THE STATUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY

STATUTE 1 THE VICE-CHANCELLOR (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 11, the Vice- Chancellor shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his appointment and shall be eligible for reappointment to that office for another term of three years in the manner provided in sub-section (1) of section 11. (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be paid such pay and allowances as may, by order, be specified by the Sponsoring Institution from time to time. He shall be provided with a furnished official accommodation for which he shall pay ten percent of his salary towards rent. (3) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to see that the provisions of this Act, the statutes, Ordinances and regulations are duly observed and he may exercise all powers necessary for this purpose. (4) When the Vice-Chancellor is unable to exercise his powers, perform his functions and discharge his duties owing to absence, illness or any other cause or when the office of Vice-Chancellor is vacant, it shall be competent for the Chancellor in consultation with the Sponsoring Institution to appoint a person to be in-charge Vice-Chancellor. The persons so appointed as in-charge Vice-Chancellor shall exercise the powers, perform the functions and discharge the duties of the Vice-Chancellor until the Vice-Chancellor assumes the office, or as the case may be, a new Vice-Chancellor is appointed in accordance with sub-section (1) of section 11. (5) It shall be competent for the Chancellor to accept the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor. (6) When the Post of the Vice-Chancellor falls permanently vacant either by resignation or otherwise, the vacancy shall be filled by the Chancellor in consultation with the Sponsoring Institution by appointing another person as Vice-Chancellor as per the provisions laid down in Section 11. STATUTE 2 THE REGISTRAR (1) The method of appointment, emoluments and other terms and conditions of service of the Registrar shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) When the Office of the Registrar is vacant or when the Registrar is, by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the duties of the office shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. (3) (a) The Registrar shall have power to take disciplinary action against such of the employees, excluding teachers of the University and academic staff as may be specified in the orders of the Executive Council and to suspend them pending inquiry to administer warnings to them, to impose on them the penalty of censure or the withholding of increment: Provided that no such penalty shall be imposed unless the person concerned has been given an opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken in regard to him. (b) An appeal shall lie to the Vice-Chancellor against any order of the Registrar imposing any of the penalties specified in sub- clause (a); (c) In a case where the inquiry discloses that a punishment beyond the powers of the Registrar is called for, the Registrar shall upon conclusion of the inquiry, make a report to the Vice- Chancellor along with his recommendations: Provided that an appeal shall lie to the Executive Council against an order of the Vice-Chancellor imposing any penalty. (4) The Registrar shall be the ex- officio Secretary of the Executive Council and the Academic Council, but shall not be deemed to be a member of any of those authorities. (5) It shall be the duty of the Registrar:- (a) to be the custodian of the records, the common seal and such other property of the University as the Executive Council shall commit to his charge; (b) to issue all notices convening meetings of the Executive Council, the Academic Senate and the Boards of Studies or any Committees appointed by the authorities of the University; (c) to keep the minutes of all the meetings of the Executive Council, Academic Senate and of any Committees appointed by the authorities of the University; (d) to conduct the official correspondence of the Executive Council and the Academic Senate; (e) to supply to the Chancellor copies of the agenda of the meetings of the authorities of the University as soon as they are issued and the minutes of such meetings; (f) to represent the University in suits or proceedings by or against the University, sign powers of attorney and verily pleadings or depute his representative for the purpose; and (g) to perform such other duties as may be specified in the statutes, the Ordinances, or the regulations or as may be required, from time to time, by the Executive Council or the Vice-Chancellor. STATUTES 3 THE FINANCE OFFICER (1) The Finance Officer shall be the Ex-Officio Secretary of the Finance Committee, but shall not be deemed to be a member of such Committee. (2) When the Office of the Finance Officer is vacant or when the Finance Officer is, by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the duties of the office shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. (3) The Finance Officer shall:- (a) exercise general supervision over the funds of the University and shall maintain the accounts of the University and shall advise it as regards its financial policy; and (b) perform such other financial functions as may be assigned to him by the Executive Council or as may be prescribed by the statutes or the Ordinances. (4) Subject to the control of the Executive Council, the Finance Officer shall,- (a) hold and manage the property and investments of the University including trust and endowed property; (b) ensure