The Cluster University (Kurnool) Act, 2019

1. (1) This Act may be called the "Cluster. University, (Kurnool) Act,2019".
2. (2) The Cluster University is a unitary, non-affiliating University limiting its jurisdiction to the campuses of the three colleges constituting the cluster, namely,
3. (1) Silver Jubilee Government College (Autonomous), Kurnool,
4. (2) KVR Government Degree College for Women (Autonomous), Kurnool,
5. (3) Government Degree College for Men, Kurnool, and to such other territorial jurisdiction as the Government may define and prescribe from time to time.
6. (3) It shall come into force from such date as the Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-

1. (1) "Academic year" means a period of twelve months commencing on the first day of July of the year or such other period of twelve months beginning on such date as the Executive Council may specify in respect of the Colleges under the control of the University or any particular college thereof.
2. (2) "Autonomous College" means a college on which the status of autonomy has been conferred by the University as per the guidelines of the University Grants Commission.
3. (3) "Board of Studies" means a body that recommends the regulations governing courses of the study, discipline-wise.
4. (4) "Block Grant" means the annual grant-in-aid determined by the Government to the University to cover the salaries of the employees, pensions of the pensioners, maintenance, and State sponsored research and innovation, to be valid for the entire block period and to be released every quarter by appropriate percentage increase from year to year.
5. (5) "College" means a college established and maintained by the University.
6. (6) "Commissioner of Higher Education" includes the Commissioner / Director / Joint Commissioner / Joint Director of Higher Education.
7. (7) "Department" means a University Department of study recognized as such by the Statutes.
8. (8) "Faculties" means a cluster of Departments in a University as defined by the Ordinances / Statutes of the University.
9. (9) "Government" means the State Government of Andhra Pradesh.
10. (10) "Grievance Redressal Committee" means a Committee constituted under the Provisions of this Act.
11. (11) "Head of the Department" means a teacher of the University appointed in accordance with the Statutes prescribed, and responsible for the co-ordination of instruction, training, and research in any Department of the University.
12. (12) "Hostel" means a unit of residence for students of the University maintained or recognized by the University in accordance with the conditions prescribed therefor.
13. (13) "Institute" means an academic institution, not being a College, maintained and/or recognized by the University.
14. (14) Internal Quality Assurance Cell
    • (IQAC) means a Cell constituted by the University as per the recommendations of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council for planning, guiding, and monitoring the quality assurance and enhancement activities of the University.
15. (15) "Ordinances" means Ordinances framed by University as approved by the Executive Council.
16. (16) "Ombudsman" means the person appointed under the provisions of this Act to adjudicate the disputes relating to the service matters of the employees.
17. (17) "Prescribed" means prescribed by the Statutes, Ordinances, or Regulations.
18. (18) "Principal" means the Head of a College appointed in accordance with the Statutes prescribed.
19. (19) "Recognized Institute" means a Research Institute recognized by the University as may be prescribed.
20. (20) "Registered graduate" means a graduate registered under Section 33 of this Act.
21. (21) "Regulations" means the Regulations of the University made under this Act.
22. (22) "School" means a School of Studies comprising departments of inter-disciplinary nature, established by the University and declared as such by the Statutes.
23. (23) "Student" means a person who is admitted to a College or a School of the University, and is borne on the attendance register thereon.
24. (24) "Statutes" means a Statute as framed by University and approved by the Chancellor.
25. (25) "Teachers" means Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors in a University / College offering instruction, and as may be declared by the Statutes to be teachers.
26. (26) "University campus" means the area at present comprising the three Colleges in Kurnool town, namely, 1) Silver Jubilee Govt. College (Autonomous) Kurnool, 2) KVR Government College for Women (Autonomous) Kurnool, 3) Government Degree College for Men, Kurnool, and such other area / areas as the Government may decide upon.
27. (27) "University College" means a College located in the University campus which is established or maintained by the University, which includes a College so located and established, or maintained by the University after the commencement of this Act.
28. (28) "University Teachers" means teachers appointed by the University through a duly constituted Selection Committee to give instruction and conduct and / or guide research in the University.
29. (29) The words, expressions and abbreviations, if any, used above and in the Act shall have the meaning given to them, unless there is anything to the contrary in the subject or context.

1. (1) The University shall be a unitary, non-affiliating Cluster University and shall consist of a Chancellor, a Vice-Chancellor, an Executive Council, an Academic Senate, a Planning and Monitoring Board, and such other Authorities and Officers as may be declared under this Act for conducting teaching, research, evaluation, general administration and such other activities as may be approved by the appropriate authorities.
2. (2) The Cluster University, Kurnool shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal, and shall sue and be sued by the said Corporate name.
3. (3) It shall have the power to acquire and hold property, movable and immovable, to transfer the same, to contract and to do all other things necessary for the purpose of its constitution and may sue and be sued by its corporate name.
4. (4) In all suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleadings shall be signed and verified by the Registrar and all processes in such suits and proceedings shall be issued to and served on the Registrar.

