend to the Court, after consulting the respective Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, the establishment of University Colleges, University Departments, institutions, libraries, laboratories and museums for study and research;

(iii)to maintain University Colleges, University Departments, University institutions, University libraries, University laboratories and University museums;

(iv)to establish, maintain and manage halls and to recognize hostels:

(v)to direct the inspection of University libraries. University laboratories, University museums and hostels:

(vi)to recommend to the Court, after consulting the respective Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, the institution of fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, stipends, bursaries, exhibitions, medals and prizes, the expenses of which shall be met from the University Fund, and to award the same after institution thereof by the Court;

(vii)to recommend to the Court, after consulting the respective Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, the creation and institution of Professorships including Distinguished or Chair Professorship, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships and such posts as may be necessary for the establishment of the University Colleges, University Departments, institutions, libraries, laboratories and museums;

(viii)to create posts of Officers, Teachers and employees of the University or to recommend to the Court for such creation, with the approval of the State Government;

(ix)to appoint Officers and employees of the University and to define their duties in accordance with the Statutes and the Ordinances and to suspend, discharge or otherwise punish in accordance with the Statutes and the Ordinances such Officers and employees;

(x)to pass appropriate orders on the basis of the recommendation of the respective Council for Undergraduate Studies regarding affiliation of a college or an institution in one or more subjects or withdrawal of affiliation or recognition of a college or an institution or temporary take over of the management of an affiliated or a recognised college or institution;

(xi)to provide, on the recommendation of the respective Council for Undergraduate Studies for colleges, other than Government Colleges-

(a)the constitution, powers and functions of their Governing Bodies;

(b)the functions of the Teachers' Councils and rules regarding provident fund of the employees of the colleges; and

(c)duties and responsibilities of the Principal, Teachers, and any other employee as deemed fit and disciplinary actions for negligence or violations thereof;

(xii)to determine and collect fees or charges for the registration of students and their admission to courses of studies organized by the University, for holding examinations, for the grant of degrees, diplomas and certificates, and for other like purposes;

(xiii)to recommend to the Court, afterconsulting the respective Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, the institution of degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions;

(xiv)to recommend to the Court, on the advice of the appropriate body, the conferment of degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions on persons who have pursued courses of studies or have been exempted therefrom in the manner provided, and have passed such examinations or have carried on research under such conditions. as may be prov ided:

(xv)to recommend to the Court the conferment of honorary degrees and other academic distinctions;

(xvi)to approve the constitution or reconstitution of the respective department of teaching on the recommendation of the respective Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies;

(xvii)to make regulations and syllabi regarding the courses of studies and the division of subjects including interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary approach for integrated courses in selected subjects after obtaining and considering the recommendation of the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies and the Councils for Undergraduate Studies in this regard;

(xviii)to make regulations regarding the examinations which shall be recognised as the equivalent examinations held by the University;

(xix)to make regulations regarding the conduct of examinations held by the University and the conditions under which students may be admitted to the different courses of studies of and the examinations held by the University;

(xx)to make regulations regarding all other matters which may be or are required to be provided for by the regulations;

(xxi)to provide for co-operation and reciprocity among colleges, institutions and laboratories and the Universities so as to faster the development of academic life and to encourage Cluster Concept to ensure the fullest utilization of the teaching and infrastructural resources available, on the recommendation of the respective Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies and to form College Development Council for this purpose if thought necessary;

(xxii)to give directions regarding the form, custody and use of the common seal of the University;

(xxiii)to acquire, hold and dispose of property, movable and immovable, and to administer all assets, properties and funds of the University, and to undertake all measures necessary or desirable for the conservation or augmentation of the resources of the University:

Provided that for the purpose of disposing of any property valued more than one lakh of rupees previous approval of the Court shall be necessary;

(xxiv)to accept and administer gifts, endowments and benefactions for the furtherance of the purposes of this Act;

(xxv)to accept grants and to raise or accept loans on behalf of the University and to make grants or advances from the University fund or other special funds maintained by the University;

(xxvi)to enter into an agreement with the Government or with any person, body or authority for the taking over by the University of the management of any college or institution, including its assets and liabilities, or for any other purpose not repugnant to the provisions of this Act on the recommendation of the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies or the Council for Undergraduate Studies concerned:

(xxvii)to manage the Press Establishment, the Publication Bureau and the Employment Bureau of the University and to exercise general supervision over Students' Council, University Extension Board, University Sports Board and other bodies instituted by the University;

(xxviii)to approve the Annual Statements of Accounts and the Annual Financial Estimates of the University and to submit the same to the Senate for consideration;

(xxix)to prepare the Annual Report and submit the same to the Court for consideration;

(xxx)to make due provision for the health, welfare, residence and discipline of students and their relationship with the University and to provide for such other training of students as may be considered desirable;

(xxxi)to co-operate with other Universities, Institutions, Associations, Societies or Bodies on such terms and for such purposes, not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act, as it may deterniine,

(xxxii)to institute Collaborative Teaching and Research Programmes with other Universities and prescribe modalities for Credit Transfer and Award of Joint Degrees in a manner not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act;

(xxxiii)to make regulations for the transaction of its own business;

(xxxiv)to exercise all other powers and perform all other functions conferred and imposed on the Executive Council by or under this Act;

(xxxv)to exercise general supervision over the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies and the Councils for Undergraduate Studies and give such directions to these Councils for the due discharge of their respective duties as it may consider necessary.

27. The Faculty Councils of Postgraduate Studies.

(1)There shall be the following Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies:-

(a)the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Traditional Art Forms;

(b)the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Science, Technology and Vocational Studies;

(c)the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Law, Education, Journalism and Mass Communication, Library Science and Physical Education;

(d)the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Commerce and Management;

(e)such other Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies as may be determined by the Executive Council, from time to time.

(2)Each Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies shall consist of the following members:-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor-Chairman;

(ii)the Dean of the Faculty Council concerned;

(iii)the Head or Heads of the Department or Departments concerned, if any;

(iv)the Professor or Professors of the Department or Departments concerned. if any:

(v)the Librarian of the University, if the post is vacant then the person acting as Librarian of the University in case of Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Arts;

(vi)five shall be Teachers of the University, other than Professors, to be elected by such Teachers of the concerned Faculty Council from amongst themselves, in such manner as may be provided for by the Statutes;

(vii)not more than three persons having special knowledge in the subject or subjects concerned nominated by the Vice-Chancellor;

(viii)three Teachers participating in undergraduate teaching in the subject or subjects concerned elected by the members of the concerned Council for undergraduate studies, in such manner as may be provided for by the Statutes;

(ix)one student representative pursuing Post-graduate Studies in the University and one Research Scholar pursuing research in the University to be elected by Post-graduate students and Research Scholars respectively of the concerned Faculty Council from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided for by the Statutes:

Provided that the student representative or the research scholar referred to under this clause shall not be permitted to take part in any meeting of the Faculty Council in which, confidential matters relating to conduct of examination, checking of answer scripts, publication of results and matters of similar nature are to be discussed:Provided further that the Faculty Council concerned may co-opt such Dean or Deans of any other Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies, as it may consider necessary.

