Chapter III THE CHANCELLOR, PRO-CHANCELLOR AND OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

1. (1) The Governor of Kerala shall, by virtue of his office, be the Chancellor and the Head of the University.
2. (2) The Chancellor, when present, shall preside over the convocation of the University and may issue directions to the Vice-Chancellor to convene the meeting of any authority of the University for specific purposes, whenever necessary, and the Vice-Chancellor shall submit the minutes of such meeting to the Chancellor for the Chancellor's perusal.
3. (3) The Chancellor may call for such information and record relating to any affairs of the University and issue such directions thereupon as the Chancellor may deem fit in the interest of the University, and the authorities and officers of the University shall comply with such directions.
4. (4) The Chancellor may after taking report in writing from the Vice-Chancellor suspend or modify any resolution, order or proceedings of any authority, body, committee or officer, which in the opinion of the Chancellor is not in conformity with this Act, Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations or is not in the interest of the University and the University authority, body, committee and officer shall comply with the same: Provided that, before making any such order, the Chancellor shall call upon the University, authority, body, committee or, as the case may be, the officer to show cause within the period specified, why such an order should not be made, and if any cause is shown, the Chancellor shall consider the same and wherever he deems it necessary, after consulting the Government, decide the action to be taken in the matter, and such decision shall be final.
5. (5) Where, in the opinion of the Chancellor, the conduct of any elected or nominated or appointed or co-opted member in the bodies of the University is detrimental to the smooth functioning of the University or any authority or body or committee, the Chancellor may, after giving such member an opportunity to offer explanation in writing and after considering such explanation, if any, and being satisfied that it is necessary so to do, suspend or disqualify such member for such period as the Chancellor may deem fit.
6. (6) (i). The Chancellor shall have the right to cause an inspection to be made by such person or persons or body of persons, as he may direct, of the University, its buildings, hospitals, libraries, museums, workshops and equipments of any college, institution or hostel maintained, administered or recognised by the University and of the teaching and other work conducted by or on behalf of the University or under its auspices and of the conduct of examinations or other functions of the University and to cause an inquiry to be made in like manner regarding any matter connected with the administration or finances of the University;
   • (ii) The Chancellor shall, in every case, give due notice to the University of his intention to cause an inspection or inquiry to be made and the University shall be entitled to appoint a representative, who shall have the right to be present and to be heard at the inspection or enquiry;
   • (iii) After an inspection or inquiry has been caused to be made, the Chancellor may address the Vice-Chancellor on the result of such inspection or inquiry and the Vice-Chancellor shall communicate to the Senate or Governing Council the views of the Chancellor and call upon the Senate or Governing Council to communicate to the Chancellor through him its opinion thereon within such time as may have been specified by the Chancellor. If the Senate or Governing Council communicates its opinion within the specified time limit, after taking into consideration that opinion or where the Senate or Governing Council fails to communicate its opinion in time, after the specified time-limit is over, the Chancellor may proceed and advice the Senate or Governing Council upon the action to be taken by it, and fix a time-limit for taking such action;
   • (iv) The Senate or Governing Council shall, within such time limit as fixed, report to the Chancellor through the Vice-Chancellor the action which has been taken or is proposed to be taken on the advice tendered by him; (v)The Chancellor may, where action has not been taken by the Senate or Governing Council to his satisfaction within the time-limit fixed and after considering any explanation furnished or representation made by the Senate or Governing Council, issue such directions as the Chancellor may think fit and the Senate or Governing Council and other authority concerned shall comply with such directions;
   • (vi) Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding clauses, if at any time the Chancellor is of the opinion that in any matter the affairs of the University are not managed in furtherance of the objectives of the University or in accordance with the provisions of this Act, Statutes and Regulations or that special measures are desirable to maintain the standards of University teaching, examinations, research, administration or finances, the Chancellor may indicate to the Senate or Governing Council through the Vice-Chancellor any matter in regard to which he desires an explanation and call upon the Senate or Governing Council to offer such explanation within such time as may be specified by him. If the Senate or Governing Council fails to offer any explanation within the time specified or offers an explanation which in the opinion of the Chancellor, is not satisfactory, the Chancellor may issue such directions as appear to him to be necessary, and the Senate or Governing Council and any other authority concerned shall comply with such directions; (vii)The Governing Council shall furnish such information relating to the administration and finances of the University as the Chancellor may, from time to time, require.
7. (7) (i) The Chancellor shall when an emergency arises have the right to suspend or dismiss any of the authorities of the University and take measures for the interim administration of the University;
   • (ii) An appeal shall lie to the Chancellor against any order of dismissal passed by the Governing Council or the Vice-Chancellor against any person in the service of the University;
   • (iii) An appeal under the above clause shall be filed within thirty days from the date of serving the order of dismissal on the persons concerned;
   • (iv) The Chancellor shall before passing any order on an appeal as above, refer the matter for advice to a tribunal appointed by him for the purpose.
8. (8) The Chancellor shall have the power to remove the Vice-Chancellor or Pro-ViceChancellor from office by an order in writing on charges of misappropriation, misconduct, mismanagement of funds or any other good and sufficient reason: Provided that before taking action under this sub-section such charges shall be proved by an inquiry conducted by a person who is or has been a judge of the High Court or the Supreme Court, appointed by the Chancellor for the purpose: Provided further that Vice-Chancellor or Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall not be removed under this section unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken against him.
9. (9) The Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred upon or vested in the Chancellor by or under this Act or Statutes.