1. (1) The Cluster University, Kurnool established under this Act shall have the following objects, powers, and functions, namely, to;
   • (a) provide for instruction and training in such branches of learning as the University may, from time to time, determine and make provision for research and for advancement and dissemination of knowledge;
   • (b) make provision for integrated courses in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science and Technology and for inter-disciplinary courses with a thrust on frontier areas of knowledge, as may be decided by the Executive Council;
   • (c) evolve appropriate strategies and frameworks for curricular development, teaching-learning and evaluation, research and consultancy, development and sustenance of innovative practices in teaching, training, and research, providing for the alignment of the University's objectives with quality concerns, global standards and those of the National Education Policy;
   • (d) form, where necessary, university-industry consortia for achieving the objectives mentioned in clauses
   • (b) and
   • (c) above;
   • (e) establish close linkage with industry to make teaching and research relevant to the needs of the economy at the national and global level and for enhancing the employable skills of the students;
   • (f) provide for distance learning programmes as per the norms and criteria defined by the University Grants Commission and for the fulfillment of blended learning objectives;
   • (g) award degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions subject to such conditions as the University may determine, and within the scope of the approved nomenclature for the degrees as determined by the UGC and such other national level regulatory bodies, and withdraw any such degrees, diplomas, certificates or other academic distinctions for good and sufficient cause;
   • (h) confer Honorary Degrees or other academic distinctions in the manner prescribed by the Statutes;
     • (i) institute Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships, and any other teaching or academic positions required by the University and appoint persons therefor;
   • (j) create administrative, support, and other posts required by the University and make appointment thereto;
   • (k) lay down conditions of service for all categories of employees, including their code of conduct as per norms prescribed by the Government and the UGC from time to time;
   • (l) establish such centres and specialized laboratories or other units for research and instruction as, in the opinion of the University, are necessary for the furtherance of its objects;
   • (m) institute Chairs in the Departments / Centres of Excellence in the University, and establish such specialized centres / laboratories or other units for research and instruction as, in the opinion of the University, are necessary for the furtherance of its objects;
   • (n) establish and maintain research departments / institutions in the University, and make provision for research, advisory, and consultancy services;
   • (o) collaborate with reputed research institutions anywhere in the country or outside the country in such manner and for such purpose as the University may decide subject to approval by the regulatory bodies;
   • (p) enter into collaborations or agreements with industrial or other organizations, as the University may deem necessary for the purpose of student skill development and training subject to such approval as may be called for by the regulatory bodies;
   • (q) acquire and hold property, both movable and immovable; to lease any movable or immovable property, for a period not exceeding five
2. (5) years at a time, which may have become vested in or may have been acquired by it for the purposes of the University; mortgage any immovable property with the prior approval of the Government; and contract and do all other things necessary for and incidental to the purposes of the University;
   • (r) institute / take over / maintain / outsource hostels and hostel services; determine the standards of admission to the University, which may include examination, evaluation or any other method of testing including testing by the electronic mode;
   • (t) transfer any or all the colleges or institutions maintained by the University to the administrative control of the Government on such conditions as it may determine;
   • (u) inspect the facilities and academic infrastructure of the institutions and take measures to ensure proper standards of instruction;
     • (v) make grants for research to recognized institutions, if any, under its jurisdiction;
   • (w) provide access to higher education for (differently challenged) by way of making special provisions;
     • (x) make special provision for women students in colleges and institutions;
   • (y) fix, demand and receive tuition fee and other charges as are prescribed by Ordinances / Regulations;
   • (z) make grants for the maintenance of the National Cadet Corps in University Colleges;
   • (aa) Institute and manage, a University Publications Centre, University Printing Press, Employment and Information Bureau, University Sports Board, and other similar Bodies;
   • (bb) cultivate and promote arts, fine arts, professional studies, and such other branches of learning;
   • (cc) maintain such bodies as are declared by the Statutes to be the Authorities of the University;
   • (dd) supervise and ensure proper conduct and discipline of the students in the University and its recognized institutions;
   • (ee) make arrangements for counseling and promoting the health and general welfare of the students in the University and its institutions;
   • (ff) pay special attention to the improvement of the economic and social conditions and welfare of the people and their educational and cultural development;
   • (gg) do such other acts and things as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of its objects as a teaching and research University.
3. (2) In exercise of its powers referred to in sub-section
4. (1) above, the University shall endeavour to maintain high standards of teaching and research, and shall, among other measures which may be necessary for the said purpose, take in particular, the following measures, namely;
   • (a) admit students on merit, either through common entrance tests conducted individually by the University or in combination with other Universities, or on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying examination;
   • (b) introduce the semester system, choice-based credit system and continuous evaluation; and enter into agreements with other Universities and academic / research institutions in the country and abroad for credit transfer, joint degree and twinning programmes, and facilitate inter-university mobility through lateral entry into graduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes;
   • (c) start innovative courses and programmes of studies in the self-sustenance model providing admission for students from all over the country and abroad with a provision for periodic review and restructuring;
   • (d) liaise with Incubation Centres in pursuit of innovation;
   • (e) ensure active participation of students in all academic activities of the University, including evaluation of teachers;
   • (f) encourage inter-University mobility of faculty with portable pensions and protection of their seniority;
   • (g) join or collaborate with a university / consortium of universities or delegate any of its functions to a specified statutory authority of the State, for common good including admissions and selection of teachers, without prejudice to any provisions of this Act;
   • (h) obtain accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council or any other recognized accrediting agency;
     • (i) launch e-governance with an effective Executive Decision Information System (EDIS);
   • (j) introduce and nurture extension and community development / engagement activities.

