The Assam Skill University (Amendment) Act, 2024

1. (1) This Act may be called the Assam Skill University (Amendment) Act, 2024.
2. (2) It shall have the like extent as the principal Act.
3. (3) It shall come into force at once.

In the principal Act, in section 11, in clause (a), in third line, for the word “three” appearing in between the words “exceeding” and “years”, the word “five” shall be substituted.

1. (a) There shall continue to be a body corporate by the name of the Assam Skill University comprising of the Chancellor, Vice- Chancellor, the members of the Court, the Executive Council, the Skill Council of the University and all persons, who may hereafter become or be appointed as such officers or members, so long as they continue to hold such office or membership.
2. (b) The University shall have perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold and dispose of property and to contract, and may by the said name sue or be sued.

Objects of the University 4. The University shall have the following objects, namely:-

1. (a) to emerge as one of the foremost institution of quality in skill education recognized by industry, nationally and internationally;
2. (b) to develop qualified youth with skill proficiency and competency at different levels as per National/State qualifications of skill education;
3. (c) to promote skill education in an integrated and holistic manner with higher education to ensure pathways for progression and mobility;
4. (d) to provide opportunities for flexible learning systems and skill development;
5. (e) to frame credit framework for competency based skill and vocational education;
6. (f) to exchange expertise and best practices in support of skill developments efforts with any other college, institution, organization, university etc.;
7. (g) to disseminate knowledge/skill through seminars, conferences, executive education programmes, community development programmes, publications and training programmes;
8. (h) to undertake programmes for the training and development of faculty members and teachers of the University and other institutions;
   • (i) to undertake collaborative research and development with other organizations;
9. (j) to create entrepreneurs by providing necessary skill and support;
10. (k) to provide consultancy to government, semi-government, public and private industries;
11. (l) to create an Industry Academia partnership by inviting industry and institutions for mutual benefits;
12. (m) to ensure that the standard of degree, diploma, certificates and other academic distinctions are not lower than those laid down by statutory regulatory authorities in India; and
13. (n) to pursue any other objects, as may be prescribed.

1. (a) The limits of the area within which the University shall exercise itspowers, shall be such, as the Government may, from time to time,by notification, specify: Provided that different areas may be specified for different faculties.
2. (b) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other State law for the time being in force, any college or institution situated within the limits of the areas specified under clause(a) shall, with effect from such date, as may be notified in this behalf by the Government, be deemed to be associated with, and admitted to, the privileges of the University and shall cease to be associated in any way with, or be admitted to, the privileges of any other University, and different dates may be notified for different colleges or institution: Provided that,-
   • (i) any student of any college or institution, associated with or admitted to, any other university before the said date, who was studying for any degree, diploma or certificate examination of that university, shall be permitted to complete his course in preparation thereof and the University shall hold for such studentsexaminations in accordance with the curricula of study in force in that university, for such period, as may be prescribed by the Statutes, Acts and Regulations;
   • (ii) any such student may, until any such examination is held by the University, be admitted to the examination of the other university and be conferred the degree, diploma, certificate or any other privilege of that university for which he qualifies on the result of such examination.

The University shall exercise the following powers and perform the following functions, namely:-