1. (1) The Minister in charge of Health or Medical Education in Kerala shall be the Pro-Chancellor of the University.
2. (2) In the absence of the Chancellor or during his inability to act, the Pro-Chancellor shall exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the Chancellor including presiding over of the convocation of the University.
3. (3) The annual programme of work of the University shall be referred to the Pro-Chancellor for his information and any suggestion made by him may be considered by the Governing Council.
4. (4) The Pro-Chancellor shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties of the Chancellor as the Chancellor may, by order in writing delegate to the Pro-Chancellor and such delegation may be subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be specified in such order.

1. (1) The following shall be the officers of the University, namely:—
   • (i) the Vice-Chancellor; (ii)the Pro-Vice-Chancellor;
   • (iii) the Registrar; (iv)the Dean;
   • (v) the Finance Officer; (vi)the Controller of Examination; and such other officers in the service of the University as may be prescribed.
2. (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University and ex-officio Chairperson of the Senate, the Governing Council, the Academic Council and Finance Committee and shall preside, in the absence of the Chancellor or Pro-Chancellor, any convocation for conferring degrees.
3. (3) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible for the duties allotted to him specifically by the Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the Governing Council or under this Act or Statutes and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall preside over the meetings of the authorities of the University in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor.
4. (4) The emoluments and terms and conditions of service of the Vice-Chancellor shall be such as may be determined by the Government.
5. (5) The other officers of the University shall be appointed in such manner and exercise such powers and perform such duties as provided under this Act and Statutes of the University.
6. (6) The conditions of service of the other officers of the University shall be such as may be prescribed by Statutes.

1. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor from among the panel of names recommended by the Search Committee consisting of the following members, namely:—
   • (i) One member nominated by the Chancellor; (ii)One member elected by the Governing Council; and
   • (iii) One member nominated by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission. The Chancellor shall appoint one of the members of the Committee to be the Convenor.
2. (2) The process of preparing a panel shall begin at least three months before the probable date of occurrence of the vacancy of the Vice-Chancellor and shall be completed within the time-limit fixed by the Chancellor. The Chancellor, however, may extend such time-limit, if, in the exigency of the circumstances, it is necessary to do so. However, the period so extended shall not exceed three months in the aggregate.
3. (3) The Committee shall recommend unanimously a panel of not less than three suitable persons from among the eminent persons in the field of health and allied sciences. The names shall be in alphabetical order. The report shall be accompanied by a detailed write-up on the suitability of each person included in the panel. In case the Committee fails to make a unanimous recommendation as provided, each member of the Committee may submit a panel of three names to the Chancellor. The non-submission of the panel by any member of the Committee shall not invalidate the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.
4. (4) (i) If the Chancellor does not approve any of the persons so recommended by the Committee, he may call for a fresh panel either from the same committee or after constitution of a new committee for the purpose, from such a new committee.
   • (ii) The first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendation of the Government.
5. (5) (i) The person appointed as the Vice-Chancellor shall, subject to the terms and conditions of his contract of service hold office for a contract period of five years from the date on which he enters upon office or till he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.
   • (ii) The persons appointed as Vice-Chancellor will be eligible for re-appointment for a second term of five years subject to not attaining the maximum age prescribed as above.
6. (6) In any of the following circumstances, the existence whereof shall solely be judged by the Chancellor, the Chancellor may appoint any suitable person to act as the Vice-Chancellor for a term not exceeding six months in the aggregate,—
   • (i) where the committee appointed under sub-section (1) is unable to recommend any name within the time-limit specified by the Chancellor;
   • (ii) where the vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor because of death, resignation or otherwise, and it cannot be conveniently and expeditiously filled up in accordance with the provisions of sub-sections (1) to (4) above; (iii)where the vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chancellor occurs temporarily because of leave, illness or other causes; (iv)where the term of Vice-Chancellor has expired; or
   • (v) where there is any other emergency. The person so appointed shall cease to hold such office on the date on which the ViceChancellor resumes office or the persons duly appointed as the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the provisions of sub-sections (1) to (4), assumes office.
7. (7) The Vice-Chancellor shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University.
8. (8) Such sumptuary allowance shall be placed at the disposal of the Vice-Chancellor as the Government may approve, from time to time or as prescribed by Statutes.
9. (9) The Vice-Chancellor may, by writing under his own signature addressed to the Chancellor, after giving one month’s notice, resign from that office and shall cease to hold that office, on the acceptance of the resignation by the Chancellor or from the date of expiry of the said notice period whichever is earlier.
10. (10) The Vice-Chancellor may be removed from the office if the Chancellor is satisfied provided that he,—
    • (i) has become insane and stands so declared by a competent authority; (ii)has been convicted by a court for any offence involving moral turpitude;
    • (iii) has become an undischarged insolvent and stands so declared by a competent authority; (iv)has become physically unfit and incapable of discharging functions due to protracted illness or physical disability. The incumbent Vice-Chancellor shall be given a reasonable opportunity to show cause by the Chancellor before taking recourse for his removal under clause (iv).

1. (1) The Chancellor, in consultation with the ViceChancellor shall appoint a suitable person, who is an eminent medical educationist as the Pro-ViceChancellor of the University.
2. (2) The term of Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall be five years or till he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier, provided that a person shall not be appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for more than two terms.
3. (3) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall be a full-time salaried officer of the University, and the pay and allowances admissible to him as well as the terms and conditions of his service shall be such as may be determined by the Government.
4. (4) When the office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor falls vacant or when the Pro-Vice-Chancellor is, by reasons of illness or absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the Chancellor, upon the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor, may appoint a suitable person, among medical educationalists till the Pro-Vice-Chancellor resumes office, or new Pro-ViceChancellor duly appointed assumes duties, as the case may be.

1. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal academic and executive officer of the University. He shall be responsible for the development of academic programmes of the University. He shall oversee and monitor the administration of the academic programmes and general administration of the University to ensure efficiency and good order of the University.
2. (2) He shall be entitled to be present, with the right to speak, at any meeting of any other authority or body of the University but, shall not be entitled to vote there unless he is the Chairperson or member of that authority or body. In the event of equality of votes at any meeting of the Senate, the Academic Council or of any other authority, at which the Vice-Chancellor is the Chairman, he shall have and exercise a casting vote.
3. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene meetings of any of the authorities, bodies or committees, as and when he considers it necessary so to do.
4. (4) The Vice-Chancellor shall ensure that directions issued by the Chancellor are strictly complied with or, as the case may be, implemented.
5. (5) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that the proceedings of the University are carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Act, Statutes and Regulations and that the decisions of the authorities, bodies and committees are not inconsistent with this Act or Regulations.
6. (6) The Vice-Chancellor may defer implementation of a decision taken or a resolution passed by any authority, body or committee of the University if, he is of the opinion that the same is not consistent with the provisions of this Act, Statutes or Regulations or that such decision or resolution is not in the interest of the University and at the earliest opportunity refer it back to the authority, body or committee concerned for reconsideration in its next meeting, with reasons to be recorded in writing. If differences persist, he shall within a week, giving reason, submit it to the Chancellor for decision and inform about having done so to the members of the authority, body or committee concerned. After receipt of the decision of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor shall take the action as directed by the Chancellor and inform the authority, body or committee concerned accordingly.
7. (7) If there are reasonable grounds for the Vice-Chancellor to believe that there is an emergency which requires immediate action to be taken, he shall, take such action as he thinks necessary, and shall at the earliest opportunity, report in writing, the grounds for the emergency and the action taken by him to such authority or body which, in the ordinary course, would have dealt with the matter. In the event of a difference arising between the Vice-Chancellor and the authority, on the issue of existence of such an emergency, or on the action taken or on both, the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor whose decision shall be final: Provided that where any such action taken by the Vice-Chancellor affects any person in the service of the University, such person shall be entitled to prefer, within thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice of such action, an appeal to the Chancellor.
8. (8) Where any matter is required to be regulated by Statutes or Regulations but no Statutes or Regulations have been made in that behalf, the Vice-Chancellor may, for the time being, regulate the matter by issuing such directions as the Vice-Chancellor thinks necessary, and shall at the earliest opportunity thereafter, place them before the Governing Council or other authority or body concerned for approval. The Vice-Chancellor may, at the same time place before such authority or body for consideration the draft of Statutes or Regulations required to be made in that behalf.
9. (9) The Vice-Chancellor shall appoint the University teachers based on the recommendations of the selection committee constituted for the said purpose in such manner as may be prescribed by Statutes and with the approval of the Governing Council.
10. (10) The Vice-Chancellor shall appoint all Officers of the University of and above the rank of Deputy Registrar based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted in such manner as may be prescribed by Statutes and with the approval of the Governing Council.
11. (11) As the Chairperson of the authorities or bodies or committees of the University, the Vice- Chancellor shall be empowered to suspend a member from the meeting of the authority, body or committee for obstructing or stalling the proceedings or for indulging in behaviour unbecoming of a member, and shall report the matter accordingly, to the Chancellor.
12. (12) The Vice-Chancellor shall place before the Senate and Governing Council a report of the work of the University periodically as provided under the Statutes.
13. (13) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in the Statutes or Regulations made or deemed to have been made thereunder, the Vice-Chancellor may if he is satisfied that the number of examiners in the panel of examiners approved by the Governing Council for the conduct of an examination is not sufficient for the conduct of the examination and that approval of another panel of examiners by the Governing Council will entail delay in the conduct of such examination, nominate such additional number of examiners as may be necessary for the conduct of such examination. Any person nominated by the Vice-Chancellor under this sub-section shall be deemed to be an examiner included in the panel approved by the Governing Council.
14. (14) The Vice-Chancellor shall appoint the examiners and question paper-setters for the conduct of examinations from the panel approved by the Board of examinations.
15. (15) The Vice-Chancellor shall constitute the vigilance squad for the inspection of University examinations.
16. (16) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred upon the Vice-Chancellor by or under this Act and Statutes.

1. (1) There shall be a Dean for a Faculty, who shall be a teacher in the concerned subject not below the rank of Professor and with teaching experience and such other qualifications as may be prescribed in the Statutes. The Dean shall be an Academic Officer of the University concerned and responsible for implementation of the academic policies approved by the Academic Council in respect of academic development, maintenance of standards of teaching and training of teachers within the concerned Faculty.
2. (2) The Dean of every Faculty shall be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from among the members of the Faculty.
3. (3) The Dean shall convene meetings of the Faculty, as and when required, in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor and shall preside over the same. The Dean shall formulate the policies and development programmes of the Faculty and present the same to appropriate authorities for their consideration.
4. (4) The Dean shall be responsible for the academic development of the Faculty and shall ensure proper implementation of the decisions of the Senate, Governing Council, Academic Council and the Board of Examinations in respect of the concerned Faculty and the decisions of the Faculty and the Boards of Studies under the Dean’s purview.
5. (5) Subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean shall, after taking such advice as the Dean thinks necessary, decide upon the grievances of students regarding the enrolment, eligibility, migration, scholarships, studentships or freeships, grant of terms and admission to University examinations.
6. (6) The Dean shall enquire, on being directed by the Academic Council, into any malpractice related to any academic programmes under the concerned Faculty conducted by a University department, affiliated or constituent college or school or centre or recognised institution and report the finding to the Academic Council.
7. (7) The Dean shall prepare proposals for the award of fellowships, scholarships and other distinctions in the concerned Faculty for submission to the Academic Council.

1. (1) The Registrar shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the Governing Council on the recommendation of a Selection Committee constituted for the purpose as may be prescribed by Statutes.
2. (2) The Registrar shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the University. He shall be a full-time salaried officer and shall work directly under the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice-Chancellor.
3. (3) Appointment of the Registrar shall be for a term of five years and he shall be eligible for re-appointment. The qualifications and experience for the purpose of selection of the Registrar shall be as approved by the State Government. The term of appointment of Registrar shall be five years or till he attains the age of sixty years, whichever is earlier, provided that a person shall not be appointed as Registrar for more than two terms.
4. (4) When the office of the Registrar falls vacant or when the Registrar is, by reason of illness or absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office for a period not exceeding six months, the Vice-Chancellor shall appoint a suitable person to officiate as the Registrar until a new Registrar is appointed and assume office or the Registrar resumes duty, as the case may be.
5. (5) The Registrar shall act as Secretary of the Senate, Governing Council, Academic Council and such other authorities, bodies and committees as provided by or under this Act and Statutes.
6. (6) The Registrar shall be the appointing and disciplinary authority of the employees of the University of the rank of Assistant Registrar and below, other than the teachers. An appeal by a person aggrieved by the decision of the Registrar may be preferred, within thirty days from the date of communication of such decision, to the Vice-Chancellor.
7. (7) Subject to the decisions of the authorities of the University, the Registrar shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University.
8. (8) The Registrar shall be the custodian of records, the common seal and such other property of the University as the Senate or the Governing Council may, entrust with him.
9. (9) The Registrar shall conduct elections in different bodies of the University as per the programme approved by the Vice-Chancellor.
10. (10) The Registrar shall prepare and update the Handbook of the Statutes and Regulations approved by the authorities, bodies or committees from time to time, and make them available to all the respective members of the authorities and officers of the University.
11. (11) The Registrar shall receive complaints and suggestions in regard to the improvement of administration and consider them for appropriate action.
12. (12) The Registrar shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as provided by or under this Act or as may be prescribed by Statutes or assigned to him, from time to time by the Vice-Chancellor.

1. (1) Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, on the recommendation of a selection committee constituted for the purpose as may be prescribed by the Statutes. The Controller shall be a full-time salaried officer of the University and shall work directly under the control of the ViceChancellor.
2. (2) The appointment of the Controller of Examinations shall be for a term of five years or till he attains the age of sixty years, whichever is earlier, provided that a person shall not be appointed as Controller for more than two terms. The qualifications and experience for the purpose of selection of the Controller shall be such as may be prescribed by Statutes.
3. (3) The Controller of Examinations shall be the principal officer-in-charge of the conduct of examinations and tests of the University and declaration of their results and shall discharge the functions under the superintendence, direction and guidance of the Board of Examinations.
4. (4) The Controller shall be the Member-Secretary of the Board of Examinations and of the committees appointed by the Board, except the committees constituted for appointment of papersetters and examiners.
5. (5) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (2), the Controller shall be responsible for making all arrangements necessary for holding examinations and tests and declaration of results.
6. (6) The Controller shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by Statutes or assigned to the Controller, from time to time, by the Board of Examinations.

1. (1) (i) The Finance Officer shall be the principal Finance, Accounts and Audit Officer of the University. The Finance Officer shall be a full-time salaried officer and shall work directly under the control of the Vice-Chancellor;
   • (ii) The Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor either by direct recruitment or on deputation and in case of direct recruitment, the Finance Officer shall be appointed on the recommendation of the selection committee constituted for this purpose, as may be prescribed by the Statutes;
   • (iii) The qualifications, salary and other conditions of service of the Finance Officer appointed on direct recruitment shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
2. (2) The Finance Officer shall be the Convener of the Finance Committee and shall have the right to be present, speak and otherwise take part in the proceedings of the Senate or Governing Council on matters which have financial implications but shall not be entitled to vote.
3. (3) The Finance Officer shall maintain minutes of the meetings of Finance Committee and the sub-committees appointed by the Finance Committee.
4. (4) The Finance Officer shall be responsible for preparation and presenting of the annual budget, Statement of accounts and audit reports, to the Finance Committee and the Governing Council.
5. (5) The Finance Officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

All salaried officers, members of the

authorities, committees or bodies, teachers of the University and other employees of the University, shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (Central Act 45 of 1860).

The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-

Chancellor, the Registrar, the Controller of Examinations and the Finance Officer shall be notified by the University in the Gazette.