1. (1) No college or institution outside the University area shall form part of, or be affiliated to, or be recognized by or be admitted to the privileges of the University: Provided that an institution of research and higher learning outside the University area may be recognized in the manner prescribed by the Statutes.
2. (2) No college or institution within the University area concerned shall, after the commencement of this Act, form part of, or be affiliated to, or be recognized by, or seek admission to any privileges of any other University.

No person shall be excluded from holding any office in the University or from the membership of any of the Authorities of the University or from admission to any degree, diploma, or other distinction or course of study, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them, and the University shall not adopt or impose on any person any test whatsoever of religious belief or profession in order to entitle him to be admitted thereto as a teacher or student or to hold any office therein or to qualify for any degree, diploma, or other distinction or to enjoy or exercise any of the privileges of the University:

Provided that the University may reserve seats in the University or University / Constituent College for Women or for members of socially and educationally backward classes, or allot seats on such regional basis of the University area concerned, as may be declared by the University;

1. (1) The Government shall have the right to cause an inspection or review to be made by such person or persons as it may direct, of such University decisions that are in contravention with the provisions of this Act / Statutes / Rules / Regulations, its physical infrastructure such as buildings, laboratories, libraries, museums, workshops and, equipment, and of any institutions maintained by the University.
2. (2) The Government may also cause an enquiry to be made into the quality of teaching, research, and other work conducted in the University. The Government may also cause a performance audit of the University or its institutions or of any officer of the University other than the Chancellor. Provided that the Government shall give notice to the University of its intention to cause such inspection or enquiry or performance audit to be made and the University shall be entitled to be represented thereat.
3. (3) The Government shall forward a copy of the inspection or review or performance audit report, as the case may be, to the Vice-Chancellor for obtaining the views of the Executive Council. On receipt of the views of the Executive Council, the Government may tender such advice as it may consider necessary and fix a time limit for the action to be taken by the University on the advice tendered.
4. (4) The Executive Council shall, within such time as the Government may direct, report through the Vice-Chancellor the action taken or is proposed to be taken on the advice tendered by the Government.
5. (5) The Government may, where action has not been taken by the University, within the time fixed, to its satisfaction, and after considering any explanation furnished or representation made by the Executive Council, issue such directions as it may deem fit, and the University shall comply with such directions.

The following shall be the Officers of the University:

1. (i) The Chancellor
2. (ii) The Vice-Chancellor
3. (iii) The Principal of the University College
4. (iv) The Dean of the Faculty / School
5. (v) The Registrar
6. (vi) The Finance Officer, and
7. (vii) Such other persons as the Statutes may declare to be Officers of the University.

1. (1) The Governor of the State of Andhra Pradesh shall be the Chancellor of the University established or deemed to have been established under this Act.
2. (2) The Chancellor shall, by virtue of his office, be the Head of the University and shall, when present, preside at the Convocation of the University.
3. (3) The Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred on or vested in him by or under the provisions of this Act.
4. (4) The Chancellor may, by order in writing, annul any proceeding of the University, which is not in conformity with this Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations: Provided that before making any such order, the Chancellor shall give notice calling upon the University to show cause why such an order should not be made, and if any cause is shown within the time specified therefor in the said notice, shall consider the same.
5. (5) The Chancellor may initiate proceedings, consistent with the provisions of this Act, against any officer of the University for violation and / or endorsing the violations of the statutory provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations.

1. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be a person of proven competence, integrity, morals, and institutional commitment, and shall be a distinguished academician with a minimum of ten years of experience as a Professor in a University or ten years of experience in an equivalent position or above in a reputed research and / or academic administrative organization with proof of having demonstrated academic leadership.
2. (2) The person to be appointed as the Vice-Chancellor should not have completed sixty-five
3. (65) years of age on the date of his appointment.
4. (3) The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor shall be through the process of the Search Committee by a public notification or nomination or talent search process or a combination thereof. While preparing the panel, the Search Committee shall give proper weightage to the academic excellence, exposure to the higher education system in the country and abroad, and adequate experience in academic and administrative governance, to be given in writing along with the panel to be submitted to the Government.
5. (4) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the academic head and principal executive officer of the University, and shall exercise general control over its affairs. He shall be a whole time officer of the University.
6. (5) The Government shall constitute a Search Committee for the appointment of Vice-Chancellor. The Search Committee shall consist of nominees, one each, from
   • (a) The Executive Council of the University;
   • (b) The University Grants Commission;
   • (c) The State Government. Provided that the said nominees are persons of proven eminence in the field of higher education and are not connected in any manner with the University concerned or its colleges.
7. (6) The Search Committee shall, by following the procedure prescribed by the Government for the purpose, recommend to the Government a panel of three persons arranged in alphabetical order of their names. Provided that it shall be competent for the Government to call for a fresh panel if they consider it necessary, and in such a case the above Search Committee shall submit a fresh panel to the Government.
8. (7) The Government shall forward the said panel to the Chancellor who shall then appoint the Vice-Chancellor from among the persons named from that panel on the recommendations of the Government.
9. (8) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of four
10. (4) years from the date of his appointment, and he shall not be eligible for re-appointment to that office in the same University for another term.
11. (9) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section
12. (8) above, the Chancellor may, at any time after the Vice- Chancellor has taken charge, by order in writing, remove the Vice-Chancellor from office on proven grounds of incapacity, misconduct or violation of the provisions of this Act or any statutory regulations: Provided that no such order shall be made by the Chancellor unless the Vice-Chancellor was given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken against him. Provided further that the Chancellor may, at any time before making such order, place the Vice-Chancellor under suspension pending enquiry to be conducted by a sitting or retired Judge of the High Court / Supreme Court. Provided after that where the Lokayukta enquires into an allegation against the Vice-Chancellor under the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta, Act, 1983, then, notwithstanding anything contained in Section 12 of that Act, the Lokayukta shall submit the report to the Government, and the Chancellor shall act in accordance with the advice tendered by the Government on consideration of the report while exercising his powers under this Sub-Section.
13. (10) The Vice-Chancellor shall be paid such pay and allowances as may, by order, be specified by the Government from time to time. He shall be provided with furnished official accommodation for which he shall pay ten per cent of his pay towards rent.
14. (11) 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, the Government may appoint the Vice- Chancellor of a sister University in the State as the in-charge Vice- Chancellor.
15. (12) The In-charge Vice-Chancellor so appointed shall exercise the powers, perform the functions and discharge the duties of the Vice-Chancellor until the Vice-Chancellor resumes office or, as thecase may be, a new Vice-Chancellor is appointed in accordance with sub-sections
16. (2) to
17. (8) above.
18. (13) It shall be competent for the Chancellor to accept the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor. When the post of the Vice- Chancellor falls permanently vacant, either by resignation or otherwise, the vacancy shall be filled within a period not exceeding three
19. (3) months from the date on which the vacancy is caused, and the Vice-Chancellor so appointed shall hold office for a full term of four
20. (4) years:

