The GIM University Act, 2026
The GIM University Act, 2026
1. Short title and commencement
- (1) This Act may be called the GIM University Act, 2026.
- (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
- (a) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University;
- (b) “AICTE” means the All India Council for Technical Education established under Section 3 of the All India Council for Technical Education Act, 1987 (Central Act 52 of 1987);
- (c) “Board” means the Board of Studies, Board of Faculties, the Planning Board, or any other Board of the University;
- (d) “Chancellor”, “Vice-Chancellor” and “Pro-Vice-Chancellor” mean respectively the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University;
- (e) “Dean” means a Dean of the constituent unit of the University;
- (f) “Employee” means any person appointed by the University and includes a teacher or any other member of the staff of the University;
- (g) “Executive Council” means the Executive Council of the University;
- (h) “Government” means the Government of Goa;
- (i) “Governing Body” means the Governing Body of the University;
- (j) “Hostel” means a place of residence for Scholars/Students of the University;
- (k) “Institute” means the Goa Institute of Management;
- (l) “Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)” means Post Graduate Diploma in Management and includes Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Health Care Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Big Data Analytics, Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Banking, Insurance & Financial Services, Post Graduate Diploma in Management in International Dual Degree in Analytics, and Hybrid Post Graduate Diploma in Management;
- (m) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
- (n) “Registrar”, “Dean/Deans of School/s”, “Chief Finance Officer” and “Controller of Examinations” means respectively, the Registrar, the Dean/Deans of School/s, the Chief Finance Officer and the Controller of Examinations of the University;
- (o) “Regulatory Body” means the statutory bodies established by the Central Government from time to time, such as the University Grants Commission, and includes the All-India Council for Technical Education, the Bar Council of India, the Distance Education Council, the Dental Council of India, the Indian Nursing Council, the National Council for Teacher Education, Central Council for Indian Medicine and the Pharmacy Council of India;
- (p) “Regulatory Authority” means the Regulatory Authority appointed by the Government;
- (q) “School” means a constituent unit of the University;
- (r) “Society” means the Goa Institute of Management Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Central Act No. 21 of 1860), which is the sponsoring body of the University; “State” means the State of Goa;
- (t) “Statutes”, “Ordinances”, “Regulations”, and “Rules” mean respectively the Statutes, the Ordinances, the Regulations, and the Rules of the University;
- (u) “Student” means a student enrolled in the register of the University;
- (v) “Study Centre” means a Centre established, maintained or recognised by the University for the purpose of advising, counselling or rendering any other assistance required by the students, used in the context of distance education;
- (w) “teacher” means a Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and such other person as may be appointed for imparting education, instructions, or conducting research in the University;
- (x) “UGC” means the University Grants Commission established under the University Grants Commission, 1956 (Central Act No. 3 of 1956);
- (y) “University” means the GIM University established under this Act.
3. Proposal for the establishment of University
- (1) The proposal to establish a University shall be made to the Government by the Society with the initial payment of fee of Rs. 5,00,000/- (Rupees five lakhs only).
- (2) The project report must contain the following particulars, namely:—
- (a) the details of the Society along with the copies of its registration certificate and bye-laws;
- (b) the information regarding financial resources of the Society along with audited accounts for the past three years;
- (c) the location and headquarters of the University;
- (d) the objectives of the University;
- (e) the availability of land and details of buildings and infrastructure facilities, owned or proposed to be owned or created as required;
- (f) availability of academic facilities, including teaching and non-teaching staff, if any, at the disposal of the Society;
- (g) the nature and the type of programmes of study and research proposed to be undertaken by the University and their relevance to the development goals and employment needs of the State and phasing of such programmes over the first five years, with course-wise enrolment targets;
- (h) the nature of facilities, courses of study and research proposed to be started;
- (i) the experience and expertise in the concerned disciplines at the command of the Society;
- (j) the details of plans for campus development, such as construction of buildings, development of structural amenities and infrastructure facilities and procurement of equipment, etc., to be undertaken before the University starts functioning and phased programme for the first five years;
- (k) the phased outlays of capital expenditure proposed for the next five years and its sources of finance;
- (l) the scheme for mobilising resources and the cost of capital thereto and the manner of repayment to such sources;
- (m) the scheme for the generation of funds;
- (n) the system proposed to be followed for selecting students for admission to the courses of study at the University;
- (o) the system proposed to be followed for the appointment of teachers and other employees in the University;
- (p) the programmes of the University proposed to be undertaken related to local needs. The nature of specialised teaching, training or research activities to be undertaken by the University so as to fulfil this objective;
- (q) the details of programmes, if any, the University proposes to start for the benefit of farmers, women and industries;
- (r) details of playgrounds and other facilities available or proposed to be created for games and sports, and extracurricular activities like National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Rover and Rangers, etc.; the arrangements proposed to be made for academic excellence and auditing;
- (t) commitment to follow the norms of the regulatory bodies and regulatory authority;
- (u) such other details as the Society may like to give;
4. Establishment of the University
- (1) The Society, for the purposes of establishing the University, shall fulfil the following conditions under this Act, namely:—
- (a) create a permanent endowment fund of at least rupees five crores;
- (b) own or possess on a lease, atleast for a period of 30 years, a land not less than 50,000 (fifty thousand) square meters or such land as per the requirement of the regulatory body, whichever is higher;
- (c) install equipment, computers, furniture, assets, infrastructural facilities and other consumables and non-consumables of at least rupees two crores in offices and laboratories in the University;
