Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University Act, 2020

THE ANDHRA PRADESH FISHERIES UNIVERSITY ACT, 2020 Act No.39 of 2020

(1) This Act may be called the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University Act, 2020. (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh. (3) It shall be deemed to have come into force on and from the 23rd October, 2020. (4) It shall apply in the first instance to the Colleges, the Polytechnics, Research Stations and Schemes, Institutions, Labs and Units shown in the Schedule. Provided that the Government may, by Notification, apply the provisions of this Act to any other College, Polytechnic or Institution with effect on and from such date as they may specify in this behalf.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,- (1) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University; (2) “Affiliated College” means any college or polytechnic affiliated to the University and providing courses of study for admission to the examinations for degrees, diplomas or other academic distinctions of the University; (3) “Aquaculture” means growing of aquatic organism from smaller size to larger size; (4) “Aquatic Organism” means an animal or plant of any species or hybrid thereof, and includes gametes, seeds, egg, sperm, larvae, juvenile and adult stages, anyone of which is required to be in water (of any salinity) during that stage of its life. It includes but not limited to cartilaginous and bony fishes, freshwater and marine prawn and shrimp, crustaceans, echinoderms, amphibians, tortoises, plankton, seaweeds, aquatic plants and all other organisms at all stages of their lifecycle and any other animal/s declared from time to time by the Government through notification; (5) “Associate Dean” means Head of the College; (6) “Authority” means any Authority of the University specified in section 23; (7) “Board” means the Board of Management of the University; (8) “College” means a college established and maintained by, or affiliated to, or recognized by the University; (9) “Corresponding University” means the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati; (10) “Dean” means the Dean of the Faculties at the Head Quarters of the University; (11) “Director” means the Director of Research or Director of Extension and such other person as may be declared by the statutes to be the Director; (12) “Extension Education” means the educational activities concerned with the training of fish farmers, fishermen and other stake holders serving fisheries in improved fishing practices and various phases of scientific technology related to Fisheries Sciences; (13) “Faculty” means a Faculty of Fisheries or any of its branch in the University; (14) “Fisheries” means all aspects connected directly or indirectly with aquatic organisms; (15) “Fisheries Science” means Science that deals with Fisheries; (16) “Fisheries Sciences” means various branches of Fisheries Science that deal with different aspects of Fisheries; (17) “Fishing” means capture of aquatic organism from its natural habitat (of any salinity) with or without using any implements/ tools; (18) “Government” means the State Government; (19) “Hostel” means a unit of residence for students of the University maintained or recognized by it either as a part of, or separate from College or Polytechnic of the University; (20) “Officer” means any Officer of the University specified in section 9; (21) “Polytechnic” means a polytechnic offering courses in Fisheries Sciences; (22) “Prescribed” means prescribed by the statues or regulations; (23) “Recognized college or recognized institution” means a college or institution as the case may be recognized by the University under the conditions prescribed; (24) “Registered Graduate” includes a graduate in Fisheries Sciences registered under conditions prescribed in this behalf; (25) “Registrar” means the Registrar of the University; (26) “Regulations” means the regulations of the University made under this Act; (27) “Schedule” means the Schedule appended to this Act; (28) “State” means the State of Andhra Pradesh; (29) “Statutes” means the statutes of the University made under this Act; (30) “Student” includes a person enrolled in the University for taking a course of study for a degree, diploma or other academic distinction duly instituted, or for undergoing any training; (31) “Teacher” means a Professor, an Associate Professor, Assistant Professor or any other person appointed or recognized by the University for the purpose of conducting Teaching/Research/ Extension programmes, and any other person declared by the statutes to be a teacher; (32) “University College” means any college, polytechnic or institution established or maintained by the University providing courses of study or training or providing for prosecution of research or providing extension education in Fisheries Sciences for admission to the examinations for degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions of the University; (33) “University” means the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University constituted under section 3;

(1)There shall be constituted in, and for, the State of Andhra Pradesh a University by the name of the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University which shall consist of a Chancellor, a Vice-Chancellor, a Board of Management, Academic Council, Boards of Faculties, Extension Council and Research Advisory Council. (2) The University shall be a teaching, research, extension and affiliating University. (3) The University shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal and shall sue and be sued by the said name. (4) In all suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleadings shall be verified and signed by the Registrar and all processes in such suit and proceedings shall be issued to, and served on him. (5) The Headquarters of the University shall be established in West Godawari District.

The objects of University among others shall be to impart education in different branches of Fisheries Sciences; to undertake the extension of Fisheries Sciences to the rural people of the State of Andhra Pradesh; and to promote research, technology refinement programmes in production and post-harvest technology including processing and marketing in Fisheries and to streamline the Fisheries Education, affiliate, recognize the colleges imparting Fisheries education; in order to facilitate comprehensive development of Fisheries for increased contribution to State’s economy and set benchmark standards through appropriate interventions in fisheries production, teaching, research and extension.

The University shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, be open to all persons; but nothing in this section shall be deemed to require the University to admit, to any course of study, a larger number of students than may be prescribed: Provided that the Government may reserve seats in the University Colleges for the members of the Socially and Economically Backward Classes and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes as specified under articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution of India in accordance with such principles as may, from time to time be determined by the Government in this behalf.