(3)Each Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies shall have a Secretary from amongst its members.

(4)One-third of the total number of members of a Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies shall be a quorum for a meeting of the Faculty Council.

28. Powers and duties of the Faculty Councils of Postgraduate Studies.

- Subject to the provisions of this Act, and the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations, a Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties:-

(i)to make proposals to the Executive Council for the establishment of University Colleges, University Departments, institutions, libraries, laboratories and museums for study and research to be maintained by the University;

(ii)to recommend to the Executive Council the creation and institution of Professorships including Distinguished or Chair Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships, and other teaching posts and the duties and emoluments thereof;

(iii)to make proposals to the Executive Council for the promotion of research and, through special committees, if any constituted for the purpose, to call for reports on such research work from persons engaged therein, and to make recommendations to the Executive Council thereon;

(iv)to determine after consulting the Executive Council the minimum qualifications for posts of Teachers of the University; as per guidelines of the University Grants Commission or any other concerned body:

(v)to make proposals to the Executive Council regarding provisions to be made for enabling the University to undertake specialization of studies and for organization of common laboratories, libraries, museums, institutes of research and other institutions, maintained by the University;

(vi)to constitute or reconstitute the departments of teaching with the approval of the Executive Council;

(vii)to make provisions for lectures and instructions for students of constituent and University Colleges and University Laboratories and also for other persons who are not such students;

(viii)to advise the Executive Council on the institution of degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions;

(ix)to hold and conduct, subject to general supervision by the Executive Council University examinations and publish the results thereof in accordance with the Regulations made in this regard;

(x)to provide for the inspection or the investigation into the affairs of any department or any University College and submit report to the Executive Council;

(xi)to have general supervision over the Boards of Studies attached to the Faculty Council;

(xii)to frame rules relating to the courses of Post-graduate Studies and the division of subjects in 'regard thereto including interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary integrated courses in selected subjects and to recommend to the Executive Council the making of Regulations in this regard;

(xiii)to appoint, if required by the Executive Council, after considering the views of the Boards of Studies attached to the Faculty Council, Boards of Examiners in the subject or subjects relating to Post-graduate Studies, including the subjects for doctoral thesis and for prizes and medals;

(xiv)to call for such reports or information as the Faculty Council may consider necessary for efficient discharge of its duties from the teaching departments, research units or Boards of Studies;

(xv)to consider any educational matter relating to the Faculty Council and to arrive at decisions or make recommendations pertaining thereto to the appropriate authority or officer;

(xvi)to maintain contact with the corresponding Council for Undergraduate Studies for the purpose of sharing ideas and ensuring co-ordination;

(xvii)to submit each year its Annual Report to the Executive Council;

(xviii)to make rules for the transaction of its own business;

(xix)to exercise all other powers and perform all other functions conferred and imposed on it by or under this Act;

(xx)to delegate to the teaching departments, research units, and Boards of Studies attached to it the responsibility for such academic matters as respectively concern such departments. units and Boards:

(xxi)to consider and approve results of examinations leading to post-graduate degrees, diplomas and certificates;

(xxii)to recommend to the Executive Council the conferment of post-graduate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

29. Councils for Undergraduate Studies.

(1)There shall be the following Councils for Undergraduate Studies:-

(i)the Council for Undergraduate Studies in Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Traditional Art Forms;

(ii)the Council for Undergraduate Studies in Science, Technology, Home Science, and Vocational Studies;

(iii)the Council for Undergraduate Studies in Commerce, and Management;

(iv)the Council for Undergraduate Studies in Law, Education, Journalism and Mass Communication, Library Science and Physical Education; and

(v)such other Council for Undergraduate Studies as the Executive Council may decide from time to time.

(2)The Council for Undergraduate Studies in Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Traditional Art Forms shall consist of the following members:-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor-Chairman;

(ii)the Dean of the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies in Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Traditional Art Forms;

(iii)ten teachers of affiliated colleges of whom one shall be from a college imparting instruction in Fine Arts, Performing Arts or Traditional Art Forms, if any, elected by the teachers of such colleges in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(iv)two teachers participating in Post-graduate teaching in the subject or subjects concerned elected jointly by the members of the concerned Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(v)four Principals of whom three shall be from affiliated undergraduate colleges of Arts, and one shall be from affiliated Fine Arts or Performing Arts or Traditional Art Forms colleges, elected jointly by the Principals of such colleges in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(vi)two persons having special knowledge in the subject or subjects concerned nominated by the Vice-Chancellor;

(vii)two student representatives pursuing Undergraduate studies in different streams of education in the affiliated colleges of the University to be elected by such students of the affiliated colleges from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes:

Provided that no two student representative shall be elected from the same stream of education:Provided further that the student representatives referred under this clause shall not be permitted to take part in any meeting of the Faculty Council in which, in the opinion of the Executive Council. any of the minutes of any such meeting may prejudicially affect the general interest of the students.

(3)The Council for Undergraduate Studies in Commerce and Management shall consist of the following members:-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor--Chairman;

(ii)the Dean of the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Commerce and Management;

(iii)the Principal or Principals of the concerned affiliated colleges;

(iv)not more than four teachers, not belonging to the same Department, elected jointly by the teachers of such affiliated colleges in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(v)two persons having special knowledge in the subjects nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; and

(vi)one student representative pursuing Undergraduate studies in different streams of education in the affiliated colleges of the University to be elected by such students of the affiliated colleges from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes:

Provided that the student representatives referred under this clause shall not be permitted to take part in any meeting of the Faculty Council in which, in the opinion of the Executive Council, any of the minutes of any such meeting may prejudicially affect the general interest of the students.

(4)The Council for Undergraduate Studies in Law, Education, Journalism and Mass Communication, Library Science and Physical Education shall consist of the following members:-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor--Chairman;

(ii)the Dean of the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Law, Education, Journalism and Mass Communication, Library Science and Physical Education;

(iii)the Principal or Principals of the concerned affiliated colleges;

(iv)not more than four teachers, not belonging to the same Department, participating in the subjects concerned elected by such teachers from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(v)two persons having special knowledge in the subject concerned nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; and

(vi)two student representatives pursuing Undergraduate studies in the affiliated colleges of the University to be elected by such students of the affiliated colleges from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes:

(5)The Council for Undergraduate Studies in Science, Technology, Home Science and Vocational Studies shall consist of the following members:-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor-Chairman;

(ii)the Dean of the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies in Science, Technology, Home Science and Vocational Studies;

(iii)the Principal or Principals of the concerned affiliated colleges;

(iv)not more than four teachers, not belonging to the same Department, elected jointly by the teachers of such affiliated colleges in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes;

(v)two persons having special knowledge in the subjects nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; and

(vi)two student representatives pursuing Undergraduate studies in different streams of education in the affiliated colleges of the University to be elected by such students of affiliated colleges from amongst themselves in such manner as may be provided by the Statutes:

Provided that no two student representative shall be elected from the same stream of education:Provided further that the student representatives referred under this clause shall not be permitted to take part in any meeting of the Faculty Council in which, in the opinion of the Executive Council, any of the minutes of any such meeting may prejudicially affect the general interest of the students.