that the limits fixed by the Executive Council for recurring and non-recurring expenditure for a year are not exceeded and that all moneys are expended on the purposes for which they are granted or allotted; (c) be responsible for the preparation of annual accounts and the budget of the University and, for their presentation to the Executive Council; (d) keep a constant watch on the state of the cash and bank balance and on the state of investments; (e) watch the progress of the collection of revenue and advise on the methods of collection employed; (f) ensure that the registers of buildings, land, furniture and equipment are maintained up-to-date and that stock checking is conducted, of equipment and other consumable materials in all offices, special centers, specialized laboratories, colleges and institutions maintained by the University; (g) call for explanation for unauthorized expenditure and for other financial irregularities and suggest disciplinary action against persons at fault; and (h) call for from any office, centre, laboratory, college or institution maintained by the University, any information or returns that he may consider necessary for the performance of his duties. (5) The receipt of the Finance Officer or the person or persons duly authorized in this behalf by the Executive Council for any money payable to the University shall be sufficient discharge for payment of such money. STATUTE 4 THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (1) The Executive Council shall consist of the following persons, namely :- Class -1: Ex-Officio Members : (i) The Vice- Chancellor who shall be the Chairman; (ii) Chairman of the Sponsoring Institution; (iii) Executive Officer of the Sponsoring Institution; (iv) Two officers of the Sponsoring Institution to be nominated by the Executive Officer of the Sponsoring Institution; (v) Secretary to Government, Higher Education department, Government of Andhra Pradesh; (vi) Secretary to Government, Revenue (Endowment) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Class - II: Other Members : (vii) one Professor of the University to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor; (viii) three scholars of repute in Sanskrit, Agamas and Vedic literature to be nominated by the Chancellor from out of a panel of ten names recommended by the Sponsoring Institution. (2) The Members of the Executive Council other than ex-officio members shall hold office for a period of three years and shall also be eligible for one more term. (3) No member of the Executive Council who is nominated in his capacity as the holder of a particular office shall continue to be a member on his ceasing to be the holder of the particular office. STATUTE 5 POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (1) The Executive Council shall have the power of management and administration of the revenue and property of the University and the conduct of all administrative affairs of the University not otherwise provided for. (2) Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances, the Executive Council shall, in addition to the other powers vested in it under the Statutes have the following powers namely:- (a) to create teaching and other academic posts and to define the functions and conditions of service of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors and other teachers and other academic staff employed by the University; (b) to prescribe qualifications for teachers and other academic staff keeping in view the uniqueness of the objectives and requirements of the University; (c) to approve the appointment of such Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors and other teachers and academic staff as may be necessary on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose; (d) to approve appointments to temporary vacancies of any academic staff; (e) to specify the manner of appointment to temporary vacancies of academic staff; (f) to provide for the appointment of visiting Professors, Emeritus Professors, Fellows, Artists, Distinguished Scholars in Veda, Vedanga, Upa-Veda, Agama and Srauta and writers and determine the terms and conditions of such appointments; (g) to manage and regulate the finances, accounts, investments, property of the University and all other affairs of the University and to appoint such agents as may be considered fit; (h) to invest any money belonging to the University, including any unapplied income, in such securities or fixed deposits in Scheduled Banks as it thinks fit or in the purchase of immovable property in India with like power of varying such investment from time to time: Provided that no action under this clause shall be taken without consulting the finance committee; Provided further that no investment shall be pledged, encashed or withdrawn without the approval of the Executive Council. (i) to create administrative, ministerial and other necessary posts after taking into account the recommendations of the Finance Committee and to specify the manner of appointment thereto; (j) to regulate and enforce discipline amongst the employees in accordance with the Statutes and Ordinances; (k) to transfer or accept transfers of any immovable or movable property on behalf of the University; (l) to entertain, adjudicate upon, or redress the grievances of the employees and the students of the University who may, for any reason, feel aggrieved; (m) to fix the remuneration payable to course writers, counsellors, examiners and invigilators and travelling and other allowances payable, after consulting the Finance Committee; (n) to select the common seal