The Acharya University Act, 2022

(1) This Act may be called the Acharya University Act, 2022. (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Karnataka. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification, in the official Gazette, appoint.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,- (a) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University as specified in section 26; (b) “Agenda Matters” means all the matters and business to be designated in the Statutes each of which can be either included in the Agenda or be taken up for discussion and decision at a meeting of the Board of Governors or the Board of Management or academic council or other authority of the University or any Committees, as the case may be, only subject to the prior written approval of the Chancellor, consenting to the passing of such matters and business at such a meeting; (c) “Board of Governors” means the Board of Governors of the University as specified in section 24; (d) “Board of Management” means the Board of Management of the University as specified in section 25; (e) “Chancellor”, “Vice-Chancellor”, “Pro Vice-Chancellor” means respectively the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University. (f) “Campus” means a campus established, maintained by the University, situated within the State; (g) “Committees” means the committees formed under this Act or by the various functionaries of the University as the case may be and includes the Nomination Committee, the Finance Committee and such other committees; (h) “Constituent College” means a college or institution established and maintained by the University; (i) “Finance Committee” means the Finance Committee of the University as specified in section 28; (j) “Government” means the Government of Karnataka; (k) “National Regulatory Bodies” means a body established by the Central Government for laying down norms and conditions for ensuring academic standards of higher education, such as University Grants Commission, All India Council of Technical Education, Council of Architecture, and includes the Government; (l) “Prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the Government under this Act; (m) “Principal in relation to a Constituent College” means the head of the Constituent College and includes, where there is no Principal or in the absence of the Principal appointed, the Vice-Principal or any other person for the time being appointed to act as Principal; (n) “Registrar” means the Registrar of the University; (o) “Regional Centre” means a centre established or maintained by the University for the purpose of coordinating and supervising the work of Study Centers in any region within the State and for performing such other functions as may be conferred on such centre by the Board of Management; (p) “Society” means the JMJ Education Society (R) registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960 (Karnataka Act 17 of 1960); (q) "Private University" means a university duly established through a state Act by a sponsoring body viz. a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, or any other corresponding law for the time being in force in a State of a Public Trust or a company register under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956; (r) “Sponsoring Authority” or “Sponsoring Body” in relation to this Act means the JMJ Education Society; (s) “State” means State of Karnataka; (t) “Statutes” and “Regulations” means respectively, the Statutes and Regulations of the University made under this Act; (u) “Study Centre” means a centre within the State established and maintained by the University for the purpose of advising, counseling or for rendering any other assistance required by the students in the context of the education; (v) “Teacher” means and includes a Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, appointed as per University Grants Commission/All India Council of Technical Education regulations drawing salary as per pay scale of University Grants Commission/All India Council of Technical Education norms as applicable or such other person as maybe appointed for imparting instruction as per University Grants Commission/ All India Council of Technical Education norms and drawing salary as per pay scale of University Grants Commission/ All India Council of Technical Education norms as applicable or conducting or to guide research in the University or in a constituent college and includes the Principal of conformity with the norms Specified by the University Grants Commission; (w) “University” means “the Acharya University”; (x) “University Grants Commission” means the Commission established under section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (Central Act 3 of 1956); and (y) “Visitor” means the visitor of the University as specified in section 12.

(1) The society shall have the right to establish the University of Unitary in nature subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Act. (2) The proposal to establish a University shall be made to the Government by the society. (3) The proposal shall contain the following particulars, namely:- (i) the objects of the University along with the details of the Society; (ii) the extent and status of the University and the availability of land and the land shall be in the name of the society; (iii) the nature and type of programmes of study and research to be undertaken by the University during a period of five academic years immediately following the commencement date; (iv) the nature of faculties, courses of study and research proposed to be started; (v) the campus development such as buildings, equipment and structural amenities; (vi) the phased outlays of capital expenditure for a period of five academic years immediately following the commencement date; (vii) the item-wise recurring expenditure, sources of finance and estimated expenditure for each student; (viii) the scheme for mobilizing resources and the cost of capital thereto and the manner of repayments to each source; (ix) the scheme of generation of funds internally through the recovery of fee from students, revenues anticipated from consultancy and other activities relating to the objects of the University and other anticipated incomes; (x) the details of expenditure on unit cost, the extent of concessions or rebates in fee, freeship and scholarship for students belonging to economically weaker sections and the fee structure indicating

(1) Where the Government, after considering the recommendations of the Screening Committee and holding such inquiry as it may deem necessary, is satisfied that,- (i) the society has ability to run an University with sufficient infrastructure; (ii) is the sole owner of land to the extent of twenty acres; (iii) land in the name of society to the extent specified below in accordance with its location, namely:- (a) The Land shall be in single block or two blocks only including whole area in the limits of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike as well as Bengaluru metropolitan Region Development Authority; (b) It shall be in single block or two blocks within the limits of Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, Ballari, Shivamogga, Davangere and Vijayapura Municipal Corporation and related planning areas. (c) Single block or two blocks in the Places other than the places specified in clause (a) and (b): Provided that, the university shall fulfill all other conditions specified in Government Order No. ED/449/URC/2016, dated: 24.01.2017 and with amendments. (iv) Adequate financial resources for creating the specified Statutory Funds and conducting the University affairs; and (v) experience/expertise in running higher Education Institutions. Based on the furnished particulars required in sub-section (3) of section 3, the Government may direct the Society to establish the permanent Statutory Endowment Fund as specified in section 48. (2) After the establishment of the Permanent Statutory Endowment Fund, the Government may, by notification, in the official Gazette, accord sanction for establishment of the University of Unitary in nature in the State by the name of Acharya University. (3) The headquarters of the University shall be at Soladevanahalli, Bengaluru rural district. The University shall have Campuses or Regional Centres, Study: Centres anywhere in Karnataka after five years of establishment of the university subject to the prior permission of the University Grants Commission and then the Government. (4) The First Chancellor, the First Vice- Chancellor, the First Pro-Vice- Chancellor, the First members of the Board of Governors, First members of the Board of Management and the Academic Council and all persons who may hereafter become such officers or members, so long as they continue to hold such office or membership, shall constitute a body corporate and can sue and be sued in the name of the University. (5) On sanction for the establishment of the University under sub-section (2), the land and other movable and immovable properties acquired, created, arranged or built by the Society for the purpose of the University shall vest in the University. (6) In all suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleading shall be signed and verified by, and all processes in such suits and proceedings shall be issued to and be served on the Registrar. (7) The land, building and other properties of the University shall not be used for any purpose other than incidental to the objects of the University. (8) The university shall fulfill the minimum criteria in terms of programmes, faculty, infrastructural facilities, financial viability, etc., as laid down from time to time by the University Grants Commission and other concerned statutory bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). (9) The courses of studies prescribed for a first degree and/or the post-graduate degree or diploma programmes shall have been formally approved by the respective academic bodies of the university, such as Board of Studies, Academic council and Governing or Executive Council and Board of Governors. (10) The programmes of study leading to a degree and/or a post-graduate degree or diploma offered by the university shall conform to the relevant regulations or as per University Grants Commission or the concerned statutory body as amended from time to time. (11) The university shall provide all the relevant information relating to the first degree and post graduate degree or diploma programme(s) including the curriculum structure, contents, teaching and learning process, examination and evaluation system and the eligibility criteria for admission of students, to the University Grants Commission on a proforma prescribed by the University Grants Commission prior to starting of these programmes and the same shall also be published in the university website as Mandatory Disclosure and a copy of it shall also be submitted to the Government. (12) The University Grants Commission on detailed examination of the information made available as well as the representations and grievances received by it from the students as well as concerned public relating to the deficiencies of the proposed programmes not conforming to various University Grants Commission Regulations, shall inform the concerned university about any shortcomings in respect of conformity to relevant regulations, for rectification. The university shall offer the programmes only after necessary rectification. The University shall inform immediately about such reports from the University Grants Commission to the Government and also about the action taken report on such rectifications recommended by the University Grants Commission. (13) The admission procedure and fixation of fees shall be in accordance with the norms/guidelines prescribed by the University Grants Commission and other concerned statutory bodies and the Government. As a part of mandatory disclosure the University shall disclose the number of seats sanctioned for each programme, intake and detailed fee structure on its website for information of all stakeholders. (14) The University Grants Commission and the Government may cause periodic inspection of the university and its off-campus centres, study centres etc., offering its programmes. For this purpose, the University Grants Commission and the Government may call for all relevant information from the university, as provided in the University Grants Commission (Returns of Information by Universities) Rules, 1979 as amended from time to time. (15) After inspection and assessment of the university providing first degree and/or post graduate degree or diploma courses, the University Grants Commission may indicate to the university any deficiency and non-conformity with the relevant University Grants Commission Regulations and give it reasonable opportunity to rectify the same. If the Commission is satisfied that the private university has, even after getting an opportunity to do so, failed to comply with the provisions of any of the Regulations, the Commission may pass an order prohibiting the private university from offering any course for the award of the first degree and /or the post – graduate degree or diploma, as the case may be, till the deficiency is rectified. The university shall communicate the directions given to them by University Grants Commissions within fifteen days to the Government. (16) The University Grants Commission and the Government may take necessary action against the university awarding a first degree and/ or a post-graduate degree or diploma and also for the institution of which prior approval was not taken from the Government by the university, which are not specified by the University Grants Commission, and inform the public in general through a public notification. The university continuing such programmes and awarding unspecified degrees shall be liable for penalty under section 24 of the University Grants Commission Act (Central Act 03 of 1956).

The University shall be self- financing and shall neither make a demand nor shall be entitled to any maintenance grant-in-aid or any other financial assistance from the State or any other body or corporation owned or controlled by the State

The University may have Constituent Colleges, Regional Centres, additional campuses and Study Centres at such places in the State as it deems fit after the completion of five years after its establishment subject to the prior permission of the University Grants Commission and then the Government.

(i) to establish and maintain Campuses, Regional Centres and Study Centres in Karnataka after five years from the date of establishment of the University as may be determined by the University from time to time in the manner laid down by the Statutes subject to the prior permission of the University Grants Commission and then the Government. (ii) to carry out all such other activities as may be necessary or feasible in furtherance of the object of the University, (iii) to confer degrees or other academic distinctions in the manner and under conditions laid down in the Statutes; (iv) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships and prizes, awards, medals etc., in accordance with the Statutes; (v) to demand and receive such fees bills, invoices and collect charges as may be fixed by this Act, Statutes and Rules. (vi) to make provisions for extracurricular activities for students and employees; (vii) to make appointments of the Faculty, officers and employees of the University or a Constituent College, Campuses, Regional Centres and Study Centres; (viii) to receive voluntary donations and gifts of any kind not prohibited by any Law for the time being in force and to acquire, hold, manage, maintain and dispose of any movable or immovable property, including society and endowment properties for the purpose of the University or a Constituent College or a Campus, Regional Centres and Study Centre; (ix) to institute and maintain hostels and to recognize places of residence for students of the University or a Constituent College; (x) to supervise and control the residence and to regulate the discipline among the students and all categories of employees and to lay down the conditions of service of such employees, including the Code of Conduct for the students and employees; (xi) to create academic, administrative and support staff and other necessary posts; (xii) to co-operate and collaborate with other Universities in such a manner and for such purposes as the University may determine from time. (xiii) to organize and conduct refresher courses, orientation courses, workshops, seminars and other programmes for teachers, lesson writers, evaluators and other academic staff; (xiv) to determine standards of admission to the University or a Constituent College, Regional Centers, Study Centers with the approval of Academic Council and to make admission of students of Karnataka not less than the extent provided in this Act; (xv) to do all such other acts or things whether incidental to the powers aforesaid or not, as may be necessary to further the objects of the University; (xvi) to institute and award Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and other academic distinctions with the prior approval of the Government and concerned statutory authority on the basis of regular or online examination or online evaluation or any other method of evaluation approved by the University Grants Commission and the Government; (xvii) to provide for the preparation of instructional materials, including films, cassettes, tapes, video cassettes, CD, VCD, Pen Drives and other software and other relevant electronic and print media; (xviii) to raise, collect, subscribe and borrow money with the approval of the Board of Governors whether on the security of the property of the University, for the purposes of the University; (xix) to acquire and takeover and run the management of any other educational institutions with the prior approval of the Government: (xx) to acquire properties with the prior approval of the Board of Management; (xxi) to undertake any other activities connected with or incidental to above objectives of the University; and (xxii) Mandatory Skill Development courses shall be conducted by the University.

The University admissions shall be open to all persons irrespective of caste, class, creed, gender or nation. The criteria for admission programme wise and the detailed notification of the time line for admission and the available intake programme wise along with the prescribed fees including a break up of fees shall be notified as a part of mandatory disclosure on the University‟s website: Provided that, forty percent of the admissions in all courses of the university shall be reserved for the students of Karnataka State and admissions shall be done as below.- (i) for Technical and professional Courses admission shall be done on basis of the merit list through a Common Entrance Test conducted by the Central Government or Government or its agency, as the case may be or through any method as specified by the Government from time to time; (ii) in case of all non-technical courses the admission shall be done on the basis of the merit list prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the respective qualifying exams or through any method as specified by the Government from time to time: Provided further that, seats in the above cases in this section shall be allotted as per the merit and reservation policy of the Government framed from time to time.

The Sponsoring Body shall have the following powers with reference to the University, each of which may be exercised by the Sponsoring Body at its discretion, namely:- (i) to appoint or re-appoint or terminate the appointment of the Chancellor; (ii) to constitute the first Board of Governors of the University; (iii) to nominate the chairperson of the Board of Governors; (iv) to nominate three persons as members of the Board of Governors; (v) to nominate two persons as members of the Board of Management; (vi) to determine the source of funds to be contributed to the University Endowment Fund; (vii) to determine the application and spending of monies by the University; and (viii) to resolve any conflict at the meeting of the Board of Governors in the manner provided for in this Act.

The following shall be the officers of the University, namely: - (i) The Visitor; (ii) The Pro-visitor; (iii) The Chancellor: (iv) The Pro-Chancellor; (v) The Vice-Chancellor; (vi) The Pro Vice-Chancellor; (vii) Deans of Faculties; (viii) The Registrar; (ix) The Finance Officer; and (x) Such other officers as may be declared by the Statutes to be officers of the University.

(1) His Excellency the Governor of Karnataka shall be the Visitor of the University and the visitor may offer suggestions for the improvement of the functioning of the University. (2) The Visitor shall preside at the convocation of the University for conferring degrees and diplomas. (3) The Visitor shall have the following powers, namely:- (i) to call for any paper or information relating to the affairs of the University; (ii) on the basis of the information received by the Visitor and if they are satisfied that any order, proceedings or decision taken by any authority of the University is not in conformity with the Act, Regulations, or Rules, they may issue such directions as they may deem fit in the interest of the University and the directions so issued shall be complied with by all the concerned.

(1) The Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka shall be the Pro-Visitor of the University. (2) The Pro-Visitor shall, when the Visitor is absent, preside at the Convocation of the University for conferring degrees and diplomas.

(1) The Chancellor shall be appointed by the Sponsoring Body. (2) A nominee of the Sponsoring Body shall be the first Chancellor, who shall hold for life or till he demits office. (3) The subsequent Chancellor shall be a member of the Sponsoring Body. (4) The Sponsoring Body may appoint Pro-Chancellor who shall be member of the Sponsoring Body. (5) The subsequent Chancellor so appointed shall hold the office as determined by the Sponsoring Body. (6) The Chancellor shall have such powers as may be conferred on him by this Act or the Statutes made there under, which shall include the following powers, namely:- (i) to function as the head of the University; (ii) to preside at all convocations of the University in absence of visitor and pro-visitor; (iii) to function as a Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the University; (iv) to appoint or re-appoint or terminate the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the Statutes; (v) to propose the appointment of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, the Dean, the Registrar and the Finance Officer; (vi) to appoint the first Pro Vice-Chancellor and the Finance Officer; (vii) to constitute the first Board of Management, the Finance Committee, the Research Council and the Academic Council; (viii) to approve the Agenda matters in the manner provided for in the Act; and (ix) to resolve a conflict (excluding conflicts at a meeting of the Board of Governors) in the manner provided in this Act. (7) In the event of there being a conflict inter-se between the functionary or body and any other functionary or body of the University, then the issue shall be referred to the Chancellor and the decision of the Chancellor in respect of such issue shall be final and binding on the University.

(1) The Pro-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Sponsoring Body for a term of not exceeding four years prescribed by the Sponsoring Body subject to other terms and conditions as may be laid down in the statutes. (2) The Pro-Chancellor shall exercise all powers of the Chancellor in his absence and shall be assigned any additional duties with prior written Approval of the Chancellor. (3) The Pro-Chancellor shall chair all the Committees, meetings and convocations in the absence of the Chancellor.

(1) The Vice- Chancellor shall be appointed for a term of four years by the Chancellor subject to other terms and conditions as may be laid down by the Statutes from among three persons recommended by the Nomination Committee constituted in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2). The vice-chancellor shall not continue in office after the age of sixty seven years. (2) The Nomination Committee referred to in sub-section (1) shall consist of the following persons, namely:- (i) One person nominated by the Sponsoring Body, who shall be the convener of the nomination committee. (ii) One person nominated by the Board of Governors; and (iii) One person nominated by the Academic Council; (3) The Nomination Committee shall, on the basis of merit, recommend three persons suitable to hold the office of the Vice-Chancellor and forward the same to the Chancellor along with a concise statement showing the academic qualifications and other distinctions of each person. (4) 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 the authorities of the University: Provided that, where any matter, other than the appointment of a Teacher is of urgent nature requiring immediate action and the same could not be immediately dealt with by any officer or the authority or other body of the University empowered by or under this Act to deal with it, the Vice-Chancellor may take such action as he may deem fit with the prior written approval of the Chancellor. (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be laid down by the Statutes or the Rules: Provided that, where in the opinion of the Vice-chancellor, any decision of any authority of the university is outside the powers conferred by this Act or Statutes, Regulations or Rules made there under or is likely to be prejudicial to the interests of the university, he shall request the concerned authority to revise its decision within fifteen days from the date of its decision and in case the authority refuses to revise such decision wholly or partly or fails to take any decision within fifteen days, then such matter shall be referred to the Chancellor and his decision thereon shall be final. (6) The services of the Vice-Chancellor can be terminated by the Chancellor with the approval of the Board of Governors after following the principles of natural justice and after providing an opportunity to present his case including, for termination on, disciplinary grounds. (7) The Vice-Chancellor shall preside at the Convocation of the University in the absence of the Visitor, Pro-Visitor, the Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor.

The Vice- Chancellor shall appoint not more than three pro-vice Chancellors with the written approval of the Chancellor in such manner as prescribed by the statues and they shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be laid down by the Statutes.

Deans of faculties shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with the written approval of the Chancellor in such manner and they shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be laid down by the Statutes.

All appointments in sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 in the University shall be as per Regulations of existing University Grants Commission and other Regulatory Authorities.

(1) The Registrar shall be appointed by the Chancellor in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be laid down by the Statutes. (2) All contracts as defined in statutes shall be entered into, and signed by the Registrar on behalf of the University. (3) The Registrar shall have the power to authenticate records on behalf of the University and shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may conferred by the statutes or may be required from time to time, by the Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor. (4) 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 demanded.

The Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with the written approval of the Chancellor in such manner and he shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be laid down by the Statutes.

The manner of appointment, terms and conditions of service and powers and duties of the other officers of the University shall be such as may, be specified by Statutes.

The following, shall be the authorities of the University, namely:- (i) The Board of Governors; (ii) The Board of Managements; (iii) The Academic Council; (iv) The Research and Innovation Council; (v) The Finance Committee; and (vi) Such other authorities as may be declared by the Statutes to be the authorities of the University. (ii) The Pro Vice Chancellor - Member (iii) The Registrar - Secretary (iv) Such other members not more than thirty members as may be specified by the Statutes. (2) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic body of the University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes, Regulations and the Rules, and as per Regulations of existing University Grants Commission, relevant Rules and Regulations of Government of India and Government of Karnataka to co-ordinate and exercise general supervision over the academic policies of the University. The agenda and proceedings of the Academic Council shall be put up on the website of the University as a part of Mandatory Disclosures.

(1) The Board of Governors shall consist of the following, namely:- (i) The Chancellor - Chairperson; (ii) The Pro-Chancellor - Member; (iii) The Vice-Chancellor - Member; (iv) The Secretary to the Government in the Higher Education Department or by their nominee not below the rank of Deputy Secretary - Ex-Officio Member; (v) One expert from the field of management, finance or any other specialized, including administration to be nominated by the Government- Member; (vi) Three persons nominated by the Sponsoring Body of whom one shall be woman- Member; and (vii) The Pro Vice-Chancellor who shall be a non-voting member. (2) The Registrar shall be non-voting member Secretary of Board of Governors. (3) The tenure of office of the members of the Board of Governors, appointment of members, other than Government nominees, renewal and removal, etc:, shall be such as may be laid down by the Statutes. (4) All meetings of the Board of Governors shall always be chaired by the Chancellor and in his absence by any one of the nominees of the Chancellor. If Chancellor has not nominated any person to Chair such a meeting, members present in the meeting shall elect the Chairperson for that meeting only from among themselves by a simple majority. (5) Quorum for all meetings of the Board of Governors shall be three members attending and voting at such meeting: Provided that, the presence of either the Chancellor or one nominee of the Sponsoring Body and in the absence of the Chancellor or one nominee of Sponsoring Body, the Vice Chancellor, shall always be necessary to form the quorum for any meeting of the Board of Governors. (6) The Board of Governors shall be the Principal Governing Body of the University and shall have the following powers, namely:- (i) to appoint the Statutory Auditors of the University; (ii) to lay down policies to be pursued by the University; (iii) to review decisions of the other authorities of the University if they are not in conformity with the provisions of this Act, or the Statutes or the Rules; (iv) to take decision about voluntary winding up of the University with approval of Government; (v) to approve proposals for submission to the Government; and (vi) to take such decisions and steps as are found desirable for effectively carrying out the objects of the University. (7) The Board of Governor shall, meet at least four times a year. (8) The Board of Governors shall meet at such time and place as may be specified by Statute. (9) The agenda and proceedings of the Board of Governors shall be put up on the website of the University as a part of Mandatory Disclosures, in addition to the proceedings of the meeting shall be live stream.

(1) The Board of Management shall consist of the following, namely:- (i) The Vice Chancellor; (ii) The Pro-Vice Chancellors; (iii) The Registrar; (iv) Two nominees of the Sponsoring Body; and (v) Two Deans of the faculties as nominated by the Vice Chancellor. (2) The Vice Chancellor shall be the Chairperson of the Board of Management and the Registrar shall be the Secretary of the Board of Management. (3) The Board of management shall be the executive body of the University. The powers and functions of the Board of Management shall be such as may be specified by the statutes. (4) All meetings of the Boards of Management shall always be chaired by the Vice Chancellor and in the absence of the Vice Chancellor, by the nominee of the Sponsoring Body and where the Sponsoring Body has not nominated any nominees, then by any other member as elected by the members present in the meeting; (5) In the event of a conflict of opinion at the meeting of the Board of Management, the issue shall be referred to the Chancellor and the decision of the Chancellor in respect of such issue shall be final and binding on the University. (6) The agenda and proceedings of the Board of management shall be put up on the website of the University as a part of Mandatory Disclosures.

(1) The Academic Council shall consist of the following, namely: - (i) The Vice-Chancellor - Chairperson

(1) Research and Innovation Council shall be the Principal Research and Innovation Committee of the University and shall provide the larger holistic vision of the kind of research to be undertaken by the University, including prioritization of the research areas. Research and Innovation Council shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes, Regulations and the Rules, co-ordinate and exercise general, supervision over the Innovation and Research policies of the University. (2) The Research and Innovation Council shall consist of the following, namely:- (i) The Vice- Chancellor - Chairperson (ii) The Pro Vice-Chancellor – Member (iii) The Dean of Research – Secretary (iv) Head of the Department of Innovation – Member (v) Deans of all Faculties _ Members (vi) Such other members not more than thirty members as may be specified in the Statutes.

(1) The Finance Committee shall consist of the following, namely:- (i) The Chancellor or his Nominee - Chairperson (ii) The Pro-Chancellor - Member (iii) The Vice-chancellor - Member (iv) The Registrar - Member (v) The Finance Officer - Secretary (vi) One nominee of the Sponsoring Body - Member (vii) Such other members not more than thirty as may be specified in the Statutes. (2) The Finance Committee shall be the principal financial body of the University to take care of financial matters and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, Rules and Statutes and as per Regulations of existing University Grants Commission, relevant Rules and Regulations of Government of India and Government of Karnataka to co-ordinate and exercise general supervision over the financial matters of the University. The agenda and proceedings of the Finance Committee shall be put up on the website of the University as a part of Mandatory Disclosures.

The constitution, powers and functions of the other authorities of the University shall be such as may be specified by the statutes.

A person shall be disqualified for being a member of any of the authorities of bodies of the University, if he,- (a) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; (b) is an undischarged insolvent; (c) has been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude; (d) conducting or engaging himself in private coaching classes; (e) has been punished for indulging in or promoting unfair practice in the conduct of any examination, in any form, anywhere; and (f) as and when the Board of Governors were to form an opinion in writing that a Member of any of the authorities or bodies is unfit to hold the post.

No act or proceedings of any authority of the University shall be invalid merely by reason of the existence of any vacancy or defect in the constitution of the authority.

(1) No Agenda Matter shall be either included in the Agenda for or taken up for discussion and decided in, the meeting of the Board of Governors or the Board of Management or any Committees without obtaining the Prior written approval of the Chancellor. (2) In the event of breach of any provisions of this Act the Chancellor shall be entitled at all time to immediately take remedial action by reversing all decisions taken by any functionary or body of the University in breach of the provisions of the Act and consequent upon the pursuit of such a remedial action all such actions taken by the functionary or body of the University in breach of the provisions of the Act shall be deemed to be null and void, ab-initio and consequently the status quo ante shall prevail in respect of the matter or decision in breach.

Subject to the provisions of this Act and Rules and Regulations of the UGC and other Regulatory Authorities, the Statues may provide for any matter relating to the Universities and Staff as given below namely:- (i) the procedure for transaction of business of the Authorities of the University and the composition of bodies not specified in this Act; (ii) Subject to section 52, the operation of the permanent statutory endowment fund, University endowment fund, the general fund and the development fund; (iii) the terms and conditions of appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the Finance Officer and their powers and functions; (iv) the mode of recruitment and the terms and conditions of service of the other officers, Teachers and employees of the University; (v) the procedure for resolving disputes between the University and its officers, Faculty members, employees and students; (vi) creation, abolition or restructuring of departments and faculties; (vii) the manner of co-operation with other Universities or institutions of higher learning; (viii) the procedure for conferment of honorary degrees; (ix) provisions regarding grant of free ships and scholarships; (x) policies in respect of seats in different courses of studies and the procedure of admission of students to such courses; (xi) policy relating to the fees chargeable from students for various courses of studies as per the provisions of this Act; (xii) institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, free ships, medals and prizes; (xiii) procedure for creation and abolition of posts; and (xiv) any other matters which may be decided by the Board of Governors or required to be provided by statutes under this Act.

(1) The first statutes framed by the Board of Management shall be submitted to the Board of Governors for its approval. (2) The Board of Governors shall consider the First Statutes, submitted by the Board of Management and shall give its approval thereon with such modifications, if any, as it may deem necessary. (3) The University shall publish the First Statutes, as approved by the Board of Governors in the University Notification, and thereafter, the First Statutes shall come into force from the date of its publication.

The Board of Governors may, make new or additional Statutes or amend or repeal the Statutes.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and Rules and Regulations of University Grants Commissions and other Regulatory Authorities, the statutes may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:- (i) admission of students to the University and their enrolment and continuance as such; (ii) the courses of study to be laid down for all degrees and other academic distinctions of the University; (iii) the award of degrees and other academic distinctions: (iv) the conditions of the award of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; (v) the conduct of examinations and the conditions and mode of appointment and duties of examining bodies, examiners invigilators, tabulators and moderators; (vi) the fees to be charged for admission to the examinations, degrees and other academic distinctions of the University; (vii) the conditions of residence of the students at the University or a Constituent College; (viii) maintenance of discipline among the students of the University or a Constituent College; and (ix) all other matters as may be provided in the Statutes under the Act.

The Academic Regulations shall be made by the Academic Council and approved by Board of Management.

The Academic Council may, with the approval of the Board of Management, make new or additional academic regulations or amend or repeal the regulations.

(1) The fee in respect of forty percent of the admissions in all courses of the university for which admissions are made through a Common Entrance Test conducted by the Government or Central Government its agency under the proviso to section 9 shall be the fees, as fixed by the Government, for Government seats from time to time, in accordance with the consensual agreement entered into by the Government and the University in accordance with the Karnataka Professional Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission and Determination of Fee) Act, 2006 (Karnataka Act 8 of 2006). The fee in respect of forty percent of the admission in all other non-technical courses being offered in the university shall be the fees as fixed by consensual agreement entered between University and State Government. (2) In respect of other seats of the University, the fee shall be determined by the fee regulatory committee constituted under the chairpersonship of a Retired Judge of High Court in accordance with the provisions of section 6 of the Karnataka Professional Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission and Determination of Fee) Act, 2006 (Karnataka Act 8 of 2006). For the purpose of this section, the University shall be deemed to be the Private Unaided Professional Educational Institution. (3) The Committee shall look into the compliance of the university in the admissions vis-à-vis the statutory and regulatory authorities and collection of fees.

The University shall publish in its official website, the Act, Regulations, Public Notices and other instructions of concerned National Accreditation Body and the Acts, Rules, Regulations, Orders, Circulars and instructions of the Government. And also the proceedings of every meeting of the Board of Governors, Board of Management, the Academic Council, The Finance Committee within 48 hours of the signature on the proceedings of the said meeting by the Competent Authority. The details of the Programmes/Courses offered by the University, its sanctioned intake, eligibility for

(1) Every employee shall be appointed under a written contract subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified by statutes and regulations or prescribed if any by rules which shall be kept in the University and a copy of which shall be furnished to the employee concerned. (2) Disciplinary action against the employees shall be governed by the procedure specified in the Statutes. (3) Any dispute arising out of the contract between the University and an employee shall, be resolved in the manner provided for in the written contract and in accordance with the Statues and as per existing Regulations of the University Grants Commission.

In case of disciplinary actions by the University against its employee or student, the aggrieved employee or students shall have a right to appeal to such authority as specified by the statutes and as per existing University Grants Commission, relevant Government of India and Government of Karnataka Rules and Regulations.

The University shall constitute for the benefit of its employees such Provident or Pension Fund and provide such insurance scheme as it may deem fit in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be specified by the statutes and the laws in force.

If any question arises as to 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, the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor.

Any other authority of the University mentioned in section 29, shall be empowered to constitute a committee of such authority, consisting of such members of such authority and having such powers as the authority may deem fit.

Any casual vacancy among the members, other than ex-officio members of any Authority or body of the University shall be filled in the same manner in which the member whose vacancy is to be filled up, was chosen, and the person filling the vacancy shall be a member of such authority or body for the residual term for which the person in whose place he would have been a member.

Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provisions of this Act and the Statues, (i) the first Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor, if any shall be appointed by the Chancellor; (ii) the first Registrar and the first Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Chancellor; and (iii) the first Board of Management, the first Finance Committee, the first Innovation and Research Council and the first Academic Council shall be constituted by the Chancellor.

(1) The University shall establish a Permanent Statutory Endowment Fund of at least Rs. 25,00,00,000 jointly in the name of the Chancellor of the University and Secretary of the Government Higher Education Department, out of which at least Rs. 15,00,00,000 shall be in cash and remaining in the form of Bank Guarantee, which may be increased suo moto but shall not be decreased: (2) The University shall have power to invest the permanent Statutory Endowment Fund in such manner as may be prescribed. (3) The University may transfer any amount from the General Fund or the Development Fund to the permanent Statutory Endowment Fund. Excepting in the event of dissolution of the University, in no other circumstances can any monies‟ be transferred from permanent Statutory Endowment Fund for other purposes. (4) Seventy five percent of the incomes received from permanent Statutory Endowment Fund shall be used for the purpose of development or general work of the University. The remaining twenty five percent shall be reinvested in the permanent Statutory Endowment Fund.

(1) The University shall establish a Endowment Fund having such funds as may be determined by the Sponsoring Body which can include donations and other funds received from time to time. (2) The University shall have the power to invest the University Endowment Fund in a manner as may be specified by the Statutes. (3) The University Endowment Fund is a self-imposed fund that the University desires to maintain voluntarily and invest it responsibly to protect itself from financial challenges that may arise on account of pursuing social objectives and/or unforeseen circumstance. (4) The University may transfer any amount from the General Fund or the development fund to the University Endowment Fund. Excepting in the event of dissolution of the University, in no other circumstances can any monies be transferred from the University Endowment Fund for other purposes. (5) Eighty percent of the incomes received from the University Endowment Fund shall be used for the purposes of development or general work of the University. The remaining twenty percent shall be reinvested into the University Endowment Fund.

(1) The University shall establish a General Fund to which the following amount shall be credited, namely:- (i) all fees which may be charged by the University; (ii) all sums received from any other source not prohibited by any law for the time being in force: (iii) all contributions made to the University; (iv) all contributions or donations made in this behalf. by any other person or body which are not prohibited by any law for the time being in force. (2) The funds credited to the General Fund shall be applied to meet all the recurring expenditure of the University.

(1) The University shall establish a Development Fund to which the following funds shall be credited, namely:- (i) all sums received from any other source for the purposes of the development of the University; (ii) all contributions made by the University; (iii) all contributions or donations made in this behalf by any other person or body; which are not prohibited by any law for the time being in force; and (iv) all incomes received from the Permanent Statutory Endowment Fund. (2) The funds credited to the Development Fund from time to time shall be utilized for the development of the University.

The funds established under sections 48, 49, 50 and 51 shall subject to general supervision and control of the Board of Governors, be regulated and maintained in such manner as may be prescribed.

(1) The Annual Report of the University shall be prepared under the direction of the Board of Management and shall be submitted to the Board of Governors for its approval. (2) The Board of Governors shall consider the annual report in its meeting and may approve the same with or without modification. (3) A copy of the annual report duly approved by the Board of Governors shall be sent to the Visitor and the Government before 31st December following close of the financial year in March of each year. A copy of the Annual Report shall be published on the website of the University not later than 31st December of every year.

(1) The annual accounts and balance sheet of the University shall be prepared under the direction of the Board of Management and all funds accruing to or received by the University from all source and all amount disbursed or Paid shall be entered in the account maintained by the University. (2) The annual accounts of the University shall be audited by an auditor, who is a member of the Institute of Charted Accountants of India, every year. (3) A copy of the annual accounts and the balance sheet together with the audit report shall be submitted to the Board of Governors before 30th November following close of the financial year in 31st March of each year. (4) The annual accounts, the balance sheet and the audit report shall be considered by the Board of Governors at its meeting and the Board of Governors shall forward the same to the visitor and the Government along with its observation thereon on or before 31st December of each year. (5) In the event of any material alteration in the Report of the Auditors, the Government may issue directions to the University, to rectify the alterations and such directions shall be binding on the University. (6) A copy of the annual accounts and audit report shall be published on the website of the University every year.

A copy of any receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding or resolution of any authority or committee of the University or other documents in possession of the University or any entry in any register duly maintained by the University, if certified by the Registrar, shall be received as prima facie evidence of such receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding, resolution or document or the existence of entry in the register and shall be admitted as evidence of the matters and transaction therein recorded where the original thereof would, if produced, have been admissible in evidence.

The Government may give such directions to the University as in its opinion are necessary or expedient for carrying out the purposes of this Act or to give effect to any of the provisions contained therein or of any rules or orders made there under and the Board of Governor or the Board of management, as the case may be, of the University shall comply with every such direction.

(1) Whoever contravenes the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder or any examination matters or in matters relating to award of degrees or in giving marks cards shall on conviction be punishable with fine of not less than Rs. 50,000 which may extend to Rs. 10,00,000 or with an imprisonment for a term of not less than six months which may extend to two years or with both: Provided that, where the University is also involved in committing the offence the permission letter granted under this Act to commence the University shall be withdrawn. (2) A penalty under this section may the imposed without prejudice to the penalty specified in any other Act.

Any officer not below the rank of Group „A‟ officer authorized by the Government in this behalf, shall, subject to such conditions as may be specified therein under the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1984 (Karnataka Act 37 of 1984) shall be deemed to be the Officer authorized to exercise the same powers and

(1) If the University proposes dissolution in accordance with the law governing its constitution or incorporation, it shall give at least six months prior notice in writing to the Government. (2) The Karnataka State the Higher Education Council shall conduct periodical Inspection of University regarding,- (i) standard of Instructions for grant of degree; (ii) quality of Education; (iii) avoidance of commercialization of Higher Education; and (iv) contravention of the provisions of the Act, if any; - and send report to the Government within ten days from the conduct of this inspection. The Inspection Report shall also be published on the website of the Karnataka State Higher Education Council. (3) On identification of mismanagement, maladministration and indiscipline, the Government shall issue directions to the management of the University to set right the administration. If the direction is not followed within such time as may be prescribed, the right to appoint an administrator or winding up of University or take decision on for winding up of the University or any course thereof shall vest with the Government. (4) The manner of winding up of the University or any course thereof shall be such as may be prescribed by the Government in this behalf: Provided that, no such action shall be initiated without affording a reasonable opportunity to show cause to the University. (5) On receipt of the notice referred to in sub-section (1) the Government shall, in consultation with the relevant Regulatory Authority make such arrangements for administration of the University from the proposed date of dissolution of the University or winding up of the course and until the last batch of students in regular courses of studies of the University complete their courses of studies in such manner as may be prescribed.

(1) The expenditure of administration of the University during taking over period of its management under sub-section (5) of section 61 shall be met out of the Permanent Statutory Endowment Fund, the General Fund or the Development Fund in such manner as may be prescribed. (2) If the fund referred to in sections 48, 49, 50 and 51 are not sufficient to meet the expenditure of the University during the taking over period of its management, such expenditure may be met by disposing of the properties or assets of the University, by the Government. (3) Where the dissolution of the University is due to mismanagement or maladministration, the Government is at liberty to identify the persons responsible for such mismanagement or maladministration and to impose penalty as it deems fit. The right to appoint an Administrator or winding up of the University or taking any other course of action thereof shall vest with the Government.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any Law for the time being in force in the State where based on inspection report of Higher Education Council it is found that any private university is violating the,- (a) standard of instructions for grant of degree; (b) quality of education; (c) avoidance of commercialization of Higher Education; or (d) the provisions of the Act in which it is established. the Government is of opinion that, in spite of the directions by the Government, the university has not complied with it and has continued to mismanage, mal-administer and to practice indiscipline, then before directing for winding up of the management of the University, shall either in the public interest or in order to secure the proper management of the University be taken over, it may, after giving one month's notice to the Chancellor or Sponsoring Body in charge of the management of the University to make any representation, direct by notification, that the management of the University shall with effect on and from the date specified therein shall vest in the Government for a period of one year: Provided that, if the Government is of the opinion that in order to secure the proper management of the University, it is expedient that such management shall continue to vest in the Government after the expiry of the said period of one year, it may issue direction for the continuance of management for a further period not exceeding one year as it may think fit, so however, the total period for which management shall continue to vest in the Government shall not, in any case, exceed two years. (2) The University referred to in sub-section (1), shall be deemed to include all assets, rights and lease holds, powers, authorities and privileges and all property, movable and immovable, including lands, buildings, stores instruments and vehicles, cash balances, revenue fund, investments and book debts and all other rights and interests arising out of such property as were immediately before the date of taking over of the management under sub-section (1) in the ownership, possession, power or control of the management of the University and all books of account, registers and all other documents of whatever nature relating thereto. (3) All persons, in whom the management of the University vested immediately before the taking over shall, as from the date aforesaid, cease to be so vested and shall be deemed to have vacated their offices as such on the date aforesaid. (4) Notwithstanding anything in any other law for the time being in force, no person who ceases to hold any office by reason of the provisions contained in sub-section (3) shall be entitled to claim any compensation for the premature termination of the contract of management or other arrangement or for the cessation of management or for the loss of office, as the case may be. (5) Notwithstanding any judgment, decree or order of any court, tribunal or other authority or anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, every person in whose possession or custody or under whose control the University or any part thereof or any properties attached thereto vest shall transfer the same to the Administrative officer appointed by the Government for the purpose of carrying on the management of the University for and on behalf of the Government, or where no Administrative officer is appointed, to such other person as the Government may direct. (6) For the removal of any doubt, it is hereby declared that any liability incurred by the management in relation to the Private University before the taking over shall be enforceable against the said Governing Council or sponsoring body and not against Government or the Administrative Officer. (7) The amount payable in respect of the vesting in the Government, the University under sub-section (1) shall be an amount equal to the average net annual surplus income of the University during the period of its existence or the period of five consecutive accounting years immediately preceding the date of such vesting whichever is less: Provided that, no such amount shall be payable if the sponsoring body or Governing Council under which the University is found makes provision for the running of the University. (8) The amount payable under sub-section (7) shall subject to rules made under this Act, be paid by the Government to the person interested in the University in such manner and within such time as may be prescribed.

(1) After the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (1) of section 61, the management of the University shall vest in accordance with the order, if any, of any court and if there be no such order, vest in the Governing Council or managing committee or sponsoring body (by whatever name called) of the University or such other body or person, as the case may be, entitled thereto. (2) If at any time before the expiry of the period referred to in sub-section (1) of section 61, it appears to the Government that the purpose of vesting of the management of the University in the Government has been fulfilled or that for any other reason it is not necessary that the management of the University shall remain vested in the Government, it may, by order published in the official Gazette, relinquish the management of the University with effect from such date as may be specified in the order. (3) On and from the date specified under sub- section (1) the management of the University shall be transferred in accordance with the order, if any, of any court, and if there be no such order, shall be transferred to the Governing Council or managing committee or sponsoring body (by whatever name called) of the University or such other body or person, as the case may be, entitled thereto.

Any person who obstructs an officer of the Government in the exercise of any power conferred on him or in the performance of any function entrusted to him by or under this Act or any other person lawfully assisting such officer in the exercise of such power or in the performance of such function or who fails to comply with any lawful direction made by such officer or person shall be punished with fine which may extend to Rs. 1,00,000.

Whoever instigates or abets the commission of any offence punishable under this Act shall, on conviction, be punished with the punishment provided for the offence.

(1) Where an offence against any of the provisions of this Act or any rule made there under has been committed by a company, every person who at the time of the offence was committed, was in charge of and was responsible to the company for the conduct of business of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: Provided that, nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to any punishment if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he has exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of the such offence. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where any such offence has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of or is attributable to any neglect on the part of any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. Explanation.- For the purposes of this section:- (a) “company, trust, firm, society” means respectively a company defined under the Companies Act, 1956 (Act No.1 of 1956), trust defined under the Indian Trust Act, 1882 (Act No.2 of 1882), firm defined in the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 (Act No.9 of 1932), Society defined in the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960 (Karnataka Act 17 of 1960) or other association of individuals; and (b) “director‟‟ in relation to:- (i) a company means the director as defined in sub-section (13) of section 2 of the Companies Act, 1956 and partner means a partner in the firm; (ii) a society, a trust or other association of individuals, means the person who is entrusted under the relevant provisions of the Act or rules of the society, trust or other association with management of the affairs of the society, trust or other association, as the case may be.

(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by a notification or by order, make such provisions, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient, for removing the difficulty: Provided that, no notification or order under this section shall be made after the expiry of a period of five years from the date of commencement of this Act. (2) Every Order made under sub- section (1), shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the State Legislature.

(1) The Government may make rules by notification, to carry out the purposes of this Act. (2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid as soon, as may be after it is made before each House of the State Legislature while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.