1. (a) to provide facilities and promote trainings, studies and research in emerging areas of skill, including new frontiers of manufacturing, textile, design, logistics and transportation, automation, maintenance, information technology, healthcare, construction, banking and finance, marketing, hospitality etc. and also to achieve excellence in enhancement in these and connected fields;
2. (b) to develop credit framework in accordance with the National Occupational Standards as specified by the National Skill Qualification Framework;
3. (c) to develop curriculum packages of skill at different levels, as may be defined by the University or by the National Skill Qualification Framework;
4. (d) to define norms and parameters of skill education, teaching and instruction, consistent with the credit framework and curriculum packages, as the University may deem fit;
5. (e) to award degrees, diplomas, certificates and other distinctions;
6. (f) to define norms of examination or any other measure of assessment of knowledge and competency of a student for admission to the University or institution;
7. (g) to hold examinations or other assessments of knowledge or competency, or accredit the examination or other assessment system of institution, as the University may, from time to time determine;
8. (h) to recognize industries or training centres for the purposes of practical training of students in skill and to define norms for recognition of competency attained by a student in such practical training in industry or training centre for the purpose of earning credits;
   • (i) to lay down norms for transfer of credits to promote new learning opportunities without compromising on learning outcomes;
9. (j) to appoint persons possessing significant experience, knowledge and competency, as adjunct, guest or visiting faculty of the University, on such terms and for such duration, as the University may decide;
10. (k) to lay down parameters for assessment and accreditation of skill educators and training providers in accordance with the norms specified under the National Skill Qualification Framework, or such other norms, as may be determined by the University;
11. (l) to determine, specify and receive payment of fees and other charges, from students, institution, industry or body corporate for instructions and other services, including training, consultancy and advisory services, provided by the University, as the University may deem fit;
12. (m) to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of any property belonging to or vested in the University, in such manner, as the University may deem fit;
13. (n) to receive gifts, grants, donations or benefactions from the Central Government and the State Government and to receive bequests, donations and transfer of movable or immovable properties from testators, donors or transferors, as the case may be;
14. (o) to establish its own school to provide skill education, for identification and recognition of prior learning of skill;
15. (p) to establish and maintain such infrastructure including campuses and training centres within its territorial jurisdiction;
16. (q) to institute and award fellowship, scholarships, exhibitions, prizes and medals;
17. (r) to collaborate with any other Indian or foreign university or institution in offering joint degree programmes for bridging skill education with higher education; to promote national and international collaboration with institutions of skill education for the purpose of developing competency, knowledge and ability to global standards;
18. (t) to establish its own production house, research and development centre, incubation centre, retail house or service centre or any other centre which shall provide practical training to enhance skill level of youth; and
19. (u) to do all such things as may be necessary, incidental or

The University shall be open to all persons irrespective of sex, race, creed, caste or class and no test or condition shall be imposed as to religion, belief or profession in admitting or appointing

All teaching in the University shall be conducted by and in the name of the University in accordance with the Statutes, Acts and Regulations made in this behalf.

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

1. (a) the Chancellor;
2. (b) the Vice-Chancellor;
3. (c) the Registrar;
4. (d) Controller of Examinations;and
5. (e) Such other persons in the service of the University, as may be declared by the Statutes to be officers of the University.

1. (a) The Chief Minister of Assam by virtue of his office shall be the Chancellor of the University.
2. (b) The Chancellor shall be the Head of the University.
3. (c) The Chancellor shall, if present, preside over the convocation of the University for conferring degrees and meetings of the Court.
4. (d) The Chancellor shall have the right,-
   • (i) to cause an inspection to be made by such person or persons, as he may direct, of the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, and equipment of any college or institution maintained by the University and also of the examinations, teaching and other work conducted and done by the University;
   • (ii) to cause an inquiry to be made in like manner in respect of any matter connected with the administration of finances of the University, colleges or institutions.
5. (e) The Chancellor shall, in every case, give notice to the University of his intention to cause an inspection or inquiry to be made and on receipt of such notice, the University shall have the right to make such representation to the Chancellor, as it may consider necessary.