(6)The Councils for other Undergraduate Studies shall be constituted in the same manner provided in sub-section (5) taking the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman and the Dean of concerned Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies and other relevant representatives of the concerned Faculty councils for Undergraduate Studies.

(7)Each Council for Undergraduate Studies shall have a Secretary. The Secretary shall be a member of the Council.

(8)One-third of the total number of members of a Council for Undergraduate Studies shall be a quorum for a meeting of the Council.

30. Powers and duties of the Councils for Undergraduate Studies.

- Subject to the provisions of this Act, and the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations, a Council for Undergraduate Studies shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties:-

(i)to recommend to the Executive Council the affiliation of a college or an institution in one or more subjects;

(ii)to ensure annual inspection of college;

(iii)to exercise general supervision over the colleges to ensure that the conditions of affiliation are properly fulfilled, the standard of teaching is uniformly maintained and syllabi, as prescribed are properly completed within the academic year, academic calendar prepared and followed, duties and responsibilities as provided for the Principal, teachers and other employees are properly carried out;

(iv)to fix the last date of admission of students to different courses of studies and the date of commencement of examinations in consultation with other Councils for Undergraduate Studies;

(v)to appoint Head Examiners, Examiners, Paper-setters, Scrutinizers, Cocoordinators, Conveners, Tabulators and other persons under the general supervision of the Executive Council;

(vi)to hold and conduct examinations and to approve and declare the results of the examinations within such period as may be determined;

(vii)to recommend to the Executive Council the disaffiliation or withdrawal of affiliation of any college in respect of any subject or subjects, if, on receipt of written report from a team of Inspectors, appointed by the University, the Council is of opinion that proper standard of teaching is not properly fulfilled or the results of the candidates sent up by the college for any examination are unsatisfactory or the college has failed to comply with the directives of the Council;

(viii)to establish, maintain and manage halls and hostels of undergraduate colleges;

(ix)to recommend to the Executive Council the temporary takeover of the management of an affiliated or a recognised college or institution, other than a Government College, in order to ensure that proper standards of teaching, training or instruction are maintained therein;

(x)to provide for the inspection or investigation into the affairs of undergraduate colleges or institutions recognised by the Council or affiliated to the University and to exercise general supervision and control over them;

(xi)to make due provision for health, welfare, residence and discipline of students and their relationship with the University and to provide for such training of students as may be considered desirable;

(xii)to recommend to the Executive Council the dissolution of the Governing Body of an affiliated college or institution, other than a Government College, and pending reconstitution of the Governing Body, the appointment of an Administrator or an ad hoc Governing Body;

(xiii)to collect fees for examination, condonation of short percentage for appearing at an examination as non-collegiate student, mark-sheet, late admission, change of examination centre, scrutiny of answer script, and change of name or surname, and any other charge for registration and migration of students and grant of diplomas, certificates or any other documents at such rate as may be determined by the Executive Council;

(xiv)to exercise supervision to ensure that all properties and funds of the Council are properly controlled and administered;

(xv)to supply promptly such information, returns, reports and other materials as may be required by the University;

(xvi)to extend facilities and other assistance including exhibits of records, books of accounts, ledgers and any other documents to officers deputed by the University for inspection:

(xvii)to approve the Annual report of the activities of the Council during the previous academic year and submit the same to the Executive Council on or before such date as may be fixed by the Executive Council;

(xviii)to abide by, and implement promptly, the decisions that may be arrived at by the University from time to time in regard to the Council;

(xix)to follow the guidelines and the rules framed by the University from time to time;

(xx)to have general responsibility for academic affairs in relation to undergraduate studies with which the Council is concerned;

(xxi)to have general supervision over the Board of Studies attached to the Council in accordance with the rules framed for the purpose;

(xxii)to maintain contact with the corresponding Council for Post-graduate Studies for the purpose of sharing ideas and ensuring co-ordination;

(xxiii)to make rules and regulations relating to courses of undergraduate studies, subject to the approval of the Executive Council.

31. Deans of Faculty Councils.

(1)There shall be a Dean for each and every Faculty Council in the University who shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University on recommendation of the Selection Committee duly constituted for this purpose.

(2)The Selection Committee shall be constituted by the State Government for each and every occasion of selection of Dean of the University:Provided that every such Committee shall appoint Deans for all Faculty Councils in the University.

(3)The Selection Committee shall consist of the following members:-

(a)nominee of the Chancellor, who shall be the Vice-Chancellor of a Stateaided University other than the concerned University and who shall be nominated in consultation with the Chancellor and who shall be the head of the Committee;

(b)nominee of the State Government, who shall be an eminent academician and who is not related with the concerned University in any manner; and

(c)nominee of the Vice-Chancellor, who shall not be below the rank of a Professor of any other University.

(4)The Selection Committee shall consider the names of eligible professors of that University for the post of Dean and give proper weightage of academic excellence and adequate experience in academic and administrative governance while preparing the panel of two Professors in order of their preference for each and every Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies:Provided that no person shall be eligible for the post of Dean more than one term in his service tenure in the same University:Provided further that no person holding the post of Dean in the University, on the date of commencement of this Act, shall be eligible for further selection of Dean in the same University.

(5)The Registrar of the University shall provide secretarial assistance to the Selection Committee for preparing the panel and the Committee shall have power to call for any record of the University relating to any Professor for the purpose of such selection.

(6)The Selection Committee shall finalize the panel within such time as may be directed by the State Government, and immediately thereafter the Committee shall send its recommendations in writing to the State Government, along with reasoned record of assessment of the persons so considered.

(7)The State Government shall thereafter forward the panel to the Vice-Chancellor of the University for appointment of Dean.

(8)Every Dean appointed as per provisions of this Act shall hold the office for three years or until he retires or vacates his office for any other reasons:Provided that a Professor shall only be eligible for empanelment for the post of Dean who has at least three years of service in his account before the age of superannuation.

(9)The Vice-Chancellor shall, in the event of any temporary vacancy of the office of Dean, select a seniormost Professor of that University according to the date of their joining in the same University for a period not more than six months:Provided that such selection of Dean on temporary vacancy shall be communicated forthwith to the State Government for the purpose of re-constitution of Selection Committee.

(10)Every Dean shall be the Vice-Chairman of the respective Faculty Council and shall have such powers and functions as may be provided for by Regulations.