The University shall have the following powers and functions namely:- (a) to provide for instruction, training and research in Fisheries Sciences; (b) to affiliate or recognize Fishery Colleges or Polytechnics and to withdraw such affiliation or recognition in the manner as may be prescribed; (c) to provide for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in the field through extension Programmes in Fisheries Sciences; (d) to institute courses of study and to hold examinations for, and to confer diplomas to the Private Polytechnics in Fisheries Sciences affiliated by the University; (e) to institute courses of study and to hold examinations for, and to confer post Graduate /Under Graduate degrees to the Private Colleges in Fisheries Sciences affiliated by the University; (f) to institute courses of study and to hold examinations for, and to confer degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions on persons who have pursued a course of study, or carried on research in the University or in an Institution recognized in this behalf by the University, as may be prescribed; (g) to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions, as may be prescribed; (h) to create teaching, research and extension posts as may be required by the University and to appoint qualified persons to such posts; (i) to institute and award fellowships including traveling fellowships, scholarships, studentships and prizes in accordance with the statutes; (j) to acquire, hold and dispose off property, and to enter into contracts and to do all other things necessary for, or incidental to the objectives of the University; (k) to takeover and maintain colleges, polytechnics relating to Fisheries Sciences and hostels therefor; (l) to borrow money from the Government of India or any State Government or any other agency; (m) to establish and maintain the University Colleges, polytechnics, Institutions and hostels therefor; (n) to fix, demand and receive such fees and other charges as may be prescribed; (o) to provide such lectures and instructions for and to grant such diplomas to field workers, field technicians, farmers and other stakeholders, as the University may determine; (p) to regulate the conduct of students, to maintain discipline among them and to make arrangements for promoting their health and welfare; (q) to create administrative, ministerial and other necessary posts and to make appointments thereto; (r) to be associated with other Universities and Institutions in such manner and for such purposes, as the University may determine; (s) to enter into MoUs with national and international Universities and Institutions for research and development of advanced technologies, transfer of technology, faculty & student exchange programmes and any other academic activity; (t) to enter into MoUs / PPP/ Joint Venture agreements with private sector enterprises for practical exposure to the faculty and students of the University and setup state of art accredited laboratories; (u) to undertake Research Projects funded by Central Government Departments/Institutions viz., DBT, DST, ICAR etc.,; (v) to undertake sponsored research programmes to validate various products and technologies developed by private companies; (w) to develop a Aquaculture Business Incubation Center for upcoming entrepreneurs & start-ups in Aquaculture and hand-hold as per requirement; (x) to enter into agreements with Department of Fisheries or any other organization / agency to operate facilities like Aqua Park or knowledge park and others for using them for hands-on training, incubation centers etc., for overall development of Fisheries in the State of Andhra Pradesh; (y) to work in close co-ordination with Department of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh and other States; to plan, design and execute joint projects and programmes for the overall development of the Fisheries in the State; (z) To enter into MoUs with the Department of Fisheries and the Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) for any purpose as and when needed; (aa) to affiliate and to disaffiliate any private college/ polytechnic / institution offering degrees/diplomas in Fisheries Sciences for the award of degrees, diplomas or other academic distinctions of the University; (ab) to get accreditation of the University by ICAR or any other accreditation agency; (ac) to do all such acts and things, perform duties, as may be entrusted by the State Government from time to time. (ad) to do all such acts and things, as may be necessary for the furtherance of the objects of the University.

Every student, shall reside in a hostel, or under such conditions as may be prescribed. Provided that, the exemption may be given to students who are in need.

(1) The Government shall have the right to cause inspection to be made, by such person or authority, as they may direct, of the affairs and properties of the University or any College or Polytechnic or Institution maintained or affiliated by the University and to cause an inquiry to be made in respect of any matter connected therewith. (2) Before causing such an inspection or enquiry, intimation thereof shall be given to the University, which shall be entitled have its nominee or nominees at such inspection or enquiry and to make representations in regard thereto. (3) The Government shall forward to the Board a copy of the report of inspection or enquiry for expressing its views and on receipt thereof, Government may tender such advice or give such direction as it may consider necessary, and fix a time limit for action to be taken by the Board in that regard. The Board shall, within the time so fixed, take necessary action and report the fact to the Government.

The following shall be the Officers of the University, namely:- (i) the Chancellor; (ii) the Vice-Chancellor; (iii) the Registrar; (iv) the Comptroller; (v) the Deans of Faculties; (vi) the Director of Research; (vii) the Director of Extension; (viii) the Dean of Student Affairs; (ix) the Controller of Examinations and such other persons in the service of the University as may be prescribed.

(1) The Governor of Andhra Pradesh shall be the Chancellor of the University. He/She shall, by virtue of his/her office, be the Head of the University, and shall, when present, preside at any convocation of the University. He/She shall exercise such other powers as may be conferred on him/her by or under this Act. (2) No honorary degree or other distinction shall be conferred by the University upon any person without the approval of the Chancellor.