Powers and Duties of the Vice-Chancellor

1. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall, by virtue of his office, be a member and Chairperson of the Executive Council and of the Academic Senate and shall preside at the Convocation of the University in the absence of the Chancellor.
2. (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to be present and address, at any stage, any meeting of any Authority of University, but not vote thereat, unless he is a member of the authority concerned.
3. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene meetings of the Executive Council and the Academic Senate.
4. (4) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to see that the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances, and Regulations are duly observed and he may exercise all powers necessary for this purpose.
5. (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall have power to interpret the provisions of this Act, the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations. Any person or authority aggrieved by such interpretation may appeal to the Executive Council within a period of one month from the date of receipt of the order, provided that such interpretation was given otherwise than at a meeting of the Executive Council.
6. (6) The Vice-Chancellor shall give effect to the decisions of the Authorities of the University taken in accordance with the powers conferred on him by or under this Act.
7. (7) It shall be responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to monitor and evaluate the quality and performance of the teaching and non-teaching staff and academic and administrative units of the University on the basis of predetermined criteria evolved for the purpose.
8. (8) The Vice-Chancellor shall take appropriate measures for a periodical review of the achievements of the University and shall place the same on public domain at the end of the academic year.
9. (9) The Vice-Chancellor shall have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
10. (10) When the Vice-Chancellor considers immediate action desirable with regard to any matter in which any officer or authority may take action, he may, subject to the general control of the Chancellor, take such action as may be necessary, but shall, as soon as may be, report the action taken to the officer or authority concerned.
    • (a) An appeal shall lie to the Executive Council against any action taken by the Vice-Chancellor under this sub-section affecting any person in the service of the University.

The Registrar

1. (1) The Registrar shall be a whole-time paid officer of the University appointed by the Executive Council for a term not exceeding three
2. (3) years on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
3. (2) He/she shall be from among the senior teachers and be on the rank of Professor. If a professor is not immediately available , an Associate Professor shall be appointed as full additional charge, until permanent is made.
4. (3) Subject to the general direction and control of the Vice- Chancellor, the Registrar shall be the Administrative Officer of the University. He shall entrust such duties and functions as are not covered by the Statutes to the employees of the University with the consent of the Vice-Chancellor.
5. (4) The Registrar shall act as the Member-Secretary of the Executive Council, the Academic Senate, and the Standing Committee of the Academic Senate.
6. (5) The Registrar shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

1. (1) There shall be a Dean of Faculty / School who shall be appointed by the Executive Council from among the senior teachers, preferably holding the post of Professor in a department of teaching in the Faculty / School concerned.
2. (2) The Dean shall hold office for a maximum period of three
3. (3) years from the date of his appointment or until he superannuates, whichever is earlier.
4. (3) The Dean shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
5. (4) In the temporary absence of a Dean or pending the filling up of the vacancy caused in any manner, the Vice-Chancellor may, until such time as the appointment is made, nominate preferably a Professor in the Faculty / School concerned to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Dean, provided that such temporary arrangement shall not exceed three
6. (3) months.

1. (1) The Principal of a University College shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor from among the permanent and senior teachers of the University working in the college concerned. The Principal shall ordinarily be of the rank of a Professor.
2. (2) The Principal shall hold office for a term decided by the Executive Council.
3. (3) The Principal shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

1. (1) The Finance Officer shall be a whole time officer of the University appointed by the Executive Council from out of a panel of. three officers obtained from the Government, and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the rules made by the Government in this behalf.
2. (2) The Finance Officer shall maintain the accounts of the University and advise the University on all matters relating to the income and expenditure of the University.
3. (3) The Finance Officer shall act as the Secretary of the Finance Committee and participate in the discussions thereof but shall not be entitled to vote thereat.
4. (4) The Finance Officer shall exercise such powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

The following shall be the Authorities of the University, namely:

1. (i) The Executive Council;
2. (ii) The Academic Senate;
3. (iii) Planning and Monitoring Board;
4. (iv) The Faculties;
5. (v) Boards of Studies and
6. (vi) Such other bodies as the Statutes may declare to be Authorities of the University.