1. (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the first Vice- Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the advice of the State Government for such period not exceeding five years, as deemed appropriate by the State Government.
2. (b) The Vice-chancellor shall be appointed from the field of Technology, Sciences, Public Administration, Skill Development and Management, Technical education, Higher education, etc.
3. (c) The State Government shall constitute a Search Committee consisting of two nominees of the Chancellor and one nominee of the Executive Council, three months prior to the expiry of term of the Vice- Chancellor, which shall prepare a panel of at least three names, in alphabetical order, from which the Chancellor shall appoint the Vice-Chancellor, on the advice of the State Government. The terms and conditions of service of the Vice-Chancellor shall be determined by the Chancellor, on the advice of the State Government.
4. (d) Like all other Universities of the State, the Vice Chancellor shall be the whole time officer of the University who shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re- appointment: Provided that the Vice Chancellor shall cease to hold the office on attaining 70 years.
5. (e) If the Vice-Chancellor is unable to perform his duties owing to his temporary incapacity on account of illness or any other reason, or the office of the Vice-Chancellor falls vacant due to death, resignation or otherwise, the Chancellor may make arrangements for the performance of duties of the Vice- Chancellor until the existing Vice-Chancellor is able to resume his office or until a regular Vice- Chancellor is appointed, as the case may be.
6. (f) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University and shall exercise general supervision and control over the affairs of the University and give effect to the decisions of all the authorities of the University.
7. (g) The Vice-Chancellor may, if he is of the opinion that immediate action is necessary on any matter, exercise any power conferred on any authority of the University by or under this Act, except in the matters involving creation or abolition of a faculty, department or post and the matter involving appointment or removal of an employee: Provided that the Vice-Chancellor before exercising powers under this section shall record in writing the reasons, why the matter cannot wait till the meeting of the authority concerned: Provided further that if the authority concerned is of the opinion that such action ought not to have been taken, it may refer the matter to the Chancellor, whose decision thereon shall be final: Provided further that any person in the service of the University who is aggrieved by the action taken by the Vice- Chancellor under this sub-section shall have the right to represent to the Executive Council within one month from the date on which decision on such action is communicated to him and thereupon the Executive Council may confirm, modify or reverse the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor. The employee shall be informed that the action has been taken under emergency powers.
8. (h) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties, as may be prescribed by the Statutes or Acts.
   • (i) The Chancellor may, on the advice of the State Government, cause an inquiry to be held in accordance with the principles of natural justice, and remove the Vice-Chancellor from office, if he is found on such inquiry, to be a person patently unfit to be continued in such office: Provided that the Chancellor may curtail working powers and functions of Vice -Chancellor in case he is of the opinion that an ongoing matter in a complaint against the Vice - Chancellor is serious enough to be an impediment in discharging the duties of the Vice - Chancellor and may make arrangements for the performance of the duties of Vice- Chancellor until the existing Vice-Chancellor is able to resume his office or until a regular Vice-Chancellor is appointed, as the case may be.

1. (a) The Registrar shall be appointed by the Executive Council on the advice of the State Government on such terms, conditions and remunerations as may be prescribed.
2. (b) A Joint Secretary Level Officer to the Government of Assam may be appointed as the Registrar of the University.
3. (c) The Registrar shall be a whole time salaried officer of the University and the term of the Registrar shall be for five years but he may be eligible for re-appointment. The Registrar shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the University. He shall work directly under the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice-

Controller of Examinations

1. (a) The Controller of Examinations shall be the whole time salaried officer of the University and shall appointed by the Executive Council on the advice of the State Government on such terms, conditions and remunerations as may be prescribed.
2. (b) A Senior most Secretary to the Government of Assam, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department may be appointed as the Controller of Examinations. Responsibilities like holding Examination and declaring results of the University shall not be commensurate to the Senior most Secretary to the Government of Assam, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department.
3. (c) It shall be the duty of the Controller of Examinations to hold Various examinations of the University, its constituent institutions if any.
4. (d) The Controller of Examinations shall be the authority to hold examinations and shall ensure that the results are declared in time.