(11)The Dean of every Faculty Council may be removed from his office for such reasons and in such manner as may be provided for by Regulation.

32. The Board of Studies.

- There shall be Boards of Studies attached to every Faculty Council for Postgraduate Studies or Council for Undergraduate Studies. The constitution of the Boards of Studies shall be provided by Statutes and the powers and functions of the Boards shall be provided by Regulations.

33. The Finance Committee.

- There shall be a Finance Committee with the Vice-Chancellor as the Chairman. The constitution, powers and functions of the Finance Committee shall be provided by Statutes and its procedure in financial matters, including the delegation of its powers, shall be provided by Ordinances.

34. Selection Committee for the Teachers and other academic staff of the University.

(1)The teachers and other academic staff of the University shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, on the recommendation of the Selection Committee, and the constitution of the Selection Committee as well as the procedure for holding its meetings shall be in consonance with the Rules framed by the State Government from time to time.

(2)The nominee of the Vice-Chancellor shall be the head of the Selection Committee, which shall send its recommendations in writing to the Vice-Chancellor along with reasoned record of assessment of the persons appeared before it for selection.

(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1). the Executive Council shall hold the powers of punishment to any teachers of the University in prescribed manner.

35. Procedure for holding the meetings of Selection Committee.

(1)At least five members, including two outside subject experts, shall constitute the quorum for a meeting of the Selection Committee.

(2)If the Vice-Chancellor does not accept the recommendation of a Selection Committee, it shall refer the recommendation back to the Selection Committee with reasons for reconsideration and if the Vice-Chancellor does not accept the reconsidered views of the Selection Committee, the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor with reasons and the decision of the Chancellor shall thereon be final.

36. Appointment on the recommendation of the Selection Committee.

(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in section 34, and until the constitution of a Selection Committee referred to therein, University teachers, other academic staff and Officers shall be appointed by the University Council, referred to in sub-section (1) of section 65 on the recommendation of a Selection Committee, constituted by the said Council in such manner as it thinks fit, which shall include as its member at least one person, not holding any office of profit under the University and having special knowledge in the subject for which the teacher, other academic staff and the officer, as the case may be, is related with, to be nominated by the Chancellor.

(2)If the University Council does not accept the recommendation of the Selection Committee, the provision of sub-section (2) of section 35 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

37. Letter of appointment to the teachers, officers and employees.

(1)Every teacher, every Officer and every employee of the University shall, on appointment as such, be provided with a letter of appointment containing such terms and conditions of appointment and duties and responsibilities as may be provided by Ordinances.

(2)A teacher or other academic staff or an officer or an employee appointed against a permanent vacancy shall be on probation ordinarily for a period of one year from the date of such appointment and such period of probation may, at the discretion of the appropriate authority of the University, be extended for a further period not exceeding one year.

(3)If, at any time during the period of probation, the probationer's work is not considered satisfactory, the probationer shall be discharged by the authority concerned together with one month notice or one month's salary in lieu of notice:Provided that such probationer shall be given with an opportunity of being heard before discharging and the discharging letter should contain the detailed record of assessment of the probationers work.

(4)On satisfactory completion of the period of probation, a teacher or other academic staff or an officer or an employee, as the case may be, shall be confirmed with effect from the date of his appointment on probation by an order in writing made by the University in this behalf and the fact of such confirmation shall be communicated to the person concerned:Provided that if, on completion of the period of probation, no such order of confirmation is made and communicated to the person concerned within a period of two months of the completion of the period of probation, the person concerned shall be deemed to have been confirmed with effect from the date of his appointment on probation:Provided further that if, prior to the completion of the period of probation, a teacher or an officer or an employee, as the case may be, desires to extend the period of probation, the Executive Council may extend it further by any period depending on the circumstances of the case.

38. Termination of services of temporary teachers, officers and employees.

- The services of a temporary teacher or officer or employee shall not be terminated before the expiration of the period for which he is appointed except after serving one month's notice or paying him one month's salary in lieu thereof.

39. Standing Committee for selection of officers and nonteaching employees.

- The Executive Council may, subject to the provisions of this Act, provide by Ordinances the constitution of a Standing Committee for selection of persons for appointment to the posts of non- teaching posts of the University and the procedure and the method of such selection.

40. Tribunal.

(1)If in the case of any dispute between the University and any Teacher, Officer or employee of the University, no final order has been passed within a period of one year from the date on which the dispute was referred to the University by such Teacher, Officer or employee, such dispute shall on the request of such Teacher, Officer or employee, be referred to a Tribunal consisting of the following members, namely:-

(i)a Chairman, to be nominated by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister;

(ii)one person to be nominated by the Executive Council; and

(iii)one person to be nominated by the Teacher, Officer or employee concerned.

(2)An appeal from an employee of the University in a disciplinary matter shall be referred to the Tribunal and shall be decided and disposed of by the Tribunal.

(3)The Tribunal may call for any record, report or other information from the University if, in its opinion, such record, report or other information is necessary for efficient discharge of its functions, and the University shall furnish such record, report or other information to the Tribunal.

(4)Every request under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be a submission to arbitration upon the terms of this section, within the meaning of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, (26 of 1996.) and all the provisions of that Act with the exception of section 2 thereof shall apply accordingly.

Chapter IV
General Provisions Governing All Authorities or Other Bodies of the University

41. Disqualifications.

(1)No person shall be qualified for election or nomination as a member of any authority or body of the University or shall continue as such member if he,-

(i)is of unsound mind, or

(ii)is an undischarged insolvent, or

(iii)has been convicted by a court of law for an offence involving moral turpitude.

(2)In case of any doubt or dispute the Chancellor's decision whether a person is disqualified under the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be final.

(3)No person shall be entitled to stand as a candidate for election to any authority or body of the University from more than one constituency.

(4)No person shall be entitled to be enrolled as a voter for, or to cast his vote at, an election to any authority or body of the University from more than one constituency:Provided that this sub-section shall not apply in the case of an election of members of the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, and the Councils for Undergraduate Studies.

42. Part-time teachers or part-time nonteaching staff not to be entitled to be enrolled as voters or to be nominated.

- Notwithstanding anything contained elsewhere in this Act, no person shall,-

(a)if he is a teacher, not holding any whole-time substantive teaching post, or appointed for a specified period, or

(b)if he is a member of the non-teaching staff, not appointed on a regular scale of pay, or not holding any whole-time substantive non-teaching post, be entitled to be enrolled as a voter for, or to cast his vote at, an election to any authority or body of the University or of any college or institution affiliated to the University or to be nominated to any such authority or body.

Explanation. - "Regular scale of pay" shall mean pay which, subject to any condition prescribed by the University, rises by periodical increment from a minimum to a maximum.