(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be a whole-time officer and shall be appointed by the Chancellor in the manner as may be prescribed. He/She shall be paid such salary per mensem as may be prescribed. (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for another term of three years. (3) The conditions of service other than the emoluments of the Vice-Chancellor shall be such as may be prescribed and shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment. (4) The Vice-Chancellor may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Chancellor, resign his/her office. The resignation shall be delivered to the Chancellor ordinarily sixty (60) days prior to the date on which the Vice-Chancellor wishes to be relieved of his/her office, but the Chancellor may relieve him/her earlier. The resignation shall take effect from the date of relief. (5) In the temporary absence of the Vice-Chancellor due to leave, or for whatever reason, or until the vacancy caused in any manner is filled, the Chancellor shall appoint any person temporarily to act as Vice-Chancellor. (6) Where the post of the Vice-Chancellor falls permanently vacant either by resignation or otherwise, the vacancy shall be filled by the Chancellor in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (1) and the Vice-Chancellor so appointed shall hold office for a full term of three years. (7) If, in the opinion of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor willfully omits or refuses to carry out the provisions of this Act or abuses the powers vested on him/her and if it appears to the Chancellor that the continuance of the Vice-Chancellor in office is detrimental to the interests of the University, the Chancellor may, by order, remove the Vice-Chancellor, after giving him/her an opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken in regard to him/her.

(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the academic head and principal Executive Officer of the University and shall, in the absence of the Chancellor, preside at any convocation of the University. (2) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure the faithful observance of the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and he/she may exercise such powers as may be necessary for this purpose. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall have power to convene the meeting of the Board of Management. (4) The Vice-Chancellor shall have power to convene the meeting of the Academic Council. (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise general control over the University and its affairs and shall be responsible for the due maintenance of discipline in the University. (6) The Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible for the presentation of the budget and the statement of accounts to the Board. (7) Subject to the Control of the Chancellor, in any emergency which, in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor, requires, immediate action to be taken he/she shall take such action as he/she deems necessary, and shall, at the earliest opportunity, intimate the action taken to the officer, authority or other body who or which in the ordinary course would have dealt with the matter. (8) Where any action taken by the Vice-Chancellor under sub-section (7) affects any person in service of the University to his/her disadvantage, such person may prefer an appeal to the Board within thirty (30) days from the date on which such person has notice of the action taken. (9) The Vice-Chancellor shall give effect to the decisions of the authorities of the University taken in accordance with the powers conferred by or under this Act. (10) The Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible for a close co-ordination and integration of Teaching, Research and Extension activities. (11) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by Statutes.

(1) The Registrar shall be a whole-time officer and shall be appointed by the Board in the manner as may be prescribed. (2) The salary and allowances payable to the Registrar and the conditions of service shall be such as may be prescribed: Provided that the conditions of service of the Registrar shall not be varied to his/her disadvantage after his/her appointment. (3) The Registrar shall be responsible for the due custody of the records and the common seal of the University. He/she shall be the Ex-officio Member Secretary of the Board of Management, Academic Council and shall be bound to place before them all such information as may be necessary for the transaction of their businesses. He/she shall receive applications for admission into the University and shall keep a permanent record of all courses, curricula and other information as may be necessary. (4) The Registrar may, by writing under his/her hand addressed to the Board, resign his/her office. The resignation shall be delivered to the Board ordinarily sixty (60) days prior to the date on which the Registrar wishes to be relieved of his/her office but the Board may relieve him/her earlier. The resignation shall take effect from the date of relief. (5) In the temporary absence of the Registrar due to leave or for whatever reason, or until the vacancy caused in any other manner is filled, the Vice-Chancellor shall appoint any person temporarily for a period not exceeding three (3) months, to act as the Registrar. Board shall have the powers to extend this temporary appointment beyond three (3) months. (6) The Registrar shall be responsible for the conduct of the examinations and for the due execution of all processes connected therewith. (7) The Registrar shall discharge such other duties and perform such other functions as may be prescribed or required, from time to time, by the Board or the Vice-Chancellor.

(1) The Comptroller shall be a whole-time officer and shall be appointed by the Board in the manner as may be prescribed. (2) He / She shall be paid such salary and allowances as may be prescribed. (3) The terms and conditions of service of the Comptroller shall be as may be prescribed. (4) The Comptroller shall manage the property, finances and the investments of the University and tender advise in regard to its financial policy. He / She shall be responsible for the preparation of the budget and statement of accounts for presentation to the Vice-Chancellor. (5) The Comptroller shall be responsible for ensuring that no unauthorized expenditure is incurred by the University and shall disallow any expenditure which may contravene the terms of any statute or for which provision is required to be made by the statute but has not been made.

The Board may direct, that the powers and duties of the Registrar and the Comptroller shall be exercised and performed by a single person for such period as it deems fit. (3) The Board may, for purposes of consultation, invite any person having practical experience or special knowledge of any subject under its consideration to attend its meeting. Such person shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of such meeting, but shall not, by virtue of this sub section, be entitled to vote at any such meeting. A person attending any such meeting shall be entitled to such allowances as may be prescribed.

(1) The Deans shall be whole-time salaried officers of the University, and shall be appointed in such manner and for such period, as may be prescribed. (2) The salary and allowances payable to Deans and the conditions of service shall be such as may be prescribed. (3) The Deans shall be the Heads of Faculties and shall be responsible for all the Teaching activities in their concerned faculty. (4) The Deans shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed.

(1) The Director of Research shall be whole-time salaried officer of the University, and shall be appointed in such manner and for such period, as may be prescribed. (2) The salary and allowances payable to the Director of Research and the conditions of service shall be such as may be prescribed. (3) The Director of Research shall be responsible for all the research activities in the University and shall be the Ex-officio Member Secretary of Research Advisory Council. (4) The Director of Research shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed.