The manner of appointment and powers and functions of other officers of the University shall be such, as may be prescribed by the

Authorities of the University

1. (a) The following shall be the Authorities of the University, namely:-
   • (i) the Court;
   • (ii) the Executive Council;
   • (iii) the Skill Council;
   • (iv) the Finance Committee;
   • (v) the Faculties;
   • (vi) the Planning Board; and
   • (vii) such other Authorities as may be declared by the Statutes to be the Authorities of the University.
2. (b) The constitution, functions, and powers of the authorities shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

1. (a) The Constitution of the Court, and the term of office of its members shall be prescribed by the Statutes.
2. (b) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Court shall have the following powers and functions, namely:-
   • (i) to review, from time to time, the broad policies and programmes of the University and to suggest measures for the improvement and development of the University;
   • (ii) to consider and pass resolution on the annual report, annual budget and the annual accounts of the University and on the audit report of such accounts;
   • (iii) to advise the Chancellor in respect of any matter which may be referred to it for advice; and
   • (iv) to perform such other functions, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

1. (a) The Executive Council shall be the principal executive body of the University.
2. (b) The constitution of the Executive Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

1. (a) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic body of the University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes and Acts, co-ordinate and exercise general supervisions over all academic policies of the University.
2. (b) The constitution of the Academic Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

The constitution and functions of the Faculties shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

The constitution of the Finance Committee, the term of office of its members, and its powers and functions shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

The constitution and functions of the Planning Board shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

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

1. (a) the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities and other bodies of the University, as may be constituted from time to time;
2. (b) the classification, mode of appointment, powers and duties of the teachers and the officers of the University;
3. (c) the conditions of service including provision for pension or provident fund or insurance scheme for the benefit of the employees of the University;
4. (d) the conferment of honorary degrees;
5. (e) the establishment and abolition of faculties and departments;
6. (f) the institution of fellowships, scholarships studentships, exhibitions, medals and prizes;
7. (g) the maintenance of discipline among the students;
8. (h) the conditions under which colleges and institutions may be admitted to the privileges of the University and the withdrawal of the same;
   • (i) the delegation of powers vested in the authorities or officers of the University; and
9. (j) all other matters which by this Act are to be or may be provided for, by the Statutes.

1. (a) On the commencement of this Act, the Statutes of the University shall be

Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, the Acts of the University shall provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-

1. (a) the admission of students to the University and their enrolment as such;
2. (b) the courses of study to be laid down for all degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University;
3. (c) the conditions under which students shall be admitted to the degree or diploma courses and to the examination of the University and shall be eligible for degrees and diplomas;
4. (d) the fee to be charged for courses of study in the University and for admission to the examinations, degree and diplomas of the University; and further to make progressively the fee structure so flexible that the courses could become self-financing to the extent possible;
5. (e) the conditions of the award of fellowships, studentships, exhibition, medals and prizes;
6. (f) the conduct of examinations, including the term of office and manner of appointment and the duties of examiners, moderators and assessors;
7. (g) the conditions of residence of students of the University; and
8. (h) all other matters which by this Act or the Statutes are to be made or may be provided for by the Acts.

1. (a) The Acts shall be made, amended, repealed or added to by the Executive Council: Provided that no Act shall be made,-
   • (i) affecting the admission or enrolment of students or prescribing examinations to be recognized as equivalent to the University examinations; and
   • (ii) affecting the conditions, mode of appointment or duties of examiners or the conduct or standard of examination or any course of study, unless the draft of such an Act has been proposed by the Skill Council.
2. (b) The Executive Council may return to the Skill Council for reconsideration, either in whole or in part, any draft proposed by the Skill Council under sub-section a) along with its suggestions: Provided that the Executive Council shall not amend the draft proposed by the Skill Council itself. It may, however, reject such draft, if not found suitable when submitted to it by the Skill Council for the second time.
3. (c) All Acts made by the Executive Council shall have effect from such date, as it may direct and every Act made shall be communicated, as soon as may be, to the Chancellor

1. (a) The Authorities of the University may make Regulations consistent with this Act, the Statutes and the Acts,-
   • (i) laying down the procedure to be observed at their meetings; and
   • (ii) providing for all matters which by this Act, the Statutes or the Acts are to be prescribed by Regulations.
2. (b) Every authority of the University shall make Regulations providing for 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 keeping of a record of the proceedings of the meetings.

The annual report of the University giving details of broadprogrammes, policies and finances, amendments of Statutes and Acts made during the year under report, shall be prepared under the directions of the Executive Council and shall be submitted to the Court on or after such date, as may be prescribed by the Statutes and the Court shall consider the report at its annual meeting.

1. (a) The University shall have a General Fund to which shall be credited-
   • (i) its income from fees, grants, donations and gifts, if any;
   • (ii) any contribution or grant made by the Central/State Government, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, National Skill Development Agency, National Skill Development Corporation, University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education or like authority, any local authority or any corporation owned or controlled by the State Government;
   • (iii) endowments and other receipts.
2. (b) The University may have such other funds, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
3. (c) The funds and all moneys of the University shall be managed in such a manner, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
4. (d) The State Government may, every year, provide grant-in-aid to facilitate and promote studies and research.

1. (a) The annual accounts and the balance sheet of the University shall be prepared under the directions of the Executive Council and shall at least once every year and at intervals of not more than fifteen months be audited by the Director, Local Fund Accounts, Assam or any other auditor that may be appointed by the State Government. The annual accounts when audited shall be published in the Assam Government Gazette and a copy of the annual accounts along with the report of the Director, Local Fund Accounts or the auditor shall be submitted to the Court and the Chancellor along with the observations of the Executive Council. Any observations made by the Chancellor on the annual accounts shall be brought to the notice of the Court and observations of the Court, if any, shall after being considered by the Executive Council, be submitted to the Chancellor.
2. (b) The annual accounts of the University shall also be submitted to the State Government at the time of its submission to the Chancellor.

1. (a) Every salaried officer and teacher, except the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, shall be appointed under a written contract, which shall be lodged with the University and any dispute arising out of a contract between the University and officer or teacher shall, at the request of the teacher or officer concerned or at the instance of the University, be referred to a Tribunal of arbitration consisting of one member appointed by the Executive Council, one member nominated by the officer or teacher concerned and

1. (a) The University shall institute, for the benefit of its officers, teachers and other employees, provident fund and insurance fund on the pattern of the Government employees.
2. (b) Where any provident fund and insurance fund have been so constituted, the provisions of the Provident Fund Act, 1925 shall be applicable.

Vacancy not to Invalidate proceedings. 32. No act done, or proceeding taken, under this Act by any authority or other body of the University shall be invalid merely on the ground of any,-

1. (a) vacancy or defect in the constitution of the authority or body;
2. (b) defect or irregularity in election, nomination or appointment of a person acting as a member thereof; or
3. (c) defect or irregularity in such act or proceeding, not affecting the merits of the case

If any question arises whether any person has been duly elected or appointed as, or is entitled to be, a member of any authority or other body of the University, matter shall be referred to the Chancellor, whose decision thereon shall be final.

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may, do anything not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the University shall not create any teaching and non-teaching posts or revise the payscales of the teaching and non-teaching employees without obtaining the prior approval of the State Government: Provided that the State Government may delegate its powers under this section to the Vice-Chancellor or the Executive Council as and when the need arises for smooth functioning and growth of the University.

No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against any officer or employee of the University for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or Acts.

1. (a) The Vice-Chancellor shall be ex-officio Chairman of the Executive Council, the Skill Council and the Finance Committee, and shall, in the absence of the Chancellor, preside over the convocations of the University held for conferring degrees and over the meetings of the Court. The Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to be present at, and to address, any meeting of any authority or other body of the University but shall not be entitled to vote thereat, unless he is a member of such authority or body. (b) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to see that the provisions of the Act, the Statutes, the Acts and the Regulations are duly observed and he shall take all necessary steps to ensure such observance. (c) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene or cause to be convened meetings of the Court, the Executive Council, the Skill Council, the Finance Committee and any other authority or body of the University. (d) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise general control over the affairs of the University and shall give effect to the decisions of the authorities of the University. (e) The decision of the Vice-Chancellor regarding seniority for nomination to the various authorities or bodies of the University shall be final.