43. Term of office of Members.

(1)Save as otherwise provided in sub-section (4), an elected or nominated member of any authority or body of the University shall hold office for a period of four years from the date of his election or nomination, as the case may be:Provided that in respect of the first elections and nominations under this Act, the said period of four years shall commence from the date of the first meeting of the authority or body held after such elections and nominations.

(2)The term of office of members other than ex officio members of any authority or body of the University shall be held to include any period which may elapse between the expiry of the said term and the date of election of new members to such authority or body to fill vacancies arising by efflux of time.

(3)When elections are held on more than one date, the last of such dates shall be taken to be the date of election for the purposes of this section.

(4)Any member elected or nominated to fill a casual vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of office of the member in whose seat he is so elected or nominated.

44. Cessation of membership in certain cases.

(1)When a person is qualified to be a member of any authority or body of the University by virtue of his membership of any other authority or body, he shall cease to be a member of the authority or body of the University when he ceases to be a member of the other.

(2)When a person is elected or nominated as a member of any authority or body of the University from any constituency, he shall cease to be such a member when he ceases to belong to that constituency.

45. Filling of vacancies.

(1)Any casual vacancy among the elected members of any authority or body of the University shall be filled, in such manner and within such time as may be provided, by election by such authority or body of a person representing the interest which the member, whose seat has become vacant, represented.

(2)Any vacancy among the nominated members of any authority or body of the University shall be filled, within such time as may be provided, by nomination by the person or authority that nominated the member whose seat has become vacant.

(3)Vacancies arising by efflux of time in the seats of elected members of any authority or body of the University shall be filled by election to be held on such date or dates, not later than six months or such extended period as the Chancellor may, by order made in this behalf, specify, from the date on which the vacancies arise, as the Vice- Chancellor may fix.

46. Proceeding of the authorities or bodies of the University not invalidated by vacancies.

- No act or proceedings of the University or of any authority or body of the University shall be deemed to be invalid merely by reason of the existence of a vacancy or vacancies among its members or the invalidity of the election of any of the members.Explanation. - For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that where the office of any member of any authority or body of the University cannot be filled up, when such authority or body is constituted for the first time, on account of any election or appointment not being for any reason feasible, there shall be deemed to be a vacancy in the office of such member until such election takes place or such appointment is made.

47. Election Tribunal.

(1)There shall be an Election Tribunal to which shall be referred any question as to whether any person is eligible under this Act for election or nomination or has been duly elected or nominated, or is entitled to be, a member of any authority or body of the University, and the decision of the Election Tribunal on such question shall be final.

(2)The constitution of the Election Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed.

(3)If, during the progress of any election of members to any authority or body of the University, the Election Tribunal is satisfied that such election is vitiated by fraud or corrupt practice, the Election Tribunal may make an order annulling the proceedings in respect of such election or any part thereof and direct fresh proceedings to be started, in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations, from such stage as may be specified in the order and such order of the Election Tribunal shall be final.

48. Casting of vote by the Chairman.

- At a meeting of the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Councils for Postgraduate Studies, the Councils for Undergraduate Studies or any other authority or body of the University, the person presiding at the meeting shall not vote in the first instance, but shall have and exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.

Chapter V
Funds of the University, Accounts, Audit and Inspection

49. The University Fund.

- The University shall have a fund to be known as the University Fund to which shall be credited all its income from fees, fines, contributions, donations, loans and advances and from any other source whatsoever. The University may also create, by Ordinances made in this behalf, separate special funds for the administration of Students' Welfare, Endowments, Donations and Gifts, Trust or specific grants or grants for other special purposes.

50. General limitations on the financial powers of the University.

(1)The budget of the University showing the receipt and expenditure of the University on different accounts shall be submitted to the State Government at least three months before the end of the financial year for approval.

(2)The State Government shall, at least one month before the end of the financial year, communicate its approval or otherwise of the budget of the University:Provided that the State Government shall, from time to time. release grants to the University to incur expenditure till the budget is approved.

(3)If no communication is sent to the University by the State Government within the period as aforesaid, the budget shall be deemed to have been approved by the State Government.

(4)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, the University shall not, except with the prior approval of the State Government, incur any expenditure on any amount in excess of amount specified in the budget on that account:Provided that no such prior approval shall be necessary in respect of any expenditure on any scheme not provided in the budget, if such expenditure is met by the University out of its own resources.

51. Provident Fund.

- Any provident fund instituted by the University for the benefit of its teachers, officers, or employees shall be governed by the provisions of Provident Funds Act, 1925, (19 of 1925.) as if such funds are Government Provident Fund and the Executive Council shall have power to frame Ordinances, not inconsistent with the provisions of that Act, for the administration of the fund.

52. Annual Accounts and Audit.

(1)The Annual Statement of Accounts shall, after examination by the Executive Council, be subjected to such audit as the State Government may direct.

(2)Such Annual Statement of Accounts shall, together with copies of the audit report thereon, be submitted to the Court and to the State Government and shall thereupon be published by the Court.

(3)The University shall have a continuous internal audit, and the report of such audit shall be submitted to the State Government as soon as possible after the end of every financial year.

(4)The State Government may require the University to supply to it any information in regard to the accounts and the budget and the University shall comply with such requisition.

53. Inspection.

(1)The State Government shall have the right-

(a)to cause an inspection to be made, by such person or persons as it may direct,-

(i)of the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, museums, press establishment, workshops and equipment,

(ii)of any college or institution maintained by or affiliated to the University, and

(iii)into all affairs of the University and of such college or institution including examination and other work conducted or done by the University or such college or institution; and

(b)to cause an enquiry to be made into the income, expenditure, properties, assets and liabilities of the University and of any college or institution maintained by or affiliated to the University.

(2)The State Government shall, in every such case of inspection or enquiry, give previous notice to the University or to such college or institution, as the case may be, of its intention to cause such inspection or enquiry.

(3)The State Government shall communicate to the Court and the Executive Council or to such college or institution, as the case may be, its views on the results of such inspection or enquiry and may, after considering the opinion of the Court and the Executive Council or of such college or institution thereon, advise the University or such college or institution regarding the action which the State Government considers fit to be taken by the University or by such college or institution in the matters concerned and the University or such college or institution shall report.to the State Government, within such time as the State Government may direct, the action which is proposed to be taken or has been taken by the University or by such college or institution to give effect to such advice of the State Government.

(4)The State Government may, after considering the report referred to in subsection (3), advise the University or such college or institution, to take such further action in the matters concerned, as may, in the opinion of the State Government, be necessary, and the University or such college or institution shall take or cause to be taken such further action within such time as may be specified in that behalf by the State Government.