1. (1) The Executive Council of the University shall consist of the following members:
   • (a) The Vice-Chancellor of the University;
   • (b) Secretary' to Government, Department of Higher Education (ex-officio);
   • (c) Secretary to Government, Department of Finance (ex-officio)-,
   • (d) Chairperson, A. P. State Council of Higher Education (ex-officio);
   • (e) Commissioner of Collegiate Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh (ex-officio);
   • (f) One Professor of the University (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
   • (g) The Principals of all three
2. (3) colleges shall be members;
   • (h) One of the Deans of Faculties / Schools (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
     • (i) One senior teacher from among the permanent teachers of the University Colleges / Schools (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
   • (j) One eminent person representing the Industry / Commerce / Banking (to be nominated by the Government);
   • (k) One eminent person representing education (to be nominated by the Government);
   • (l) One eminent person representing the legal profession (to be nominated by the Government);
3. (2) Every member of the Executive Council, other than the ex-officio members, shall hold office for a period of three
4. (3) years from the date of appointment / nomination subject to the pleasure of the Chancellor.
5. (3) The Executive Council shall meet at least once in three months, and may meet more often, if necessary.
6. (4) Upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than one third of the total number of the members of the Executive Council, the Vice-Chancellor shall convene a meeting of the Executive Council on a date appointed by him which shall not be later than seven days from the date of receipt of the requisition aforesaid.
7. (5) In the absence of the Vice-Chancellor from any meeting of the Executive Council, the members present at the meeting shall choose one among themselves to preside over the meeting.
8. (6) The quorum for a meeting of the Executive Council shall be four
9. (4) members of whom at least one shall be from among the ex-officio members.

1. (1) The Executive Council is the chief executive authority of the University which shall be responsible for strict adherence to the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations, and shall consider itself accountable in its sphere of activity. It shall have power to:
   • (i) foster creativity, originality, spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill and outcome based approaches in learning, teaching and research pursuits;
   • (ii) promote on-line learning and testing activities and promote interactive learning;
   • (iii) arrange a comprehensive annual academic audit of the various departments / centres / institutes in terms of parameters devised for the purpose every year to enhance quality;
   • (iv) direct the form, custody, and use of the common seal of the University;
   • (v) hold, control, and administer the property and funds of the University;
   • (vi) enter into, vary, carry out and cancel contracts on behalf of the University in exercise of the powers and duties assigned to it by this Act and the Statutes;
   • (vii) accept on behalf of the University, endowments, bequests, donations and other transfer of property made to it;
   • (viii) administer all funds placed at the disposal of the University for the specific purposes designated;
   • (ix) utilize temporarily the services of qualified persons, selected through an approved process of selection, for the purpose of teaching and administration on need basis and contractual terms on payment of appropriate remuneration;
   • (x) make, amend or repeal Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations;
   • (xi) conduct and determine all matters concerning the administration of the University in accordance with the Statutes, Ordinances, and Regulations.
   • (xii) Subject to such Statutes / Ordinances / Regulations as may be prescribed in this behalf, the Executive Council shall have the authority to:
   • (a) maintain the Cluster Colleges and establish and maintain Research Centres / School / Departments providing for dissemination of knowledge and advancement of research;
   • (b) confer autonomy on any college in the University area following the guidelines of the University Grants Commission; and likewise withdraw such autonomy in consultation with the Academic Senate and the University Grants Commission;
   • (c) grant recognition to reputed research institutions, and suspend or withdraw such recognition in consultation with the Academic Senate;
   • (d) cause inspection of recognized institutions and call for information from and / or reports on them as may be necessary;
   • (e) create posts of Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors as required by the University with the approval of the Government;
   • (f) appoint teachers of the University, of and above the rank of Assistant Professor, on the recommendations of a Selection Committee constituted for the purpose, provided that where the Executive Council rejects the selections recommended by the Selection Committee for reasons recorded in the minutes, the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor whose decision thereon shall be final;
   • (g) Make arrangements for engaging teachers on tenure or any other temporary basis as per requirement;
   • (h) make appropriate provisions as a transitory measure with regard to the existing permanent staff, teaching and non-teaching, of the three colleges forming the Cluster University by way of absorption / deputation of eligible staff for ensuring the conduct of class work, academic duties and administrative functions;
     • (i) invite any person of high and proven academic distinction and professional attainments to accept the post of Professor in the University and appoint him to that post;
   • (j) invite persons of the highest academic credentials from reputed universities / research institutes / industries in India and abroad as Guest Faculty including as Adjunct Professors;
   • (k) appoint non-teaching employees in approved vacancies on the recommendations of a Selection Committee constituted for the purpose;
   • (l) fix the emoluments of teachers and other employees of the University in accordance with the guidelines, if any, issued by the University Grants Commission and / or Government;
   • (m) define the duties and conditions of service for the teachers and other employees keeping in view the University's objectives and the requirements of performance and quality;
   • (n) punish, suspend or dismiss teachers or any other employees of the University from service on grounds of proven misconduct, indiscipline, inefficiency, dereliction of duty, sabotage, and such other causes in the manner prescribed by the Regulations;
   • (o) prescribe tuition and other fees for admission to courses of study, and examination fees for degree, diploma, certificate courses in the University;
   • (p) conduct University examinations by conventional and / or online modes;
   • (q) confer degrees and other academic distinctions on persons who have pursued approved courses of study and / or conducted research in the University and its constituents and have passed the prescribed examination conducted by the University in the manner prescribed by the Regulations;
   • (r) confer honorary degrees (honoris causa) or distinctions on eminent persons in the manner prescribed by the Statutes; award fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, studentships, medals and prizes to the students in accordance with Regulations made in this behalf;
   • (t) promote schemes that benefit the health and welfare of the students in the University;
   • (u) suspend, debar or rusticate any student of the University, in such circumstances and manner prescribed, for indulging in acts of ragging, indiscipline, misconduct, violence, sabotage, criminal behaviour against any teacher / officer / authority / employee of the University, or for offending their modesty, and for jeopardizing the peace in the University / College campuses in any manner;
     • (v) establish, equip, and maintain hostels, laboratories, libraries, museums, University Publication Centre, University Printing Press, Employment & Information Bureau, University Extension Boards, University Sports Boards, and other similar Associations;
   • (w) delegate any of its powers to the Vice- Chancellor or to a Committee from among its own members or to any officer of the University;
     • (x) prescribe all types of allowances including travelling allowances;
   • (y) cause the preparation of annual reports, annual accounts and the financial estimates of the University for submission to the Academic Senate;
   • (z) exercise such powers requisite for achieving good governance, enhancement of performance, benchmarking of practices, promoting academic coordination and collaboration, net-working with reputed institutions in pursuit of excellence, and promoting academic growth;
   • (aa) . exercise all the powers of the University, not otherwise provided for, but requisite to give effect to the provisions of the Act and to pursue the objectives and functions of the University.