- (d) appoint at least one Professor, two Associate Professors and an adequate number of Assistant Professors, along with necessary supporting staff members in every department or discipline to be started by the University;
- (e) purchase books and periodicals worth rupees fifty lakhs in the library and also undertake to invest upto rupees five crores for the books, periodicals, computer library networking and other library facilities in the first three years after establishing the University;
- (f) arrange the co-curricular activities, extracurricular activities, debate, competitions, quiz programmes, sports, National Service Scheme and National Cadet Corps for the students as per the standards of regulatory bodies;
- (g) adhere to standards, conditions, norms and regulations set by the UGC, AICTE, and the other regulatory bodies established by the Government or Central Government and as amended from time to time, for the programmes of study leading to a degree, post-graduate degree, doctoral degree or diploma offered by the University;
- (h) ensure that the admission procedure and fixation of fees shall be in accordance with the norms or guidelines, if any, specified by the Statutes;
- (i) ensure that the teaching staff of the University shall have at least the minimum qualifications specified by the UGC or other concerned regulatory bodies and be paid appropriate emoluments;
- (j) establish the provident fund for the employees of the University and introduce other welfare schemes;
- (k) prepare the Statutes and the Ordinances for the administration and functioning of the University;
- (l) ensure that any arrangements made by the University shall not differ from the provisions of the Act and regulations of the UGC and other regulatory bodies;
- (m) ensure transparent functioning of the University and put the clearances obtained from the regulatory bodies in the public domain;
- (n) comply with such other conditions as may be notified by the Government to be fulfilled before the establishment of the University.
- (2) The Government, after considering the fulfilment of conditions specified under sub-section (1), may, by notification in the Official Gazette, accord sanction for the establishment and commencement of the University in the State of Goa in the name of "GIM University".
- (3) After issuance of notification under sub-section (2), the Society shall deposit fee of Rs. 30,00,000/- (Rupees thirty lakhs only) within a period of one month from the date of such notification which shall be non-refundable.
- (4) The University shall have its registered office within the State of Goa as decided by the Society.
- (5) The University shall be a legal entity having perpetual succession and a common seal with powers to acquire, own and dispose of property and to contract by its name.
- (6) The University shall sue and be sued in its name. In all suits or other legal proceedings by or against such University, the pleadings shall be signed and verified by the Registrar. All processes in such suits and proceedings shall be issued and served on the Registrar.
- (7) No suit or legal proceeding by or against the University shall be defeated merely because the Society has not been made a party to such suit or legal proceeding.
5. University to be self-financed
- (1) The University shall be self-financing and shall neither make a demand nor shall be entitled to receive any maintenance, grant-in-aid or other financial assistance from the State: Provided that the Government may provide financial support through grants or otherwise:
- (a) for research, development and other activities for which other Government or Private organisations are providing financial assistance;
- (b) for any specific research or programmes receiving support from the Government;
- (c) for competitive research and training projects sponsored or funded by the Government;
- (d) for the benefit of similar universities in the state, whether subject to a change in state policy or otherwise:
6. Provided further that the University may receive any financial support from any other source.
University to be non-affiliating
- (1) The University shall function as non-affiliating University and shall not admit any college or institution to the privilege of affiliation:
7. Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to the Institute that existed prior to the issuance of a notification under sub-section (2) of Section 4.
Start of operations by the University
- (1) The University shall start its operations only after the Government issues a notification under sub-section (2) of Section 4 for the commencement of the operations of the University: Provided that the Institute, which existed prior to the issuance of a notification, shall continue to function in the same manner as it functions till the date prior to the issuance of such notification.
8. Objects of the University
- (1) The objects of the University shall be the dissemination and advancement of knowledge and skill for providing instructional, research, educational, and other extension facilities and award degrees, diplomas and certificates or any qualifications in such branches of learning as it may deem fit in the view of the University.
- (2) The University shall endeavour to provide students and teachers with the necessary atmosphere and facilities for the promotion of:—
- (i) innovations in education leading to restructuring of courses, new methods of teaching, training, and learning, including online learning, blended learning, etc.;
- (ii) studies in various disciplines offering degree programmes, master's programmes, doctoral programmes, and other diploma and certification programmes;
- (iii) inter-disciplinary studies and multi-disciplinary studies in any subject that is of interest;
- (iv) national integration, secularism, social equality, and inculcation of international understanding and ethics;
- (v) teacher education, executive education, and other continuing education programmes for various sections of society and industry;
- (vi) research and consultancy to industry, public and Government organisations;
- (vii) arrangement for national and global participation, collaboration, conferences for faculty, students, etc.;
- (viii) set up of campuses, centres, study centres, and examination centres within the State of Goa subject to permission of the appropriate regulatory bodies under appropriate rules and regulations;
- (ix) set up of centers of excellence for research and development and for sharing knowledge and its applications.
- (3) The University shall,—
- (i) establish the main campus and other campuses, infrastructure in the State of Goa necessary for the furtherance of its objects;
- (ii) disseminate advanced knowledge by providing academic and research facilities in such branches of learning, which include Management, Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics, Development and Sustainability, Commerce, Data Analytics, Law, Architecture, Media, Mathematics and Statistics, Music, and Art, Teacher Education and Training, Engineering and Technology, Medical Science and Genetics, Artificial Intelligence and in other fields as it may deem fit;
- (iii) establish the Schools of the University in branches of learning as specified in clause (ii);
- (iv) establish any other Schools as it may deem fit with the approval of the Governing Body and consent of the Government;
- (v) promote any other objectives as may be approved by the Government.