for the University and to provide for the use of such seal; (o) to delegate any of its powers to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, the Finance Officer and any other Officer, employee or authority of the University, or to a committee appointed by it; (p) to institute fellowships, scholarships, studentships with free boarding, lodging, clothing and such other facilities as may be specified; and (q) to exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be conferred or imposed on it by the Act or the Statutes; (3 ) Every member of the Executive Council other than Ex-Officio Member shall hold office for a period of three years: Provided that such members shall be eligible for re-nomination, so however that no such member shall hold office successively for more than two terms; (4) A nominated member of the Executive Council may tender resignation of his membership at any time. Such resignation shall be conveyed to the Vice-Chancellor by a letter in writing by the member and the resignation shall take effect from the date of its acceptance by the Chancellor. (5) The Executive Council shall meet atleast once in three months and may meet more often if necessary; (6) The quorum for a meeting of the Executive Council shall be one- third of the total number of members or six persons whichever is less; (7) The Executive Council shall exercise all the powers of the University not otherwise provided for by the Act, Statutes, Ordinances and the Regulations for the fulfillment of the objects of the University. (8) The Executive Council shall have power to specify the Sanskrit equivalent to all authorities, officers and posts created by or under this Act. STATUTE 6 THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL The Academic Council shall consist of the following persons, namely:- Class -1: Ex-Officio Members: (i) The Vice Chancellor who shall be the Chairman; (ii) Two representatives of the Executive Council to be nominated by the Sponsoring Institution; (iii) Vice-Chancellor of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidya Peeth, Tirupati; (iv) Member-Secretary, Maharishi Sandeepani Rashtriya Veda Vidya Pratisthan, Ujjaini; (v) Principal of Sri Venkateswara Veda Pathasala, Dharmagiri. Class - II: Other Members: (i) Five academicians to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor; (ii) All Heads of Departments of the University; (iii) Three Principals of reputed Vedapathasalas to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (iv) Librarians/Chief Editor of Publications. (2) The Member of the Academic Council other than ex-officio member shall hold office for a period of three years and shall be eligible for re- appointment. (3) No member of the Academic Council who is nominated in his capacity as the holder of particular office shall continue to be a member of Academic Council on his ceasing to be the holder of a particular office. STATUTE 7 POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL (1) Subject to the Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances, the Academic Council shall, in addition to all other powers vested in it under the Statutes have the following powers, namely:- (a) to exercise general supervision over the academic policies of the University and to give directions regarding methods of instructions, evaluation or research or improvement in academic standards; (b) to consider matters of general academic interest either on its own initiative or on a reference from the Boards of Studies or the Executive Council and to take appropriate action thereon; and (c) to frame such regulations and rules consistent with the Statutes and the Ordinances regarding the academic functioning of the University, including discipline, admissions, award of fellowships and studentships, fees and other academic requirements. (2) The Academic Council shall meet atleast twice a year. STATUTE 8 THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (1) There shall be constituted a Finance Committee which shall be a sub-committee of the Executive Council with the following as members, namely:- (a) the Vice-Chancellor who shall be the Chairman; (b) two members of the Executive Council nominated by it; (c) Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer of the Sponsoring Institution; (2) The Finance Officer shall be the Secretary of the Finance Committee. (3) The Finance Committee shall meet atleast once in three months and it may meet more often if necessary. (4) The annual accounts of the University prepared by the Finance Officer shall be laid before the Finance Committee for consideration and comments and thereafter submitted to the Executive Council for approval. (5) The Finance Committee shall recommend limits for total recurring expenditure and the total non-recurring expenditure for the year based on the income and resources of the University which in the case of productive works may include the proceeds of loans. (6) The Finance Committee shall:- (a) review the financial position of the university from time to time; (b) make recommendations to the Executive Council on every proposal involving investment or expenditure for which no provision has been made in the annual financial estimates or which involves expenditure in excess of the amount provided for in the annual financial estimates; (c) prescribe the methods and procedures and forms for maintaining the accounts of the university; (d) make recommendation to the Executive Council on all matters relating to the finances of the university; (e) perform such other functions as may be prescribed. (7) The Finance estimates of the University prepared by the Finance Officer shall be laid before the Finance Committee for consideration and comments. The said estimates, as modified by the Finance Committee, shall then be laid before the Executive Council for consideration. The Executive Council may accept the modifications made by the Finance Committee. STATUTE 9 THE FACULTIES OF THE UNIVERSITY (1) The following shall be initially, the Faculties of University, namely:- 1. Vedadhyayana; 2. Agama; 3. Srouta and Smartha; 4. Veda Bhashya; 5. Vedic studies; 6. Vedanga and Cognate Sastras; and Such other Faculties which shall be created by the Executive Council on the recommendations of the Academic Council. (2) Each Faculty shall be headed by a Professor or Associate Professor who shall be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor on the basis of seniority from among the Professors or Associate Professors as the case may be, in the respective Faculty. (3) The Head of the Faculty shall be responsible for the conduct and maintenance of the standards of teaching and research. The Head shall also have such other functions as may be prescribed. (4) The Head of the Department concerned shall be the Ex- officio Chairman of the Board of Studies. STATUTE 10 SELECTION COMMITTEE (1) There shall be constituted a Selection Committee in regard to the appointment of teaching staff which shall consist of the following namely:- (i) the Vice-Chancellor who shall be the Chairman; (ii) three experts from outside the University to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from out of a panel approved by the Executive Council; (iii) one nominee of the Sponsoring Institution; (iv) the Head of the Department concerned: Provided that no person shall participate in the meetings of the Selection Committee for any appointment if he or his near relative is a candidate for that appointment: Provided further that no teacher holding a post lower in rank than the one to which appointment is to be made, shall be a member of Selection Committee. (2) Provisions shall be made in the Statutes in respect of such matters as may be considered necessary and not provided for in sub-section (1) in order to ensure fair selections. STATUTE 11 ORDINANCES HOW MADE (1) The first Ordinances made under Sub-section (1) of section 28 may be amended, repealed or added to at any time by the Executive Council in the manner specified below. (2) No Act in respect of the matters enumerated in section 28, other than those enumerated in clause (o) of sub-section (2) thereof, shall be made by the Executive Council unless a draft of such ordinance has been proposed by the Academic Senate. (3) The Executive Council shall not have power to amend the draft of any Ordinance proposed by the Academic Council, under clause (2), but may reject the proposal or return the draft to the Academic Council for reconsideration, either in whole or in part, together with any amendment which the Executive Council may suggest. (4) Where the Executive Council has rejected or returned the draft of an Ordinance proposed by the Academic Council, the Academic Council may consider the question afresh and in case the original draft is reaffirmed by a majority of not less than two thirds of the members of the Academic Council, the draft may be sent back to the Executive Council which shall either adopt it or refer it to the Chancellor whose decision thereon shall be final. (5) Every Ordinance made by the Executive Council shall come into effect immediately. (6) Every Ordinance made by the Executive Council shall be submitted to the Chancellor within two weeks from the date of its adoption. The Chancellor shall have the power to direct the University within four weeks of the receipt of the Ordinance to suspend the operation of any such Ordinance and he shall as soon as possible, inform the Executive Council about his objection to the proposed Ordinance. The Chancellor may, after receiving the comments of the University, either withdraw the order suspending the Ordinance or disallow the Ordinance and his decision thereon shall be final. STATUTE 12 REGULATIONS (1) The Authorities of the University may make regulations consistent with this Act and these statutes and the Ordinances:- (a) laying down the procedure to be observed at their meetings and the number of members required to form a quorum; (b) providing for all matters which are required by this Act, the statutes or the Ordinances to be prescribed by regulations; (c) providing for all other matters solely concerning such authorities or committees appointed by them and not provided for by this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances. (2) Every authority of the University shall make regulations providing for the giving of notice to the members of such authority of the dates of meetings and of the business to be considered at meetings and for the keeping of a record of the proceedings of meetings. (3) The Executive Council may direct the amendment in such manner as it may specify, of any regulation made under this statute or the amendment of any such regulation. STATUTE 13 DELEGATION OF POWERS Subject to the provisions of this Act and these Statutes any officer or authority of the University may delegate his or its powers to any other officer or authority or person under his or its respective control and subject to the condition that overall responsibility for the exercise of the powers so delegated shall continue to vest in the officer or authority delegating such powers. T. MADAN MOHAN REDDY, Secretary to Government, Legislative Affairs & Justice, Law Department.