The Annual Accounts of the University of the preceding financial year shall be prepared under the direction of the Executive Council within three

1. (3) months after the closure of previous financial year, and shall be submitted to such audit as the Government may direct before the end of the financial year. The accounts so audited shall be published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette and copies thereof together with copies of the audit report shall be submitted to the Academic Senate and to the Government, not later than two years from the end of the financial year to which the accounts relate.

The Executive Council shall cause the preparation, with the assistance of the Finance Officer, before such date as may be prescribed by the Statutes, the budget estimates for the ensuing financial year along with annual accounts, whether audited or not, of the preceding financial year, and the same shall be submitted to the Academic Senate.

Annual Report The Executive Council shall cause the preparation of an Annual Report of the activities, progress, and performance of the University in a format approved by it and the same shall be sent to the Academic Senate on or before such date as may be prescribed by the Statutes. The Annual Report shall be considered by the Academic Senate at its next annual meeting.

Power to incur unforeseen expenditure The Executive Council may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, incur any expenditure for which no provision has been made in the budget or which is in excess of the amount provided in the budget, but a report of such expenditure incurred shall be made to the Academic Senate at its next meeting for approval.

1. (1) The Academic Senate of the University shall consist of the following members:
   • (a) All the members of the Executive Council (ex-officio);
   • (b) All the Deans of the Faculties / Schools (ex-officio);
   • (c) All Principals of the University Colleges (ex-officio);
   • (d) All the members of the Planning and Monitoring Board (ex-officio);
   • (e) Three
2. (3) Professors / Senior Teachers from the University Colleges, by rotation (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
   • (f) Four
3. (4) academicians from outside the University of whom at least one shall belong to the Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Backward Classes, and one shall be a woman (to be nominated by the Government);
   • (g) Three
4. (3) persons of eminence representing professional fields like medicine, engineering, business, law, banking, etc. (to be nominated by the Government);
   • (h) One person belonging to the non-teaching staff employed in the University (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
     • (i) Three
5. (3) students, selected on merit basis, of whom one shall be from under-graduate classes, one from postgraduate classes, and one from among Ph.D. scholars; (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
   • (j) One Librarian of the University College (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
   • (k) One Physical Director of the University College (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
   • (l) Two senior scientists / fellows from reputed Research Laboratories or Institutions (to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor);
   • (m) One member each of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council representing constituencies in the jurisdiction of the University (to be nominated by the Government).
6. (2) The Academic Senate shall be re-constituted every three years at or about the same time as the Executive Council. The ex-officio members of the Academic Senate shall, however, continue to hold office till the date of re-constitution.
7. (3) The Academic Senate shall meet at least twice in an academic year, and the quorum for the meetings of the Academic Senate shall be one third of the total membership of the body or twelve (12), whichever is less.