9. Powers of the University
- (1) Subject to other provisions of the Act and rules, orders, regulations, guidelines and directions as may be issued, from time to time, by the Government, Central Government or the respective regulatory body, the University shall have the following powers, namely:—
- (i) to provide for instruction in such branches of learning as the University may think fit and to make provisions for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge;
- (ii) to honour educational stalwarts and persons of academic eminence with the decoration of Professor Emeritus;
- (iii) to grant, subject to such conditions as the University may determine, diplomas or certificates to, and confer degrees or other academic distinctions and qualifications on the basis of examinations, evaluation or any other method of testing of persons, and to withdraw any such diplomas, certificates, degrees or other academic distinctions for good and sufficient cause;
- (iv) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions in such manner as may be specified by the statutes;
- (v) to provide education and training, including correspondence courses, to such persons as it may determine;
- (vi) to create as per UGC norms and Government regulations, the teaching posts of Director, Principal, Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professors other teaching or academic posts required by the University and to make appointments for the same;
- (vii) to create administrative, ministerial and other posts and to make appointments thereto;
- (viii) to appoint/engage persons of eminence working in any other University or organisation permanently or for a specified period;
- (ix) to co-operate, collaborate, or associate with any other University or Authority or Institution in India and abroad in such manner and for such purpose as the University may determine;
- (x) to establish and maintain schools, centers, and specialised laboratories in other units for research and instructions as are, in the opinion of the University, necessary for the furtherance of its objects;
- (xi) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes;
- (xii) to establish, maintain, and supervise residences and hostels within the campus of the University and promote health and general welfare activities for students and staff;
- (xiii) to make provisions for research and consultancy, and for that purpose, to enter into such arrangements with other institutions or bodies as the University may deem necessary;
- (xiv) to establish a centre, an institution, a department, or school, as the case may be, in accordance with the Statutes;
- (xv) to determine standards in accordance with UGC norms/State norms for admission into the University, which may include examination, evaluation or any other method of testing to ensure quality;
- (xvi) to demand and receive payment of fees and other charges;
- (xvii) to make special arrangements in respect of women and other disadvantaged students as the University may consider desirable; (xviii) to regulate and enforce discipline among the employees and students of the University and take such disciplinary measures in this regard as may be deemed necessary by the University;
- (xix) to make arrangements for promoting the health and general welfare of the employees of the University;
- (xx) to receive donations and to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of any property, movable or immovable for
- (xxii) to appoint either on contract or otherwise, visiting professors, emeritus professors, consultants, fellows, scholars, artists, course writers and such other persons who may contribute to the advancement of the objects of the University; (xxiii) to organize and to undertake extramural studies and extension service;
- (xxiv) to receive grants for conducting research and studies from Government and non-Government sources;
- (xxv) to do all such other acts and things as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the objects of the University.
- (xxvi) to make available funds to the Society for the purpose of setting up campuses of the University or for setting up of institutions for the purpose of imparting education.
10. Admissions to the University
- (1) The admission procedure to the different academic programmes of the University shall be made in accordance with the norms and guidelines specified by the UGC or other regulatory bodies, as the case may be, depending on the course in which students seek admission.
- (2) In the absence of the guidelines under sub-section (1), admission to the University shall be made strictly on the basis of merit.
- (3) Merit for admission to the University shall be determined on the basis of marks or grades obtained in the qualifying examination and achievements in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities or on the basis of marks or grades obtained in the entrance test conducted at state/national/international level either by an Association of the Universities conducting similar courses or by any agency recognised by the state/nation.
11. Academic Standards
- (1) The University shall ensure that the academic standards of the courses offered by the University are in accordance with the guidelines of the UGC and other regulatory bodies, as the case may be.
- (2) The teacher-student ratio shall be in accordance with the guidelines of the UGC.
- (3) The academic performance of the University with respect to standards set by the UGC and other regulatory bodies shall be periodically reviewed by a Committee of Academic Experts constituted by the Chancellor, consisting of one Chairman and four members, including two members as nominees of the Government.
- (4) The Chairman and the other four expert members shall be from the academic field not below the rank of Professor and from one of the specialisations run by the University.
- (5) A copy of the report of the Committee of Academic Experts, along with the action taken by the University, shall be sent to the University Grants Commission and the Government and also displayed in the public domain.
12. University to be Open to all
The University shall be open to all persons and shall not discriminate on the grounds of class, caste, creed, race, language, domicile or gender, and it shall not be lawful for the University to adopt or impose on any person any test whatsoever of his religious belief or profession in order to entitle him to be admitted therein as an officer, a teacher, staff member, student, or to hold any office therein or to graduate.
13. Officers of the University
- (1) The following shall be the Officers of the University:—
- (i) the Chancellor;
- (ii) the Vice-Chancellor;
- (iii) the Pro Vice-Chancellor;
- (iv) the Registrar;
- (v) the Dean/Deans of School/s;
- (vi) the Chief Finance Officer;
- (vii) the Controller of Examinations; and
- (viii) such other Officers as may be declared by the Statutes to be the Officers of the University.
14. Chancellor and his powers
- (1) The Chancellor shall be appointed by the Society for a period of five years in consultation with the Government by following such procedure and on such terms and conditions as may be specified by the University Grants Commission.
- (2) The Chancellor shall be the head of the University.
- (3) The Chancellor, during his absence, may, by order in writing, designate any other person from amongst the Governing Body to act as the Chancellor for such period and/or for such functions and responsibilities as he may specify in that order. The person so designated shall be called the Designated Chancellor.
- (4) The Chancellor shall preside over the Convocation of the University for conferring Degrees, Diplomas, Charters, Designations or certificates.
- (5) The Chancellor shall have the following powers, namely —
- (a) to call for any information or record of the University
- (b) to appoint and remove the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Statutes and
- (c) such other powers as may be conferred on him by the Act or the Statutes made thereunder.
- (6) If at any time, the continuance of the Chancellor is not in the interest of the University, the Society, with prior approval of the Government, may by an order in writing, remove the Chancellor from his office from such date as may be specified in the order:
15. Provided that before taking an action under this sub-section, the Chancellor shall be given an opportunity to be heard.
The Vice-Chancellor
- (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor in consultation with the Government as per the regulations of the University Grants Commission and shall be subject to the provisions laid down in the Statutes.
- (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years: Provided that, after the expiry of the said term of five years, a person shall be eligible for re-appointment as Vice-Chancellor for another term of five years: Provided further that no person shall hold the office of Vice-Chancellor beyond sixty-five years of age.
- (3) If at any time, upon representation made or otherwise, and after making such inquiry, as may be deemed necessary, the situation so warrants and if the continuance of the Vice-Chancellor is not in the interest of the University, the Chancellor with the prior approval of the Government, may by an order in writing, remove the Vice-Chancellor from his office from such date as may be specified in the order: Provided that before taking an action under this sub-section, the Vice-Chancellor shall be given an opportunity to be heard: Provided further that the Chancellor may suspend the Vice-Chancellor pending such enquiry if the situation so warrants.
- (4) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University and shall exercise powers of general superintendence over the University;
- (5) The Vice-Chancellor, in the absence of the Chancellor, shall preside at the Convocation of the University for conferring Degrees, Diplomas, Charters, Designation or Certificates.
- (6) If, in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor, it is necessary to take immediate action on any matter for which powers are conferred on any other officer or authority by or under this Act, he/she may take such action as he/she deems necessary and shall at the earliest opportunity thereafter report his/her action to such officer or authority as would have in the ordinary course dealt with the matter: Provided that if, in the opinion of the concerned officer or authority, such action should not have been taken by the Vice-Chancellor, then such case shall be referred to the Chancellor within 30 days, whose decision thereon shall be final: Provided further that where any such decision taken by the Chancellor is against any person in the service of the University, such person shall be entitled to prefer, within 45 days from the date on which such decision is communicated to him, an appeal to the Governing Body, which may confirm or modify or reverse the decision taken by the Chancellor;
- (7) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be provided by the Act, the Statutes, and the Ordinances made thereunder.
16. Pro-Vice-Chancellor
- (1) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Executive Council on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be specified by the Statutes.
- (2) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor appointed under sub-section (1) shall discharge his duties in addition to his duties as a Professor.
- (3) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall assist the Vice-Chancellor in discharging day-to-day duties as and when required by the Vice-Chancellor.
17. The Registrar
- (1) The Registrar shall be appointed in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes.
- (2) The Registrar shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University as may be specified by the Statutes.
- (3) The Registrar shall be responsible for the due custody of the records and the common seal of the University and shall be bound to place before the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor or any other authority all such information and documents as may be necessary for the transaction of their business.
- (4) The Registrar shall be the ex officio Member-Secretary of the Executive Council and the Academic Council.
18. The Deans of the Schools
The Deans of Schools shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be specified by the Statutes.
19. The Chief Finance Officer
- (1) The Chief Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Governing Body in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be specified by the Statutes.
- (2) The Chief Finance Officer shall be the Secretary of the Finance Committee.
20. The Controller of Examinations
- (1) The Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be specified by the Statutes.
21. Other Officers
The manner of appointment, terms and conditions of service and powers, duties and functions of other officers of the University shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
22. Authorities of the University
The following shall be the Authorities of the University:—
1. The Governing Body;
2. The Executive Council;
3. The Academic Council;
4. The Finance Committee;
5.
23. Such other Body, Council and Committee as may be declared by the Statutes to be the authority of the University.
The Governing Body
- (1) The Constitution of the Governing Body shall be as follows:—
- (i) The Chancellor who shall be the Chairperson;
- (ii) The Vice-Chancellor;
- (iii) The Secretary in the Department of Education, Government of Goa;
- (iv) Two academicians of the stature of Vice-Chancellor, from India or abroad, co-opted by the Governing Body;
- (vi) Four industry experts or industrialists nominated by the Chairperson of the Governing Body;
- (vii) One Member from amongst the judicial officers of the State not below the rank of District Judge nominated by the Government shall be a member of the Executive Council;
- (viii) Seven representatives to be nominated by the Society;
- (viii) One of the Deans of the Schools of the University without voting right;
- (ix) The Chief Finance Officer of the University without voting right;
- (x) The Controller of Examinations without voting right;
- (xi) The Registrar of the University, who shall be the Member Secretary without voting right.
- (2) The Governing Body may, in the interest of the University, decide with the approval of the Society to include other members, including Pro Vice-Chancellor, if appointed, as it may deem fit: Provided that the total number of members of the Governing Body shall not exceed twenty-one with voting rights.
- (3) Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Governing Body shall discharge the following functions, namely—
- (a) to review from time to time, the broad policies and programmes of the University and suggest measures for the working, improvement and development of the University;
- (b) to consider and pass resolutions on the annual report and annual accounts of the University and audit report of such accounts;
- (c) to advise the Chancellor in respect of any matter which may be referred to it for advice;
- (d) to perform such other functions as may be specified by the Statutes;
- (4) The term of office of members of the Governing Body shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
- (5) The Governing Body shall meet at least four times in a calendar year at such time and place as the Chancellor deems fit.
24. The Executive Council
- (1) The Executive Council shall be the principal Executive body of the University.
- (2) The constitution of the Executive Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
- (3) Until such time, the Executive Council is constituted by the Governing Body; the Governing Body shall exercise all powers and perform all functions of the Executive Council.
25. Academic Council
- (1) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic body of the University, and it shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances, co-ordinate and exercise general supervision over the academic policies of the University.
- (2) The constitution of the Academic Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
26. The Finance Committee
- (1) The Finance Committee shall be the principal financial body of the University to take care of all financial matters.
- (2) The constitution, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
27. Other authorities
The constitution, the term of office of members and powers and functions of the Planning Board, Board of Faculties, the Admissions Committees, the Examination Committee and such other authorities of the University which may be declared by the Statutes to be authorities of the University, shall be such, as may be specified by the Statutes.
28. Disqualification from membership of the authority
A person shall be disqualified from holding an office or being a member of any authority of the University, if that person:—
- (i) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
- (ii) is an undischarged insolvent;
- (iii) has been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude;
- (iv) has been punished for indulging in or promoting unfair practice in the conduct of any examination, in any form, anywhere;
- (v) has any profit motive from the University; and
- (vi) applies University fund for his personal use.
29. Vacancies not to invalidate the proceedings of any authority or body of the University
No decision, act or proceeding of any authority or body of the University shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or defect in the constitution thereof.
30. Filling up of Vacancies
Any vacancy arising in the office of a member of any authority or body of the University due to death, resignation or removal of a member or due to change of capacity in which he/she was appointed or nominated, shall be filled up as early as possible by the person or the body who had appointed or nominated such a member:
31. Provided that such person shall remain a member of such authority or body, for the residue of the term of such member.
Committees The authorities or officers of the University may constitute such committees with such terms of reference as may be necessary for specific tasks to be performed by such committees.
32. The constitution of such committees and their duties shall be such as may be determined by the authority or officers constituting the Committee.
Statutes
- (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes may provide for all or any of the following matters namely:—
- (a) the appointment, powers and duties of the officers of the University, their emoluments, and their terms and conditions of service;
- (b) the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities and other bodies of the University as may be constituted from time to time;
- (c) the appointment and continuance in office of the members of the said authorities and bodies, the filling of vacancies of members, and all other matters relating to those authorities and other bodies for which it may be necessary or desirable to provide;
- (d) the conferment of honorary degrees;
- (e) the procedure for resolving disputes between the University and its officers, faculty members, employees and students;
- (f) the appointment of the teachers of the University and other academic staff and the emoluments and other terms and conditions of their service;
- (g) the appointment of teachers and other academic staff working in any University or organization for a specified period to undertake a joint project;
- (h) the creation, abolition or restructuring of departments and faculties;
- (i) the conditions of service of employees including provision for insurance, provident fund, pension, other schemes, the manner of termination of service and disciplinary action;
- (j) the procedure for appeal to the Executive Council by any employee or student against the action of any officer or authority of University;
- (k) the establishment of Centres of studies, Board of studies, Special centres, Specialised Laboratories and other centres;
- (l) the establishment and recognition of Students Council or other associations of teachers, academic staff or other employees;
- (m) participation of the students in the affairs of the University;
- (n) the withdrawal of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other academic distinctions;
- (o) the institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentships medals and prizes;
- (p) the maintenance of discipline amongst students;
- (q) the delegation of powers vested in the authorities or officers of the University;
- (r) the manner of co-operation with other Universities or Institutions of higher learning; the fee chargeable from students for various courses of studies; and
- (t) all other matters which by this Act are to be, or may be provided by the Statutes.
33. Statutes to be made
- (1) The Executive Council shall make the Statutes, with the approval of the Governing Body, for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
- (2) The Executive Council may, from time to time, make new or additional Statutes or may amend or repeal such Statutes: Provided that the Executive Council shall not make, amend or repeal any Statute affecting the status, powers or constitution of any authority of the University until such authority has been given an opportunity to express an opinion in writing on the proposed changes and any opinion so expressed shall be considered by the Executive Council.
- (3) Every new Statute or addition to the Statutes or any amendment or repeal of such Statutes shall require the approval of the Governing Body, which may assent thereto or withhold assent or remit the same to the Executive Council for consideration.
- (4) A new Statute or a Statute amending or repealing such Statutes shall have no validity unless it has been assented to by the Governing Body.
34. Ordinances and Regulations
- (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Ordinances may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely;—
- (a) the admission of students to the University and their enrolment and continuance as such;
- (b) the courses of study to be laid down for all Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates, Charters and other academic distinctions of the University;
- (c) the award of Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and other academic distinctions of the University, the qualifications for the same, and the means to be taken relating to the granting and obtaining of the same;
- (d) the accounting policy and financial procedure;
- (e) the conditions of the award of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes;
- (f) the conduct of examinations and the conditions and mode of appointment and duties of examining bodies, examiners, invigilators, tabulators and moderators;
- (g) the fees to be charged for courses of study in the University and for admission to the examinations for Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates, Charters and other academic distinctions of the University, including the revision thereof;
- (h) the alteration of the number of seats in different courses and programmes;
- (i) the maintenance of discipline among the students of the University;
- (j) the conditions of residence of the students at the University;
- (k) the special arrangements, if any, which may be made for the residence, discipline and teaching of women students and the prescribing of special courses of studies for them;
- (l) the appointment and emolument of employees other than those for whom provision has been made in the Statutes;
- (m) the manner of co-operation, collaboration or association with other Universities or authorities;
- (n) the creation, composition and function of any other body which is considered necessary for improving the academic life of a university;
- (o) such other terms and conditions of service of teachers and other academic staff as are not specified by the Statutes;
- (p) the management of schools of the University.
- (2) The authorities of the University may make Regulations consistent with this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances for the conduct of their own business and that of the committees appointed by them and not provided for by this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances.
35. Ordinances and Regulations to be made
- (1) The first Ordinances and first Regulations shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor with the prior approval of the Governing Body, and the Ordinances and Regulations so made may be amended, repealed, or added to at any time by the Executive Council in the manner specified by the Statutes.
- (2) The Academic Council may propose new or additional Ordinances and Regulations and amend or repeal the Ordinances and Regulations referred to in sub-section (1) in the manner as may be specified by the Statutes.
- (3) Every New Regulation or addition to the Ordinances or any amendment or repeal of a Regulation or Ordinance shall require the approval first of the Executive Council and finally of the Governing Body.
36. Publication of Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations
- (1) Every Statute, Ordinance, or Regulation made under this Act shall be made available in the public domain.
- (2) Each New Statute or Ordinance or Regulation made under this Act shall be enforced as soon as it is made by the competent authority.
37. Permanent Endowment Fund
- (1) The Society shall establish a Permanent Endowment Fund of at least rupees five crores.
- (2) The amount of the Endowment Fund shall be invested and kept invested until the dissolution of the University in long-term securities issued or guaranteed by the Government.
- (3) The University may transfer any amount from the General Fund or the Development Fund to the Endowment Fund.
- (4) Except in the dissolution of the University, no money shall be transferred from the Endowment Fund under any circumstances for purposes other than that of the University.
- (5) The University may utilise up to seventy-five per cent of the annual income from the Endowment Fund for the development of the infrastructure of the University and reinvest the balance of twenty-five per cent in the Endowment Fund.
38. General Fund
The University shall establish a General Fund to which the following amount shall be credited, namely—
- (a) all fees which may be charged by the University;
- (b) all sums received from any other sources;
- (c) all contributions made by the Society; and
- (d) all contributions made in this behalf by any other person or bodies which are not prohibited by any law for the time being in force.
39. Development Fund
- (1) The University shall also establish a Development Fund to which the following amount shall be credited, namely—
- (a) development fees, which may be charged from students;
- (b) all sums received from other sources for the purpose of the development of the University.
- (c) all contributions made by the Society for the purpose of the development of the University;
- (d) all contributions made in this behalf by any other person or bodies which are not prohibited by any law for the time being in force; and
- (e) all incomes received from the Permanent Endowment Fund subject to the provision of this Act.
- (2) The money credited to the Development Fund from time to time shall be utilised for the development of the University in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes.
40. Maintenance of Funds
The funds established under this Act shall be subject to general supervision and control of the Governing Body, be regulated and maintained in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes.
41. Fee Structure
- (1) The fees charged for the different academic programmes shall be in accordance with the norms and guidelines specified by the UGC and the regulatory bodies, and such fee structure shall be put in the public domain.
- (2) The Executive Council, subject to the approval of the Chancellor, may, from time to time, determine or alter the fee chargeable from students and others enrolled with the University for purposes of imparting education, instructions, research or training and similar other purposes: Provided that no fees can be increased after the admission of a student in a course except the increase which is proportionate to the annual increase percentage of dearness allowance of the employees of the University.
- (3) The University shall not charge any fees, by whatever name called, other than for which it is entitled under the provisions of sub-section (1).
42. Provident Fund, Pension and Insurance
The University shall constitute for the benefit of its employees such Provident Fund or Pension Fund, Insurance and such similar schemes as it may deem fit in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the statutes and ordinances.
43. Annual Accounts
- (1) The annual accounts and 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 an experienced and qualified firm of Chartered Accountants of repute.
- (2) A copy of the annual accounts, together with the audit report thereon, shall be submitted to the Governing Body and the Chancellor along with the observations of the Executive Council.
- (3) Any observations made by the Chancellor on the annual accounts shall be brought to the notice of the Governing Body and the Executive Council, and the observations, if any, shall, after review by the Executive Council, be submitted to the Chancellor and shall be put in the public domain.
44. Annual Report
- (1) The annual report of the University shall be prepared under the directions of the Executive Council and shall be submitted to the Governing Body on or after such date as may be specified by the Statutes, and the Governing Body shall consider the report in its annual meeting;
- (2) The Governing Body shall submit the annual report to the Chancellor along with its comments, if any.
45. General Powers of the Regulatory Authority
- (1) For the purposes of ascertaining the standards of functioning of the University in terms of exercise of administrative powers and service conditions of employees, the Regulatory Authority may cause an assessment to be made in such manner as it deems proper.
- (2) The Regulatory Authority shall communicate to the University its recommendations in regard to the result of such assessment and issue directives to the University for corrective action. The University shall adopt such corrective measures and ensure compliance with the recommendations.
- (3) If the University fails to comply with the recommendations made under sub-section (2) within a reasonable time, the Regulatory Authority may give such directions as it may deem fit for such compliance.
46. Power of the Government to issue directions on policy matters
The Government, through its Department of Higher Education, may issue such directions from time to time to the University on policy matters not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as it may deem necessary. Such directions shall be complied with by the University, failing which, the Government may take action against the University in such manner as prescribed for Private Universities operational in the State of Goa.
47. Special powers of the Regulatory Authority and the Government in certain circumstances
- (1) If, it appears to the Regulatory Authority that the University has contravened any of the provisions of this Act or Statutes or Ordinances made thereunder or has violated any of the directions issued by it under this Act or has ceased to carry out any of the undertakings given under this Act or a situation of financial mismanagement or maladministration has arisen in the University, it shall issue notice requiring the University to show cause within forty-five days as to why an order of its dissolution should not be made.
- (2) If the Regulatory Authority, on receipt of the reply of the University on the notice issued under sub-section (1), is satisfied that there is a prima facie case of contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or the Statutes or Ordinances or Regulations made thereunder or of violation of directions issued by it under this Act or of ceasing to carry out any of the undertakings given or of financial mismanagement or maladministration, it shall make an order of such enquiry as it may consider necessary.
- (3) The Regulatory Authority shall, for the purposes of any enquiry under sub-section (2), appoint an inquiry officer or enquiry committee to inquire into any of the allegations and to make a report thereon.
- (4) The inquiry officer or the enquiry committee appointed under sub-section (3) shall have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (Act of 1908) while trying a suit in respect of the following matters, namely:—
- (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
- (b) requiring the discovery and production of any such document or any other material as may be necessary in evidence;
- (c) requisitioning any public record from any office.
- (5) The inquiry officer or enquiry committee inquiring under this Act shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for the purposes of Section 215 and Chapter 28 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Central Act No. 46 of 2023).
- (6) On receipt of the enquiry report from the enquiry officer or the enquiry Committee appointed under sub-section (3), if the Regulatory Authority is satisfied that the University has contravened all or any of the provisions of this Act or the Statutes or Ordinances or Regulations made thereunder or has violated any of the directions issued by this Act or has ceased to carry out the undertakings given by it or a situation of financial mismanagement and mal-administration has arisen in the University which threatens the academic standard of the University, shall make recommendations to the Government for liquidation of the University and shall appoint an Administrator.
- (7) The Administrator appointed under sub-section (6) shall have all the powers and be subjected to all the duties of the Executive Council and the Governing Body under this Act and shall administer the affairs of the University until the last batch of the students of the regular courses have completed their courses and they have been awarded degrees, diplomas or awards, as the case may be.
- (8) After having been awarded the degrees, diplomas or awards, as the case may be, to the last batches of the students of the regular courses, the Administrator shall make a report to the effect to the Regulatory Authority and the Government.
- (9) On receipt of the report under sub-section (8), the Government shall, by a notification in the Official Gazette, issue an order dissolving the University and from the date of publication of such notification in the Official Gazette, the University shall stand dissolved, and all the assets and liabilities of the University shall vest in the Society from such date.
48. First Appointment of Officers and Authorities
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and the Statutes,—
- (a) the first Chancellor, the first Vice-Chancellor, the first Registrar, the first Chief Finance Officer and the first Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the Society for a term of five years;
- (b) the first Dean to be appointed to the Governing Body shall be appointed by the Chancellor with the approval of the Society for a term of three years;
- (c) the first Governing Body, the first Executive Council, the first Academic Council and the first Finance Committee shall be constituted by the Chancellor with the approval of the Society for a term of three years.
49. Transitional Provisions
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and the Statutes and Ordinances,—
- (a) Any student of the Institute of the Society exercising any rights as per the guidelines of the AICTE before the date of commencement of this Act, who was studying or was eligible for any examination of the Institute, shall be permitted to complete his course in preparation thereof, and the University shall provide for such period and in such manner as it may decide for the instruction, teaching of such student in accordance with the courses of studies as per the guidelines of the AICTE and/or UGC. The students shall be permitted to appear at the different examinations held as per the guidelines of the AICTE and/or UGC for such period or periods as the AICTE guidelines may permit and be eligible to receive a degree, diploma, certificate or any other distinction as per the AICTE and/or UGC guidelines;
- (b) Students who have been enrolled and have completed their registration in any of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management
- (PGDM) programmes of the Institute prior to the issuance of the notification under sub-section (2) of Section (4) shall be eligible for the award of the respective Post Graduate Diploma in Management
- (PGDM) from the Institute on qualifying for successful completion of the programmes within the next academic year.
- (c) Students who have been enrolled and have completed their registration for the first year of the current academic year in any of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management
- (PGDM) programmes of the Institute, after the issuance of the notification under sub-section (2) of Section (4) shall be eligible for the award of the Master’s or Doctoral degree, as the case may be, from the University on qualifying for successful completion of the programmes.
- (d) Students who have been enrolled and have completed their registration in any of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management
- (PGDM) or Fellow Programme in Management
- (FPM) programmes of the Institute not more than 2 years prior to the issuance of the notification under sub-section (2) of Section (4) shall be eligible for award of the respective Masters in Business Administration
- (MBA) or Doctoral
- (PhD) degree, as the case may be, after qualifying for successful completion of the programme.
- (e) The campus of the Institute of the Society shall be deemed to be the campus of the University;
- (f) The Society shall be deemed to have permitted the use of its buildings and ancillary structures for the use of the University for administrative and academic purposes only: Provided that the assets and liabilities of the Society shall continue to be the assets and liabilities of the Society;
- (g) Employees of the Institute of the Society, excluding those retained by it, shall be deemed to be the employees of the University with all their rights and privileges protected as per their contract of employment;
- (h) All contracts made in the name of the Institute of the Society shall be deemed to be contracts made in the name of the University;
- (i) All suits and legal proceedings taken by the Institute of the Society which are pending on the date notified in sub-section (2) of Section 4, shall be continued by the University.
50. Dissolution of University
- (1) If the Society proposes dissolution of the University, it shall make such proposal at least three months in advance in writing to the Government.
- (2) On identification of mismanagement, maladministration, indiscipline, failure in the accomplishment of the objects of the University and economic hardships in the management systems of the University, the Government shall, subject to and in accordance with the relevant law, if any, for the time being in force, issue directions to the Society of the University and if the directions are not followed within such time as may be specified, the right to take decision, for dissolution of the University, shall vest in the Government.
- (3) The manner of dissolution of the University would be such as may be specified by the Government in this behalf for Private Universities operational in the State of Goa.
- (4) If the Government considers it necessary to suspend the Executive Council, it shall, by notification published in the Official Gazette, order the suspension of the Executive Council and shall make such arrangements in consultation with the Society for the administration of the business of the University until the completion of the investigation, as it may consider necessary: Provided that no such action shall be initiated without affording a reasonable opportunity to show cause to the Society.
- (5) On receipt of the proposal under sub-section (1) or on a decision to dissolve under sub-section (2), the Government shall in consultation with the AICTE, UGC, and other concerned regulatory bodies of Central or State Government make such arrangements for administration of the University from the proposed date of dissolution or winding up of the University until the last batch of the students in regular courses of studies of the University complete their courses of studies in such manner as may be specified by the regulatory body.
51. Expenditure of the University during dissolution
- (1) The expenditure for the administration of the University during the taken-over period of its management under Section 50 shall be met out of the Endowment Fund, the General Fund or the Development Fund.
- (2) If the funds specified under sub-section (1) are not sufficient to meet the expenditure of the University during the taken-over period of management, such expenditure may be met by disposing of the properties or assets of the University by the Government.
52. Status of Assets/Liabilities on dissolution/de-recognition
All assets and properties, including the permanent endowment fund, general fund and any other fund and also the liabilities of the University, shall belong to the Society in case of dissolution of the University.
53. Conditions of service of employees
Every employee shall be appointed under a written contract, which shall be in the possession of the University and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the employee concerned.
54. Disciplinary action
Disciplinary action against the students or employees shall be governed by such procedure as may be specified in the statutes.
55. Right to appeal
Every employee or student of the University shall, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, have a right to appeal, within such time as may be specified in the Executive Council against the decision of any officer or authority of the University and the Executive Council may confirm, modify or vary such decision.
56. Disputes as to the constitution of University Authorities and bodies
If any question arises as to whether any person has been duly appointed or is entitled to be a member of any authority or other body of the University, the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor of the University, whose decision on such question shall be final.
57. Constitution of Committees
Where any authority of the University is given power under this Act or the Statutes to appoint Committees, such Committees shall, save as otherwise provided, consist of the members of the authority concerned and of such other persons as the authority in each case may think fit.
58. Protection of action taken in good faith
- (1) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against any officer or other employee of the University for anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done in pursuance of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances.
- (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall be a bar for filing suits, prosecutions or other legal proceedings for anything done in contravention of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances made thereunder, and any other law for the time being in force.
59. Mode of proof of University records
A copy of any receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding, resolution of any authority or Committee of the University or other documents in possession of the University, if certified by the Registrar, shall be received as prima-facie evidence of such receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding or resolution, document or the existence of entry in the register and shall be admitted as evidence of the matters and transactions therein where the original thereof would, if produced have been admissible in evidence.
60. Convocation
The convocation of the University shall be held in every academic year in the manner as may be specified by the Statutes and Ordinances for conferring degrees, diplomas or for any other purpose.
61. Power to make rules by the Government
- (1) The Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
- (2) Every rule made under this Act shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the Legislative Assembly of Goa.
62. Disputes to be settled in a Court in Goa
All disputes arising as a result of the provisions made in the Act shall be settled by a Court of law in the State of Goa.
63. Power to remove difficulties
If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by order not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, remove the difficulty:
Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiration of a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act.
- (2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the Legislative Assembly of Goa.
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