(1) The Director of Extension shall be whole-time salaried officer of the University, and shall be appointed in such manner and for such period, as may be prescribed. (2) The salary and allowances payable to the Director of Extension and the conditions of service shall be such as may be prescribed. (3) The Director of Extension shall be responsible for all the extension activities in the University and shall be the Ex-officio Member Secretary of Extension Council. (4) The Director of Extension shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed.

(1) The Dean of Student Affairs shall be a whole-time officer and shall be appointed by the Board in the manner as may be prescribed. (2) The salary and allowances payable to the Dean of Student Affairs shall be as may be prescribed. (3) The Dean of Student Affairs shall have the following duties namely:- (a) to make arrangements for the housing of students; (b) to arrange a programme of student counseling; (c) to arrange for the employment of students in accordance with the plans approved by the Vice-Chancellor; (d) to supervise the extracurricular activities and to look after the needs of students; (e) to assist in the placement of graduates of the University; (f) to organize and maintain contact with the alumni of the University; (g) to make arrangements for the group health insurance to the students; and (h) any other duty as may be prescribed.

(1) The Controller of Examinations shall be a whole-time officer and shall be appointed by the Board in the manner as may be prescribed. (2) The salary and allowances payable to the Controller of Examinations shall be as may be prescribed. (3) The Controller of Examinations shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed.

(1) Certain officers of the University namely,- (i) Vice-Chancellor; (ii) Registrar; (iii) Deans of Faculties; (iv) Director of Research; (v) Director of Extension; (vi) Dean of Student Affairs; and (vii) Controller of Examinations must possess Post Graduate Degree and Doctoral Degree in any branch of Fisheries Sciences and these Degrees must be awarded by the State Agricultural/Veterinary/Fisheries University or the Institutes under Indian Council of Agricultural Research. (2) The in-service/retired teachers of the University shall be exempted from the provisions of sub-section (1). (3) Fishery Faculty Teachers retired from SVVU before the establishment of APFU shall also be exempted from provisions of sub-section (1).

No officer shall accept any remuneration from any source other than the remuneration to which he / she is entitled under the statutes.

The following shall be the Authorities of the University, namely:- (i) the Board of Management; (ii) the Academic Council; (iii) the Boards of Faculties; (iv) Research Advisory Council; (v) Extension Council; (vi) Finance Committee; (vii) Planning Board; and (viii) such other Bodies as may be prescribed.

(1) The Chancellor shall, as soon as the first Vice-Chancellor is appointed, under sub-section (1) of section 11, take action to constitute the Board. The Board of Management shall be constituted in such a manner so that the continuity is ensured. (2) The Board shall consists of,- (i) the following Ex-Officio Members, namely:- (a) the Vice-Chancellor; (b) the Special Chief Secretary to Government, AHDD & Fisheries; (c) the Secretary to Government, Finance Department; (d) the Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board; (e) the Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh. (ii) The following other Members,- (a) One (1) person to be nominated by the Chancellor from the members of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research; (b) One (1) person, who is in the opinion of the Chancellor a distinguished Fishery Scientist, nominated by the Chancellor; (c) Two (2) persons from the Academic Council to be nominated by the Chancellor; (d) Two (2) persons nominated by the Chancellor from among the members of the State Legislature and the Members of Parliament elected from the State of Andhra Pradesh: Provided that no member of the Board who is nominated from Legislature/Parliament shall continue to be a member of the Board on his/her ceasing to be the Member of Legislature/Parliament by virtue of which he/she has been nominated as member of the Board. (e) Two persons nominated by the Chancellor from amongst the progressive Fishermen/Fish Farmers/Shrimp Farmers of whom one shall be a woman; (f) One person nominated by the Chancellor from among the industrialists in Fisheries sector; (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall be ex-officio Chairperson of the Board, and shall conduct the meetings of the Board in accordance with the statutes made in that behalf and the Registrar shall be the Ex-officio Member Secretary. (2) The term of office of Members of the Board other than ex-officio members shall be three years: Provided that no member of the Board who is nominated shall continue to be a member of the Board on his ceasing to hold the office by virtue of which he/she has been nominated as member of the Board: Provided further that even if some of the members are nominated at different times to the Board under sub-section (2), the term of three years in their case shall be reckoned from the date on which the notification constituting the Board was first issued. (3) The Members of the Board shall be entitled to receive such daily and traveling allowances as may be prescribed but not to any remuneration.

(1) The Board shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions, namely:- (a) to approve the budget of the University presented by the Vice-Chancellor; (b) to appoint the Teachers of the University and such other employees of the University as may be prescribed on the recommendation of the selection committee under section 41: Provided that the Board may invite any person of high academic distinction and professional attainments to accept the post of Professor in the University and appoint him/her to that post. (c) to acquire any property for the University and to hold or dispose off its properties; (d) to accept any property on behalf of the University; (e) to provide for the administration of any funds placed at the disposal of the University for the purposes intended; (f) to arrange for the investment and withdrawal of money of the University; (g) to direct to form and use the common seal of the University; (h) to appoint such Committees, either standing or temporary as it may consider necessary; (i) to determine and regulate all policies relating to the affairs of the University in accordance with this Act and the Statues made thereunder. (j) to affiliate or recognize Fisheries colleges/educational institutions including conditional affiliation or recognition of the colleges or educational institutions and to withdraw such affiliation or recognition on the recommendation of the Academic Council. (k) Any other function and power thereof as may be prescribed. (2) The Board shall meet at such time and place as it deems necessary but it shall hold a meeting at least once in every four (4) months, and not less than half the number of its meetings in a year shall be held at Headquarters of the University. (3) The Board may, for purposes of consultation, invite any person having practical experience or special knowledge of any subject under its consideration to attend its meeting. Such person shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of such meeting, but shall not, by virtue of this sub section, be entitled to vote at any such meeting. A person attending any such meeting shall be entitled to such allowances as may be prescribed.