1. (1) The Academic Senate shall have the powers to grant permission for instruction and training in such branches of learning as it deems fit. It shall exercise general supervision over the academic policies of the University and provide leadership for raising the standards and quality of education and research in the University.
2. (2) The Academic Senate shall have power to:
   • (a) consider the recommendations of the respective Boards of Studies with regard to academic regulations and the syllabi of different courses;
   • (b) consider the Annual Report and budget estimates presented by the Executive Council;
   • (c) advise the Executive Council on all academic matters, including the control and management of the libraries;
   • (d) constitute the Faculties / Schools as may be prescribed;
   • (e) formulate, modify, or revise schemes for the constitution or reconstitution of departments of teaching;
   • (f) recommend to the Executive Council the creation of the posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor and other teaching posts; and prescribe their duties, conditions of service, emoluments, requirements of performance and quality;
   • (g) make Regulations for a consortium to encourage co-operation, reciprocity, and knowledge transfer among universities and colleges with a view to promoting active academic life;
   • (h) recommend to the Executive Council periodic review of the functioning and performance of any / all of the academic units of the University for promoting accountability in their functioning;
     • (i) make Regulations regarding the admission of students to the University;
   • (j) make Regulations relating to courses, examinations, and the conditions on which students shall be admitted to examinations for the degrees of the University;
   • (k) make Regulations / recommendations regarding skill development initiatives to be aligned with courses of study;
   • (l) decide on the conditions under which exemptions relating to the admission of students to examinations may be given;
   • (m) delegate any of its powers to the Standing Committee of the Academic Senate and / or to the Vice- Chancellor to execute any of its functions assigned by this Act.

1. (1) There shall be a Planning and Monitoring Board for the University consisting of the following members who are nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, except as stated otherwise:
   • (a) The Vice-Chancellor (Chairperson);
   • (b) One Principal of the University College / Constituent College;
   • (c) One Dean of the Faculty / School;
   • (d) Coordinator, Internal Quality Assurance Cell;
   • (e) One Director of a National Scientific Research Laboratory;
   • (f) One Director of a National Research Organization in Social Sciences / Humanities;
   • (g) One eminent educationist from the fields of Law / Management / Education / Engineering, and such other fields;
   • (h) One expert in Computer Science (to be nominated by the Computer Society of India / National Association of Software and Services Companies);
     • (i) One Educationist (to be nominated by the Chancellor);
   • (j) One Educationist (to be nominated by the UGC);
2. (2) The Board shall be the principal planning and review body and will function as prescribed by the Statutes. It shall also arrange for periodical monitoring of the development programmes and of teaching and research in the University, as specified in the Statutes.
3. (3) It shall be competent for the Board to cause the preparation of a five-year Perspective Plan for the University for promoting teaching-learning, research and development, and collaboration with the industry in consultation with such experts as may be necessary and oversee its implementation periodically.
4. (4) The recommendations of the Board shall be placed before the Executive Council / the Academic Senate as the case may be for approval.
5. (5) The Board shall meet at least twice in an academic year.

1. (1) The University shall have such Faculties / Schools as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
2. (2) Each Faculty / School shall consist of such departments of teaching as may be prescribed by the Statutes;
3. (3) The constitution and functions of the Faculties / Schools shall be prescribed by Statutes. (4)
   • (a) There shall be a Dean for each Faculty / School who shall be appointed by the Executive Council from among the members of the faculty concerned on the recommendations of the Vice-Chancellor;
   • (b) The terms and conditions of office of the Dean shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

There shall be a separate Board of Studies for each department of teaching. The constitution and functions of the Boards of Studies shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

Disqualification for Membership / Appointment No person shall be qualified for nomination or continuation as a member of any of the Authorities or appointment as an officer of the University, if he

1. (a) is of unsound mind, a minor, a mute; or
2. (b) applied to be adjudicated as an insolvent or is an un-discharged insolvent ;
3. (c) has been convicted and sentenced by a criminal court to imprisonment for a period of more than one year for an offence involving moral turpitude unless such sentence has been reversed or the offence has been pardoned or a period of five years has elapsed from the date of the expiration of the sentence.

Save as otherwise provided, if any question arises as to whether a person has been duly nominated or is entitled to be a member of any Authority of the University, the question shall be referred to the Chancellor, whose decision thereon shall be final.

All the Authorities of the University shall have power to appoint Committees.

Proceedings of the University Authorities not invalidated by vacancies No act or proceeding of any Authority of the University shall be deemed invalid by reason only of some defect in the constitution of the Authority or by reason of the existence of a vacancy or vacancies among members.

1. (1) Save as otherwise provided, the Executive Council, the Finance Committee, and the Academic Senate shall be reconstituted at or about the same time every three years.
2. (2) No member of an authority specified in sub-section
3. (1) who is appointed or nominated in his capacity as the holder of a particular office of appointment shall continue to be a member of such Authority on his ceasing to be the holder of the particular office or appointment.
4. (3) Where an appointed or nominated member of an Authority specified in sub-section
5. (1) is appointed temporarily to any of the offices by virtue of which he is entitled to be a member of that Authority ex-officio, he shall, by notice in writing signed by him and communicated to the Vice-Chancellor within seven clear days from the date of taking charge of his temporary appointment, choose whether he will continue to be a member of that authority by virtue of his appointment or nomination, or vacate office as such member and become a member ex-officio by virtue of his temporary appointment, and the choice once exercised shall be final.

Registered Graduates All graduates of the University and holders of degrees and diplomas, which are recognized as equivalent to a degree, shall be entitled to have their names enrolled in the Register of Registered Graduates and to enjoy all privileges of registration.