Chapter VI
Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations

54. Statutes.

- Subject to the provisions of this Act, Statutes may be made to provide for all or any of the following matters:-

(a)the declaration of posts as posts of officers of the University referred to in clause (10) of section 9;

(b)the establishment of authorities of the University referred to in clause (7) in section 21;

(c)the powers, duties and terms and conditions of service of the officers of the University in so far as these have not been specifically provided for in this Act;

(d)the constitution, powers and duties of the authorities of the University in so far as these have not been specifically provided for in this Act;

(e)the rules and procedure for holding elections to the Court, the Executive Council and other authorities and bodies of the University;

(f)the terms and conditions of affiliation or recognition of colleges or institutions, including terms and conditions for continuance of such affiliation or recognition and rules for disaffiliation or withdrawal of recognition of such colleges or institutions;

(g)the terms and conditions of recognition of colleges as professional colleges or autonomous colleges;

(h)the constitution, powers and functions of the Governing Bodies of colleges, other than Government Colleges;

(i)the terms and conditions of service and the minimum emoluments for posts of Principals, Teachers and such other employees as the University may deem fit, of all affiliated colleges, other than Government Colleges, their duties and responsibilities and disciplinary actions for negligence or violations thereof in conformity with the rules framed by the State Government:

(j)the rules of Provident Funds for Teachers of colleges, other than Government Colleges;

(k)the holding of convocations to confer degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions, including honorary degrees and distinctions;

(l)the conditions for the registration of graduates of the University and for the maintenance of a register for registered graduates;

(m)all other matters which under this Act are required to be or may be prescribed by Statutes.

55. How to make Statutes.

(1)The Executive Council may of its own motion, and shall, when required by the Court, make a draft of any Statute and submit the same to the Court. The draft so submitted shall be considered by the Court at a meeting or meeting to be held within a period of six weeks from the date of such submission (hereinafter referred to as the said period), and the draft so submitted shall, unless rejected or amended by the Court before the expiry of the said period by a majority of the total number of its members existing at the time, be deemed to have been passed by the Court. If the Court so rejects or amends the draft of any Statute, it shall be sent back to the Executive Council with the views of the Court for consideration. Thereupon, the Executive Council shall reconsider the draft and resubmit it to the Court with such changes as it may deem necessary. On such resubmission of the draft, it shall again be considered by the Court at a meeting to be held within a period of six weeks from the date of such submission (hereinafter referred to as the latter period) and the draft so resubmitted shall, unless rejected by the Court before the expiry of the latter period by a majority of the total number of its members existing at that time, be deemed to have been passed by the Court without any amendment, or be passed by the Court with such amendments as it may deem fit to make therein within the latter period and by the same majority as aforesaid.

(2)A Statute, passed in the manner provided in sub-section (1), shall be presented to the Chancellor for assent and shall come into force on being assented to by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister.

(3)A Statute shall remain in force until repealed or amended by a new Statute similarly passed and assented to by the Chancellor.

56. Ordinances.

- Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, Ordinances may be made to provide for all or any of the following matters:-

(a)the admission of students to the University and the colleges affiliated to or recognized by it and their enrolment as such;

(b)the levy or fees in University Colleges and in University Laboratories;

(c)the conditions of residence and rules of discipline of the students of the University, including students of the colleges affiliated to or recognised by it, and the levy of fees for residence in halls;

(d)the appointment of Teachers, officers and employees of the University, their emoluments, their duties and other terms and conditions of their service, in so far as these have not been specifically provided for in this Act or in the Statutes:

(e)rules for the institution of Provident Fund or other funds for the benefit of the teachers, officers and employees of the University;

(f)rules for the establishment, maintenance and management of University Libraries, University Museums, halls and other University institutions, for study, research and residence;

(g)rules for the recognition of libraries, laboratories, museums, hostels, and institutions for study, research and residence, other than those established, maintained and managed by the University;

(h)rules for the taking over of the management of an affiliated or a recognised college or institution, other than a Government college or institution, in order to ensure that proper standards of teaching, training and instruction are maintained therein;

(i)rules for the exercise of general supervision and control over affiliated or recognized colleges or institutions and for the giving of financial aid to them;

(j)rules for the inspection or investigation into the affairs of Colleges or other institutions, affiliated to or recognized by the University, to ensure that proper standards of teaching, training and research are maintained therein;

(k)rules for the imposition and collection of fees, fines and other dues payable to the University;

(l)the duties and functions of the Teachers of the University including the Heads of Departments;

(m)rules for the registration of students;

(n)the appointment, duties and remuneration of examiners;

(o)rules for the administration of gifts, endowments and benefactions, and for the institution and award of fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, studentships, stipends, bursaries, exhibitions, medals and prizes;

(p)rules and procedure for accepting grants and for raising or accepting loans other than loans from the Central or any State Government or the University Grants Commission;

(q)all other matters which under this Act or the Statutes are required to be or may be prescribed by Ordinances.

57. How to make Ordinances.

(1)The Executive Council shall take into consideration drafts of Ordinances proposed to be passed, after notice thereof has been given to the members of the Executive Council at least three weeks in advance of the date fixed for consideration of the same by the Executive Council. The Vice-Chancellor may direct a shorter notice in a matter which in his opinion is of an emergent nature.

(2)An Ordinance shall be deemed to be passed by the Executive Council if it is agreed to by a majority of the total number of members of the Executive Council existing at the time.

(3)An Ordinance passed by the Executive Council in the manner provided hereinbefore in this section shall be submitted to the Chancellor for assent and shall come into force on being assented to by the Chancellor and shall be reported to the Court at its next succeeding meeting.

(4)The Chancellor may direct that the operation of any Ordinance shall be suspended until such time as the Court has had an opportunity of considering the same.

(5)An Ordinance shall, unless cancelled or modified by the Chancellor, remain in force until repealed or amended by a new Ordinance similarly passed and brought into force.

58. Regulations.

- Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and the Ordinances, Regulations may be made to provide for all or any of the following matters:-

(a)the powers and functions of the Boards of Studies;

(b)the functions and duties of Teachers' Councils in Universities and in colleges and institutions other than Government Colleges and institutions;

(c)the conditions for admission to the different courses of study and examinations of students;

(d)the rules for the conduct of University examinations;

(e)the courses of study and the division of subjects upon the recommendations of the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies or the Council for Undergraduate Studies concerned;

(f)the minimum qualifications for Teachers of the University as per guidelines of the University Grants Commission or any other appropriate authority;

(g)all other matters which under this Act or the Statutes or the Ordinances are required to be or may be provided by Regulations.

59. How to make Regulations.

(1)The Executive Council or a Committee appointed by it shall take into consideration drafts of Regulations, consistent with this Act and the Statutes and the Ordinances after notice of the proposed Regulations has been given to the members of the Executive Council at least three weeks in advance of the date fixed for consideration of the same by the Executive Council or the Committee appointed by it. The Vice- Chancellor may direct a shorter notice in a matter which in his opinion is of an emergent nature.

(2)A Regulation shall be deemed to be passed by the Executive Council if it is agreed to at a meeting of the Executive Council by a majority of the total number of members of the Executive Council existing at the time. A Regulation shall come into force immediately on being passed unless otherwise directed by the Chancellor.

(3)The Court shall have the power, by a resolution passed by a majority of its total number of members existing at the time, to cancel or modify any Regulation.

(4)A Regulation shall, unless cancelled or modified by the Court under sub-section (3), remain in force until repealed or amended by a new Regulation similarly passed and brought into force.

60. Rules.

(1)The State Government may make rules for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of this Act.

(2)Every rules made under this section shall, as soon they are made, be laid before the State Legislature while it is in session.

Chapter VII
Miscellaneous and Transitory Provisions

61. Delegation.

(1)The Vice-Chancellor or, with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, may, subject to the provisions of this Act, delegate such of his powers or duties conferred or imposed by or under this Act as may be provided by the Statutes to an officer of the University under his direct administrative control.

(2)Subject to the provisions of this Act:-

(a)the Court may delegate any of its powers or duties, conferred or imposed by or under this Act, to-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor, or

(ii)the Executive Council, or

(iii)a committee constituted from among its own members, or

(iv)a committee appointed in accordance with the Statutes;

(b)the Executive Council may delegate any of its powers or duties, conferred or imposed by or under this Act, to-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor, or

(ii)a committee constituted from among its own members, or

(iii)a committee constituted in accordance with the Statutes or the Ordinances, or

(iv)any of the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies or Councils for Undergraduate Studies, or

(v)the Finance Committee;

(c)the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies or the Council for Undergraduate Studies may delegate any of its powers or duties, conferred or imposed by or under this Act, to-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor, or

(ii)a committee constituted from among its own members, or

(iii)a committee constituted in accordance with the Regulations, or

(iv)any of the Board of Studies;

(d)the Finance committee may delegate any of its powers or duties, conferred or imposed by or under this Act, to-

(i)the Vice-Chancellor, or

(ii)a committee constituted from among its own nteinherN.

62. Completion of courses for students in colleges affiliated to the former University.

(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Statues, the Ordinances and the Regulations, any student of a college affiliated formerly to any other University, who was studying for any examination of such other University, shall upon admission of such college to the privileges of the University, be permitted to complete his course in preparation thereof and appear for examinations conducted by the former University or the University shall hold, for such students, examinations in accordance with the curricula of study in force in the former University for such period as may be determined.

(2)Every student carrying out his course of study in the Alipurduar College affiliated to the North Bengal University, on the date of coming into force of this Act, shall continue to be registered under the North Bengal University and shall be permitted to complete his course in preparation thereof and appear for examinations conducted by the North Bengal University or the University shall hold, for such students, examinations in accordance with the curricula of study in force in the North Bengal University for such period as may be determined by the University in consultation with the North Bengal University.

63. Transitory provisions and repeal.

(1)The Chancellor shall appoint a person to be the Vice-Chancellor under sub-section (4) of section 65, and he shall be the first Vice-Chancellor of the University and shall hold office for such period as may be determined by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister, from time to time, or his attaining of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier. The first Vice-Chancellor shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties of the Vice-Chancellor under this Act.

(2)The first Vice-Chancellor shall, with the approval of the Chancellor and with the assistance of a committee consisting of not less than nine members nominated by the State Government, cause the first Statutes, the first Ordinances and the first Regulations of the University to be framed.

(3)The first Vice-Chancellor shall within one year from the date of his appointment or within such longer period, not exceeding two years from the date of his appointment, as the State Government may direct, cause arrangements to be made for constituting the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Council for Post-graduate Studies, the Councils for Undergraduate Studies and the Boards of Studies in accordance with the provisions of the first Statutes, the first Ordinances and the first Regulations of the University as framed under sub-section (2), as if they had already come into force.

(4)If, for any reason,-

(a)the constitution of the Court, the Executive Council and other bodies referred to in sub-section (3) cannot be completed within the period of office of the first Vice-Chancellor appointed under sub-section (1), then on the expiry of such period, the Chancellor may in consultation with the Minister, on such terms and conditions as he thinks fit, appoint the first Vice-Chancellor whose period of office has expired or another person to be the Vice-Chancellor for the purpose of this section for such period not exceeding two years or his attaining of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier, as the Chancellor thinks fit, or

(b)a vacancy occurs in the office of the first Vice-Chancellor before the expiry of the period of his office, then, the Chancellor may, in consultation with the Minister, on such terms and conditions as he thinks fit, appoint another person to be the Vice-Chancellor for the purposes of this section for the unexpired portion of such period or such further period not exceeding three years or his attaining of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier, as the Chancellor thinks fit, and references in this Act to the first Vice-Chancellor shall be deemed to include references to the Vice-Chancellor appointed under this sub-section.

(5)The State Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint a date and on and from such date the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, the Councils for Undergraduate Studies and the Boards of Studies shall commence to exercise their respective functions and the first Statutes, the first Ordinances and the first Regulations of the University as framed under sub-section (2) shall come into force and shall be the first Statutes, the first Ordinances and the first Regulations of the University.

(6)The first Statutes, the first Ordinances and the first Regulations of the University shall remain in force until new Statutes, new Ordinances and new Regulations are made under the provisions of this Act.

(7)The first Vice-Chancellor may subject to the approval of the Chancellor, appoint such administrative, clerical and other staff as he deems necessary for giving effect to the provisions of this' section.

(8)On and from the appointed day:-

(a)section 65 shall stand repealed and thereupon the Alipurduar University Council referred in sub-section (1) of the said section, and all bodies and all committees constituted by the said Council, shall stand dissolved;

(b)all colleges and institutions of whatever kind established, maintained or managed by any other University and affiliated to or recognised by the University prior to the appointed day shall be deemed to be colleges or institutions established, maintained or managed by the University under this Act;

(c)all affairs, functions or activities of the University, including studies and examinations, commenced and in progress before the appointed day, shall be deemed to be in progress as if they had been commenced by the University under this Act;

(d)all things done or deemed to have been done, and all actions taken or deemed to have been taken and all appointments made in relation to any college or institution referred to in clause (b) or under any law in force for the time being, shall be deemed to be things done or actions taken or appointments made by the University under this Act as if this Act had been in force when such things were done or actions taken or such appointments made, provided that until the appointed day references to the Vice- Chancellor under any such laW shall be deemed to be references to the first Vice-Chancellor under this Act.

(9)In construing the provisions of this Act and in construing the provisions of the first Statutes, the first Ordinances and the Regulations of the University in relation to the constitution, under this section, of the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, the Councils for Undergraduate Studies and the Boards of Studies, references to the Heads of departments of teaching of the University, the University Professors. University Associate Professors, University Assistant Professors. and teachers of the University shall be deemed to be references to the persons holding offices respectively as the Heads of teaching Departments, Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors and teachers of the University, if any, immediately before the date of appointment of the first Vice-Chancellor.

(10)The provisions of this section shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Act or in any other law.

64. Employees of the Alipurduar College.

(1)All Principal, teachers and librarians of the Alipurduar College who have been appointed in a permanent substantive vacancy shall be deemed to have been absorbed in the University with their respective posts along with their respective privileges, with effect from the date of commencement of this Act, provided such Principal or teacher or librarian possess required qualifications for appointment as a teacher of the University or a Librarian of the University as prescribed by the extant University Grants Commission's Regulations followed by the rules prescribed by the State Government.

(2)The Principal or teachers or the librarians, who do not possess required qualification for appointment as a University teacher or as a University Librarian and are not absorbed in the University in terms of the provisions of sub-section (1), such Principal or teacher or librarian shall be accommodated in other Government-aided colleges on transfer as per provisions of the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Act, 2017, (West Ben. Act VII of 2017.) and the rules made thereunder, without suffering any diminution in their service conditions enjoyed by them immediately preceding the date of commencement of this Act: Provided that the Principal, teachers and librarian of erstwhile Alipurduar College, who have been possessing required qualification for being absorbed in the University as prescribed under sub-section (1), shall be given an opportunity to exercise option for not being absorbed in the University and in such cases, if such Principal or teacher or librarian, as the case may be, exercises such option, his service shall be placed in another Government-aided College on transfer under this sub-section: Provided further that such option shall have to be exercised within six months from the date of assuming the charge of the office of the First Vice-Chancellor of the University.

(3)The approved part-time teachers, the approved whole-time contractual teachers, the non-teaching employees of the Alipurduar College shall, along with the privileges enjoyed by them immediately preceding the date of coming into effect of this Act, be absorbed in the University in the same capacity with the same scale of pay, with effect from the date of coming into force of this Act: Provided that the non-teaching employees of the erstwhile Alipurduar College may be given an opportunity to exercise option for not being absorbed in the University, and in such cases, if such employee exercises option, his service shall be placed in another Government-aided college on transfer as per provisions of the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Act, 2017 and the rules made thereunder, without suffering any diminution in their service conditions enjoyed by them immediately preceding the date of commencement of this Act: Provided further that such option shall have to be exercised within six months from the date of assuming the charge of the office of the First Vice-Chancellor of the ersity.

(4)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (6), the Director of Public Instructions, West Bengal shall be the pension or Gratuity sanctioning authority for all employees including approved part-time teachers and approved contractual whole-time teachers in terms of the service rules applicable to them, if any, who will be absorbed in the University under this section.

(5)With effect from the date of coming into force of this Act, the Alipurduar College shall be deemed to have been dissolved and all bodies and authorities of the Alipurduar College, by whatever name they are called, which are in existence immediately preceding the date of coming into effect of this Act, shall also stand dissolved with effect from the date of coming into force of this Act and any decision taken or any order made by such authority shall cease to effect from such date.

(6)All posts of teachers, librarians, non-teaching staff, approved part-time and approved whole-time contractual teachers of the erstwhile Alipurduar College so absorbed under this section shall be the post of the University and shall with effect from the date of coming into force of this Act, be deemed to have been created supernumerary.

(7)Any reference to the Alipurduar College in any law, contract or other instrument shall be deemed as a reference to the Alipurduar University.

65. Alipurduar University Council.

(1)With effect from such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, and until the appointed day all the powers and functions of the University, the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Councils for Postgraduate Studies, the Councils for Undergraduate Studies, the Boards of Studies, the Finance Committee and all other authorities to be constituted under this Act or the Statutes or the Ordinances shall, respectively, be exercised and performed by a Council to be known as the Alipurduar University Council.

(2)The following shall be the members of the Council:-

(a)the Chancellor;

(b)the Vice-Chancellor;

(c)the Secretary, Higher Education, Science and Technology and Biotechnology Department, Government of West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of West Bengal;

(d)the Secretary, Finance Department, Government of West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of West Bengal;

(e)Member Secretary, West Bengal State Council of Higher Education;

(f)the President, West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education;

(g)not less than ten and not more than fifteen persons nominated by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister from amongst the persons interested in university education, Principals and teachers of affiliated colleges and teachers of the University.

(3)The Registrar of the University shall act as the Secretary of the Council.

(4)The first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister on the basis of recommendation made by a Search Committee comprising three eminent educationists constituted for this purpose by the State Government.

(5)The first Registrar, the first Finance Officer and such other officers of the University (including technical personnel) as may be required to be appointed from time to time shall be appointed by the Council on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman, a nominee of the Council, a nominee of the Chancellor and a nominee of the State Government, and subject to the supervision, direction and general control of the Vice-Chancellor, they shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties conferred and imposed on them by or under this Act, or delegated to them by the Vice-Chancellor.

(6)The Council may, subject to the approval of the State Government, appoint such administrative, clerical and other staff (including technical staff) as it deems necessary for giving effect to the provisions of this section.

(7)The Council may, with the approval of the Chancellor, delegate any of its powers and functions to such body or bodies as may be constituted by it to carry on the functions of the Court, the Executive Council, the Faculty Councils for Post-graduate Studies, the Councils for Undergraduate Studies, the Boards of Studies, the Finance Committee and all other authorities to be constituted under this Act or the Statutes or the Ordinances:Provided that such delegation shall not prevent the exercise of any such power or discharge of any such functions by the Council.

(8)

(i)The Chancellor, or in his absence the Vice-Chancellor, shall preside at the meetings of the Council;

(ii)twenty-five percent of the members of the Council shall be a quorum for a meeting of the Council;

(iii)twenty-five percent of the members of any Body or authority constituted by the Council shall be a quorum for a meeting of such body.

(9)No act or proceeding of the Council or of any Body or authority constituted by it shall be invalid or called in question by reason of the existence of any vacancy, initial or subsequent, in the Council or in any body constituted by the Council, as the case may be.

(10)The other provisions of this Act shall, if in conflict with the provisions of this section, stand modified to the extent provided in this section:Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall affect the power of the Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor under this Act.

(11)If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor by reason of death, resignation or expiry of his office or otherwise, the same shall be filled up by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister.

(12)Any vacancy in the Council occurring by reason of death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled up by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister and the Vice-Chancellor, in so far as such filling up is not inconsistent with the provisions of this section.

(13)If, by any reason, any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this section, the Council shall refer such difficulty to the State Government which may make such order or do such thing, not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, as appears to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty.

66. Powers to give directions.

- The State Government shall have powers to give directions to the University for any purpose not inconsistent to the provisions of this Act, which the University shall comply.

67. Removal of difficulties.

- If on account of any lacuna or omission in the provisions of this Act, or for any other reason whatsoever, any difficulty arises as to the first constitutions of any authority or the University under this Act, or otherwise in giving effect to the provision of this Act, the State Government, as occasion may require, may by order do anything which appears to it to be necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Act or in any other law for the time being in force.

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State of West Bengal - Act