(1) The Academic Council shall consist of the following Members, namely,-(a) the Vice-Chancellor of the University; (b) the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University; (c) the Vice-Chancellor of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University; (d) the Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalitha Fisheries University; (e) the Commissioner of Fisheries of Andhra Pradesh; (f) the Deans of Faculties; (g) the Director of Research; (h) the Director of Extension; (i) the Dean of Student Affairs; (j) the Controller of Examination; (k) the Associate Deans; (l) the University Heads of Departments; (m) two members of the Board of Management nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (n) two persons having special knowledge or practical experience in different aspects of Fisheries Science out of which one may be from industry nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (2) The Academic Council may co-opt as members, not more than three persons, for such period and in such manner, as may be prescribed so as to secure adequate representation of different aspects of Fisheries Sciences. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall be Ex-officio Chairperson, while the Registrar shall be the Ex-officio Member Secretary of the Academic Council.

(1) The Academic Council shall be in-charge of the Academic affairs of the University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the statutes, supervise, direct and control, and be responsible for, the maintenance of standards of instruction, education and examinations and other matters connected with the obtaining of degrees, diplomas and certificates and shall exercise such other duties as may be laid down under this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, the Academic Council shall be entitled to,-(a) advise the Vice-Chancellor and the Board on all academic matters, including the control and management of the libraries; (b) make recommendations to the Board,-(i) for the institution of the Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships, Teacherships and other Teaching Posts and matters connected therewith; (ii) regarding the Teaching, Research and Extension programmes of the University; (iii) to grant of affiliation or recognition or withdrawal of such affiliation or recognition of Fisheries Colleges / Education institutions; (c) formulate, modify, revise or rescind schemes in connection with the constitution or reconstitution of Departments of Teaching, Research and Extension; and (d) make regulations,-(i) regarding the admission of students to the University; (ii) regarding the examinations and the conditions on which students shall be admitted thereto; (iii) relating to courses of study of degrees, diplomas and certificates.

(1) The Research Advisory Council shall be constituted as may be prescribed under statutes to plan, monitor, supervise and advise on research programmes of the University. (2) Vice-Chancellor shall be the Chairperson of Research Advisory Council and the Director of Research shall be the Ex-officio Member Secretary. (3) Functions and powers of the Research Advisory Council shall be as may be prescribed under statutes.

(1) The Extension Council shall be constituted as may be prescribed under statutes to plan, monitor, supervise and advise on extension activities of the University. (2) Vice-Chancellor shall be the Chairperson of the Extension Council and the Director of Extension shall be the Ex-Officio Member Secretary. (3) Functions and powers of the Extension Council shall be as may be prescribed under statutes.

(1) The University shall have the Faculties of Fisheries Science and such other Faculties as may be prescribed. (2) Each faculty shall comprise such Departments with such assignment of subjects of study as may be prescribed. (3) There shall be a Board for each Faculty, the constitution and powers of which shall be as may be prescribed. (4) The Dean shall be the Chairman of the Board of the concerned Faculty and be responsible for the faithful observance of the statutes and regulations relating to the Faculty and for the organization and conduct of the Teaching, Research and Extension work of the Departments comprised therein. (5) Each Department shall have a Head, whose appointment, powers and duties shall be as may be prescribed, and who shall be responsible to the Associate Dean for the proper organization and working of the Department. (6) Senior most amongst all the Heads of Departments in all University Colleges together shall be the University Head of the concerned Department. Powers and duties of the University Head shall be as may be prescribed.

(1) The Board of Management shall constitute a Finance Committee consisting of the following persons, namely,-(a) the Vice-Chancellor; (b) the Comptroller; (c) one member chosen by the Board of Management from among its members. (2) The Finance Committee shall have the following powers and duties, namely,-(a) to examine the accounts of the University and its annual budget estimates and to advise the Board in respect thereof; (b) to review the financial position of the University from time to time; and (c) to make recommendations to the Board on all proposals involving expenditure, for which no provision or inadequate provision has been made in the budget, or in excess of the budget provision.

(1) The Planning Board shall be the Principal Planning body of the University and shall be responsible for monitoring the development of the University on the lines indicated in the objects of the University. (2) The Constitution of Planning Board and its powers and functions shall be such as may be prescribed by the statutes.

Every Authority shall have the power to constitute committees which may, unless otherwise provided in this Act, consist of the Members of the Authority and such other persons as it nominates.

Any casual vacancy among the members, other than ex-officio members, of any Authority shall be filled as soon as conveniently may be, by the person or Authority who appointed, nominated or co-opted the member whose place has become vacant and the person appointed or nominated or co-opted to a casual vacancy shall be a member of such Authority for the residue of the term of the person whose place he/she fills.

The Board of Management shall remove any person from the membership of any Authority on the ground that such person was convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude.

Where any question arises whether a person has been duly nominated or appointed as, or is entitled to be, a member of an Authority other than the Board or whether any act or proceeding of an Authority including the Board is consistent with this Act and the Statutes, it shall be referred to the Chancellor, whose decision thereon shall be final.

No Act, Statute or proceeding of any Authority shall be deemed to be invalid by reason only, of any defect in the constitution of such Authority or the existence of any vacancy among its members.

(1) The University may establish and maintain one or more Fisheries Research Stations for conducting research, both fundamental and applied in all branches of Fisheries Science, in addition to the maintenance of institutions which stand transferred to the University. The Board shall appoint, in the manner as may be prescribed, a person who had expertise in Fisheries Science as the Director of Research. The Director of Research shall institute, guide and coordinate all Fisheries Science Research and be responsible for the efficient working of such Research Stations. (2) The University may, at any time, with the approval of the Government close down, either permanently or temporarily any of the Fisheries Research Stations specified in sub-section (1).

(1) The University shall establish the Fisheries Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Fisheries Extension Units for the purpose of,- (a) undertaking extension programmes in a phased manner covering the entire State of Andhra Pradesh in such manner as may be determined by the Government in consultation with the Board; (b) dissemination of information for the solution of problems relating to Fisheries Sciences; (c) establishment of youth clubs for developing the interests of young people in Fisheries Sciences; and (d) for such other purposes as may be prescribed. (2) The Director of Extension appointed under sub-section (1) of section 18, shall be responsible for dissemination of such information and planning and execution of programmes of extension work based upon the results on research.

The Government shall endeavour to secure proper co-ordination between the Department of Fisheries and the University in the conduct of Research and Extension work and may tender necessary advise to the Board in that regard.

(1) The Board shall constitute a selection committee with regard to the appointment of Teachers for each faculty, which shall consist of the following persons, namely:- (i) the Vice-Chancellor who shall be the ex-officio Chairperson of the Committee; (ii) the Dean of the Faculty concerned; (iii) three experts in the case of selection of Professors, two experts in the case of selection of Associate Professors and one expert in the case of selection of Assistant Professors nominated by the Board, the experts being from outside the University, having special knowledge of the subject concerned; and (iv) the Registrar, who shall be the Ex-officio Member Secretary of the Selection Committee. (2) The teachers of a Faculty shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendation of the Selection Committee of that Faculty and their remuneration and other conditions of service shall be such as may be prescribed. (3) The appointment of non-teaching staff and other employees shall be as may be prescribed.

(1) The University shall constitute, for the benefit of its Officers, Teachers, non-teaching staff and other employees in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, such Pension, Insurance and Provident Fund as it may be deemed fit. (2) Where any such pension, insurance or provident fund has been so constituted by the University, the Government may declare that the provisions of the Provident Funds Act, 1925 (Central Act 19 of 1925) shall apply to such funds as if it were a Government Provident Fund: Provided that the University shall have power in consultation with the Finance Committee, to invest the Provident Fund amount in such manner as may be determined.

(1) Any dispute arising out of a contract between the University and any Officer or Teacher of the University shall, on the request of the Officer or Teacher concerned or at the instance of the Board, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration consisting of one member nominated by the Board, one member representing the Officer or Teacher concerned and an umpire appointed by the Chancellor. The decision of the Tribunal shall be final. (2) Any dispute arising out of a contract between the University and any non-teaching staff or employee may be referred by the Vice-Chancellor to a Grievances Committee consisting of such persons not being members of the Board of Management as may be nominated by the Board.

(1) The income from fees, revenue from farms, any contribution and endowment received by, and all grants to, the University, shall form one general fund to be called the “General Fund of the University” and all money so realized and received shall be credited to it. (2) The University may have such other fund and shall maintain such accounts in respect of every fund as may be prescribed.

The University may accept money from the Government of India, the State Government, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, National Fisheries Development Board and any other agencies and also borrow money from a Bank or a Corporation, for the purposes of the University: Provided that where the University intends to borrow money from a Bank or a Corporation or both, exceeding an amount of Rs 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) at a time or in the aggregate, it shall obtain the prior written approval of the Government therefor.

The University shall not divert earmarked funds for other purposes or revise the scales of pay of its staff or implement any scheme which involves any matching contribution from the Government or which imposes a recurring liability on the Government after the assistance from the sponsoring authority ceases without the prior written approval of the Government: Provided that the Finance Committee may authorize the creation and filling up of posts of teachers for a period not exceeding one (1) year, but any such post shall not be continued or created afresh for any period beyond the said period of one (1) year without the prior written approval of the Government.

(1) The annual accounts shall be submitted by the Board of Management to the Government who shall cause an audit to be made by such persons as the Government may appoint in this behalf. (2) The accounts when audited shall be printed and copies thereof shall, together with the copies of the audit report, be submitted by the Board of Management to the Government with its comments. (3) The Government shall cause the audit report together with the comments of the Board of Management to be laid before the State Legislature.

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the statutes may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely,- (a) the constitution, powers and duties of the Authorities; (b) the methods of appointment, the designation, the powers, functions, duties and conditions of service of Officers other than the Chancellor; (c) the methods of appointment or nomination in respect of the Authorities and the manner of resolving the disputes in respect thereof; (d) The procedure at meeting of such Authorities including the quorum for the transaction of business by them; (e) The qualification and manner of appointment of teachers and non teaching and other staff members; (f) The holding of convocations of confer degrees, diplomas and certificates; (g) The conferment of honorary degrees and academic distinctions; (h) The establishment, amalgamation, sub-division and abolition of faculties; (i) The establishment and abolition of departments of teaching in the faculties; (j) The establishment and abolition of hostels maintained by the University; (k) The institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, bursaries, medals and prizes and the conditions of award thereof; (l) The conditions of registration of graduates and the maintenance of register thereof; (m) The admission of students to the University and their enrollment and continuance as such; (n) The courses of study to be laid down for all degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University; (o) The conditions under which students shall be admitted to the degree, diploma or other courses and to the examinations of the University and be eligible for the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates. The fees to be charged for admission to the examination, degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University; (p) The conditions of residence of the students of the University and the levying of fees for residence in hostels maintained by the University; (q) The fees to be charged for courses of study provided by the University; (r) The conditions and mode of appointment and the duties of examining bodies and examiners; (s) The conduct of examinations; (t) The conditions of service, remuneration and allowances, including traveling and daily allowances, to be paid to the Officers, Teachers and other persons employed under the University; (u) Affiliation or recognition including conditional affiliation or recognition of colleges and polytechnics and withdrawal of such affiliation and for all other matters necessary for carrying out all or any of the purposes of the Act; and (v) All other matters necessary for carrying out all or any of the purposes of the Act. (p) The conditions of residence of the students of the University and the levying of fees for residence in hostels maintained by the University; (q) The fees to be charged for courses of study provided by the University; (r) The conditions and mode of appointment and the duties of examining bodies and examiners; (s) The conduct of examinations; (t) The conditions of service, remuneration and allowances, including traveling and daily allowances, to be paid to the Officers, Teachers and other persons employed under the University; (u) Affiliation or recognition including conditional affiliation or recognition of colleges and polytechnics and withdrawal of such affiliation and for all other matters necessary for carrying out all or any of the purposes of the Act; and (v) All other matters necessary for carrying out all or any of the purposes of the Act.

(1) The statutes with regard to matters set out in clauses (a) to (h) under section 48 shall be made by the Government at the first instance. (2) Subject to the prior approval of the Government, the Board of Management may, from time to time, make any statute in addition to the statutes referred to in sub-section (1), and may amend or repeal any statute in the manner hereinafter provided in this section. (3) The Academic Council may propose to the Board of Management, the draft of any statute to be made by the Board of Management and such draft shall be considered by the Board at its next meeting: Provided that the Academic Council shall not propose the draft of any such statute, any amendments of a statute or repeal of a statute affecting the statutes, powers or constitution of any existing authority until such Authority has been given an opportunity to express its views on such proposal and any views so expressed shall be considered by the Board before taking further necessary action. (4) The Board of Management may consider any such draft as is referred to in sub-section (3) and make the statute or reject it or return it to the Academic Council for reconsideration, either in whole or part, together with any amendments which it may suggest. (5) Any member of the Board of Management may propose to it the draft of any statute, any amendment of a statute or repeal of a statute and the Board may either accept or reject the proposal if it relates to a matter not failing within the purview of the Academic Council. In case such draft relates to a matter within the purview of the Academic Council, the Board of Management shall refer it for consideration to the Academic Council, which may either report to the Board of Management that it does not approve the proposal, which shall then be deemed to have been rejected by the Board of Management, or forward such draft to the Board in such form as the Academic Council may approve, and the provisions of this section shall apply in the case of a draft so forwarded as they apply in the case of a draft proposed to the Board of Management by the Academic Council. (6) Every statute made under sub-section (1) shall immediately after it is made, be laid before the State Legislature, if it is in session and if it is not in session, in the session immediately following, for a total period of fourteen (14) days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if, before the expiration of the session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following, the State Legislature agrees in making any modification in the statute or in the annulment of the statute, the statute shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or shall stand annulled, as the case may be; so however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under the statute.

(1) The Authorities may make regulations consistent with this Act and the statutes, for any or all of the matters which by this Act and the Statutes are to be provided for by the regulations, and also for any other matter solely concerning such Authorities and not so provided. (2) Every Authority shall make regulations providing for the giving of notice to the members of such Authority of the dates of meeting and of the business to be considered at meeting and for the keeping of a record of the proceedings of meetings. (3) The Board of Management may direct the amendment, in such manner as it may specify, of any regulation made under this section or the annulment of any regulation made there under by any Authority. (4) The Academic Council may, subject to the provisions of the statutes, make regulations, providing for courses of study for the various examinations, degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University after receiving drafts of such regulations from the Board of Faculty concerned. (5) The Academic Council shall not amend a draft of a regulation received from the Board of a Faculty but may approve or reject it or return it to the Board of Faculty for reconsideration either in whole or in part together with any amendment which it may suggest.

The Annual Report of the University shall be prepared under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor and submitted by the Board of Management to the Government before the annual meeting at which it is to be considered.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, and until such time as the Authorities are duly constituted, the Vice-Chancellor may, subject to the prior approval of the Chancellor, appoint any officer, or constitute any Committee temporarily to exercise, perform and discharge all or any of the powers, functions and duties of such Authorities under this Act.

(1) Government shall appoint a Special Officer and an Officer-on-Special Duty and such other Officers & Staff as may be required to carry out preparatory work of the establishment of the University. (2) After the University is established, appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and such other staff shall be done as may be prescribed under this Act and statutes.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University Act, 2005 (Act 18 of 2005), the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Act, 1963 (Act 24 of 1963), the Andhra Pradesh Universities Act, 1991 (Act 4 of 1991), or the Statutes made thereunder, the Colleges, Polytechnics, Institutions, Research Stations, Farms, Labs, Units and others shown in the Schedule, along with private affiliated institutions shall be disaffiliated from Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University and shall be affiliated and maintained by the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University: Provided that the common facilities such as Library, Auditorium, Students hostel and staff quarters and such other facilities shall be shared by Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University and Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University in such manner as may be prescribed until a permanent or alternate infrastructure is provided to the later University. (2) The control and management of the Colleges, Polytechnics and Institutions specified in sub-section (1) shall, as from the date notified by the Government, stand transferred to the University and all the sanctioned posts along with budget, properties, assets, liabilities and obligations of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University and Government in relation thereto shall stand transferred to, vest in, or devolve upon, the University. (3) The compensation payable, if any, by the University to Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University in respect of the transfer and vesting of the properties and assets, and the devolution of liabilities and obligations, under sub-section (2) shall be such, as may be agreed upon between the two Universities. In default of such agreement, the compensation shall be determined by the Government after giving opportunity to both the Universities of making their representations in that regard and the decision of the Government in the matter shall be final. (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, and subject to the provisions of sub-section (5), where the control and management of any college, polytechnic or institution has been transferred to the University under sub-section (2), the University shall employ all Officers, Teachers and other employees of the Government or Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University as the case may be, who immediately before the date notified by the Government under sub-section (1), were serving as per conditions as may be determined by the Government in the case of a government employee or by the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University in case of an employee of that University: Provided that no deputation or any other allowance shall be payable to any such employee: Provided further that all the teachers and other employees of the Government or Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, as the case may be who are serving the University on the date of commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to have been employed by the University under this sub-section. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (4) every such teacher or other employee of the Government or Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, as the case may be, shall, within a period of two months from the date of commencement of this Act, exercise his/her option to revert to the service under the Government or the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, as the case may be, to which he/she originally belongs, failing which he/she shall be deemed to have been absorbed in the service of the University with effect from the date notified by the Government under sub-section (1) and shall from the said date, be governed by the terms and conditions governing the said service. (5) Provided that,- (i) the terms and conditions offered by the University to such teachers and other employees consequent on their absorption in the service of the University shall not be less favourable than those applicable to such teachers and other employees,- (a) immediately before the date notified by the Government under sub-section (1), as respects remuneration, leave, pension, gratuity and provident fund; (b) immediately before the date of commencement of this Act as respects the age of superannuation; (ii) the service rendered by any such teacher or other employee under the Government or the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University as the case may be, upto the date notified as aforesaid shall be deemed to be service under the University and he/she shall be entitled to count that service for the purpose of promotion, increments, leave, pension or provident fund and gratuity. (6) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (5), every such teacher or other employee who had exercised his option within a period of two months from the date of commencement of this Act, to revert to the service under the Government or the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, as the case may be, to which he/she originally belongs, shall be given an opportunity to exercise a revised option within a period of two months, or such other period beyond two months as may be specified by the Government from the date of commencement of this Act. (7) every such teacher or other employee who had exercised his/her option under sub-section (5) to revert to the service under the Government or the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, as the case may be, to which he/she originally belongs, but has not been reverted in pursuance of such option, shall be given an opportunity to give option once again to revert to the service under the Government or the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, as the case may be, to which he/she originally belongs, within such period not exceeding two years as may be specified by the Government from the date of the commencement of this Act. (8) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the statutes made thereunder, any student of the University College, Polytechnic or Institution who was studying for any examination of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University shall be permitted to complete his/her course in preparation therefor, and the University shall make arrangements for holding for such student’s examinations for such period as may be prescribed, in accordance with the curricula of studies of the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University. (9) The Government shall by order or direct that all the institutions under the control and management of the Government conducting research and extension in the subject of Fisheries Sciences shall be maintained by the University, with effect from such date or dates as may be specified in the order which shall in any case be before the expiration of three years from the appointed day. The control and management of such institutions shall thereupon stand transferred to the University and all the properties and assets and liabilities and obligations, of the Government in relation thereto shall stand transferred to, vest in, or devolve upon, the University. The provisions contained in sub-sections (4) and (5) shall, mutatis-mutandis, apply in respect of the teachers and other employees of the Government who immediately before such transfer were serving in or attached to that institution. (10) All colleges and Polytechnics offering Fisheries Sciences courses in the private sector and affiliated to Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, as on the date notified by the Government, shall stand disaffiliated. Such institutions shall stand affiliated to Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University for academic control and management. (11) All colleges and polytechnics offering Fisheries Sciences courses in the private sector, after the commencement date of this Act, shall take affiliation only from the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University for academic control and management. (12) On or after the commencement date of this Act, no college shall offer Certificate/Diploma/Degree Courses in Fishery Sciences without affiliation of Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University and no Polytechnic colleges whether in Government or in Private sector shall offer such Certificate/ Diploma/ Degree Courses.

The Board of Management may, by statutes made in this behalf, delegate to any Officer or Authority of the University any of the powers conferred on it by or under this Act, to be exercised by such Officer or Authority, subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be specified in such Statutes.

(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by order, published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette make such provision or give such direction, not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act, as appears to them to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty. Provided that no such power shall be exercised after the expiry of a period of two years from the commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as it is made, before each house of the State Legislature.

(1) The Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University Ordinance, 2020 (Ordinance 15 of 2020), is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the said Ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act.