1. (1) The Academic Senate may, on the recommendation of not less than two thirds of the members of the Executive Council, and by the votes of a majority of the total membership of the Academic Senate of whom two thirds of the members of the Academic Senate present and voting in support of the motion, remove the name of any person from the register of graduates and remove any person from the membership of any Authority of the University if he has been convicted by a court of law of what in the opinion of the Academic Senate is an offence involving moral turpitude or if he has been guilty of scandalous conduct, and for the same reasons may withdraw any degree or diploma conferred on him or granted to him by the University.
2. (2) The Academic Senate may also remove any person from the membership of any Authority of the University if he becomes of unsound mind or a mute or has applied to be, or is adjudicated as an insolvent.

1. (1) No attendance at any institution other than that at the University Colleges / Schools or recognized institutions of the University, except such attendance as is combined by approved credit transfer or approved Massive Open On-line Courses (MOOC), shall qualify a candidate for admission to an examination of the University.
2. (2) The courses of study and curricula at the Recognized Institutes shall be those prescribed / approved by the University.

1. (1) No student shall be eligible for admission to a course of study qualifying for admission to a University examination unless he has passed the examination prescribed as the qualifying examination for admission to such course or an examination recognized by the Academic Senate as equivalent thereto and possesses such other qualification, if any, as may be prescribed.
2. (2) Every candidate for a University examination shall, unless exempted in accordance with the Ordinances and Regulations prescribed, be an enrolled member of the University Colleges or Institutions or Schools of the University.

The University shall recognize every degree conferred or diploma granted by any other recognized University in the State and approved by the University Grants Commission as equivalent to the corresponding degree or diploma conferred or granted by the University.

Right of Appeal Every employee or student of the University shall, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, have a right to appeal to the Executive Council against the decision of any officer of the University affecting such employee or student, within one month from the date of communication of the decision, and thereupon the Executive Council may confirm, modify, or reverse the decision appealed against.

The University shall appoint an Ombudsman for resolving the grievances of the teachers, and other employees of the University. The University shall comply with the orders of the Ombudsman.

Grievance Redressal Committee for Students

1. (1) The Executive Council shall constitute a Grievance Redressal Committee for the University Colleges to resolve the grievances of the students. The constitution, term, functions, meaning and procedure for redressal of grievances shall be as provided and detailed in the UGC Regulations on this subject and in accordance with the Ordinance made for the purpose.
2. (2) The University shall have a 'Student Grievance Redressal Portal" to facilitate the students / complainants to lodge their grievance, send reminders, and view the status of action taken on their grievances.
3. (3) Any person / College aggrieved by the decision of the Grievance Redressal Committee may prefer to appeal to the Executive Council within one month from the date of communication of its decision.

Appointment of Teachers & Other Employees

1. (1) Save as otherwise provided, every employee, including teachers of the University, shall be appointed under a written contract and the conditions of service relating to them shall be as prescribed.
2. (2) The faculty who fits into UGC Regulations and offered their willingness to become permanent teachers shall be considered.
3. (3) The University shall appoint teachers in all the remaining posts thereof and Government needs to provide additional Annual Budgetary Grants for pay and pension requirements.
4. (4) In the case of Employees other than teaching staff, a procedure similar to the above shall be followed for sustenance of the three
5. (3) constituent colleges.
6. (5) The contract shall be lodged with the Registrar and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the employee or teacher concerned.
7. (6) Any dispute arising out of a contract between the University and any employee may be referred by the Vice- Chancellor to the Executive Council or a Sub-Committee consisting of such members of the Executive Council as may be nominated by it.
8. (7) The qualifications and selection criteria for appointment of teachers in the University and for promotions under Career Advanced Scheme or similar schemes shall be as specified in the Regulations issued from time to time by the University Grants Commission
   • (UGC) and /or such other appropriate regulatory bodies in the country and as the University may declare by an Ordinance.
9. (8) The appointment of employees, other than teachers, in the University and the promotion to each cadre shall be in accordance with the qualifications and selection criteria prescribed by the Executive Council provided that a minimum of fifty (50%) of the promotions in each cadre shall be made by merit.

Constitution of Selection Committees for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers under the CAS

1. (1) The Selection Committee constituted for appointment to the posts of Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors, under direct recruitment and under the Career Advancement Scheme, shall be as laid down by the UGC Regulations on "Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education 2018" dated 18th July 2018 and such other Notifications as may be issued from time to time by the UGC and /or such other relevant regulatory bodies and the orders of the Government of Andhra Pradesh thereon: Provided that the subject experts to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor are selected from a panel of names recommended each year by the Board of Studies in the subject concerned and approved by the Executive Council; Provided further 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 also that no teacher, holding a post lower in rank than the one to which appointment is to be made, shall be a member of the Selection Committee.
2. (2) The quorum for the meetings of the Selection Committee shall have minimum of five
3. (5) members, which shall necessarily include the Chairperson and two
4. (2) subject experts.
5. (3) The Registrar shall be the Secretary of the Selection Committee.

1. (1) The University shall have a general fund to which shall be credited.
   • (a) contribution of grants made by the State Government in the form of block grant, which shall not be less than the salaries and pension of the serving and retired employees respectively of the University;
   • (b) the income received by the University from various types of fees and charges.
2. (2) The said fund accounts shall be kept in a Nationalized Bank as decided by the Executive Council.
3. (3) The said funds may be utilized for the purposes of the University in the manner prescribed by the Statutes.

The University shall have such other funds and maintain such accounts as the Executive Council may determine on the recommendation of the Finance Committee.

1. (1) There shall be a Finance Committee, which is a Sub-Committee of the Executive Council, with the following members, namely: