Chapter IV AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

(i) the Court, (ii) the Executive Council, (iii) the Academic Council, (iv) the Faculties, (v) the Boards of studies, (vi) such other bodies of the University as may be declared by the Statutes to be the authorities of the University.

1. (1) The Court shall consist of the following members, namely :- I. Ex-officio Members Category A
   • (i) The Chancellor,
   • (ii) The Pro-Chancellor,
   • (iii) The Vice-Chancellor,
   • (iv) The Director of Instruction of the University,
   • (v) The Director of Research of the University,
   • (vi) The Director of Extension Education of the University,
   • (vii) The Director of Students' Welfare of the University,
   • (viii) The Deans of Faculties,
   • (ix) The Associate Deans,
   • (x) The Principals of affiliated colleges and recognised institutions,
   • (xi) The Registrar,
   • (xii) The Comptroller of the University. Category B
   • (i) The Minister of State for Agriculture, or the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Maharashtra State, as may be designated by the State Government,
   • (ii) The Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, Agriculture and Co-operation Department,
   • (iii) The Director of Agriculture, Maharashtra State,
   • (iv) The Director of Animal Husbandry, Maharashtra State,
   • (v) The Director of Agricultural Marketing and Rural Finance, Maharashtra State,
   • (vi) The Director of Education, Maharashtra State,
   • (vii) The Director of Technical Education, Maharashtra State,
   • (viii) The Director of Fisheries, Maharashtra State,
   • (ix) The Dairy Development Commissioner, Maharashtra State,
   • (x) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Maharashtra State,
   • (xi) The Chief Engineer (Irrigation), Maharashtra State,
   • (xii) The Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. Category C The Vice-Chancellors of other Universities in the State. II. Other Members Category A—Deputed by the State Legislature
   • (i) Three members elected by the Maharashtra Legislative Council from amongst its members,
   • (ii) Six members elected by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from amongst its members. Category B—Nominated by the State Government
   • (i) Four Krishi Pandits and Udyan Pandits,
   • (ii) Six progressive farmers, out of whom at least one shall belong to the Scheduled Tribes and at least one to the Scheduled Castes,
   • (iii) Four progressive animal, sheep [or] poultry breeders,
   • (iv) Four women social workers,
   • (v) Two progressive fishermen,
   • (vi) Two members representing processing co-operative societies,
   • (vii) Two members representing farming co-operative societies,
   • (viii) One member representing secondary teachers, teaching agricultural subjects in secondary schools,
   • (ix) One member representing primary teachers, teaching agricultural subjects in agricultural basic schools. Category C—Representatives of Zilla Parishads, Graduates Students, Academic Staff and Institutions
   • (i) Eight Chairman of Agricultural Committees of Zilla Parishads, nominated by the State Government,
   • (ii) One member elected by registered graduates in each Faculty, from amongst themselves, in the prescribed manner,
   • (iii) One member elected by post-graduate students, from amongst themselves, in the prescribed manner,
   • (iv) One member representing under-graduate students elected, in the prescribed manner, by the Chairman of recognised Students' Councils, from amongst themselves,
   • (v) Four members representing academic staff (other than Principals) in the constituent and affiliated colleges and recognised institutions elected, in the prescribed manner, by persons serving on such staff, from amongst themselves,
   • (vi) One expert having knowledge of matters relating to village industries nominated by the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board,
   • (vii) The Chairman, Bombay State Co-operative Land Mortgage Bank—ex-officio,
   • (viii) The Chairman, Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank—ex-officio,
   • (ix) The Chairman, Maharashtra State Co-operative Marketing Federation—ex-officio. Category D—Donors Two members representing donors, whether individuals or institutions, donating Rs. 50,000 or more, in cash or otherwise, elected from amongst themselves, in the prescribed manner.
2. (2) The members representing the Maharashtra Legislative Council and Assembly shall hold office, so long as they are members of the said Council or Assembly. Other members (other than ex-officio members) shall hold office for a period of five years : Provided that, during this period, a person, elected under clause
   • (v) of Category C of Other Members, shall continue to hold office of a member of the Court only so long as he is serving on the staff comprising that class, by which he was elected.

1. (1) The Court shall, on the dates to be fixed by the Pro-Chancellor, meet twice in a year to transact its business, such meetings to be called the biannual meetings of the Court.
2. (2) The Pro-Chancellor may whenever he thinks fit, and shall, upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than thirty members of the Court, convene a special meeting of the Court.
3. (3) The Pro-Chancellor shall be ex-officio Chairman of the Court. On any ceremonial occasion such as a convocation the Chancellor, if present, shall preside over the meeting of the Court.
4. (4) In the absence of the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor shall preside over the meeting of the Court.
5. (5) The Registrar shall be ex-officio Secretary of the Court.

1. (1) Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by or under this Act, the Court shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties, namely:—
   • (i) to outline broadly what programmes the University should have ;
   • (ii) to discuss and review the annual report of the University and make suggestions thereon ;
   • (iii) to consider the annual financial estimates prepared by the Executive Council and make suggestions thereon ;
   • (iv) to establish and maintain constituent colleges, departments, hostels, research stations, farms, schools, libraries, laboratories and demonstration centres and other facilities for students and employees ;
   • (v) to make provision for instruction, teaching and training in such branches of learning and courses of study as it may think fit, for conduct of research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge ;
   • (vi) to institute and maintain Professorships, Associate Professorships, Lecturerships, Demonstratorships and other posts like Research Specialists, Extension Education Specialists, Teachers and the like, required by the University, as prescribed by the Statutes ;
   • (vii) to make, amend and repeal the Statutes ;
   • (viii) to grant affiliation to colleges and post-graduate institutions ;
   • (ix) to recognise institutions of higher learning and research and withdraw recognition thereof ;
   • (x) to sanction fellowships (including travelling fellowships), scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes ;
   • (xi) to recommend the conferment of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions, to the Chancellor ;
   • (xii) to sanction honorary degrees or other academic distinctions ;
   • (xiii) to lay down scales of pay and conditions of employment of members of the staff in affiliated colleges and recognised institutions and to ensure the observance thereof through the Executive Council.
2. (2) The powers and duties [under clauses
   • (iv) to
   • (vi) and
   • (viii) to
   • (xiii) (all inclusive)] of sub-section
3. (1) shall not be exercised and performed, except upon the recommendations made by the Executive Council.

1. (1) The Executive Council shall be the executive authority of the University, and shall consist of the following members, namely:—
   • (i) The Vice-Chancellor—ex-officio Chairman,
   • (ii) The Director of Agriculture, or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Director of Agriculture,
   • (iia) The Director of Animal Husbandry, or his nominee not below the rank of Joint Director of Animal Husbandry,
     • (iii) A representative of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Government of India, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Community Development and Co-operation,
     • (iv) Eight members elected by the Court from amongst its members who are not employees of the University or Government, two of whom shall be Chairmen of Agriculture Committees of the Zilla Parishads,
     • (v) The three Directors of Instruction, Research and Extension Education of the University,
     • (vi) One Dean of a Faculty elected by the Academic Council by rotation,
     • (vii) One academic staff member elected by the Academic Council (other than the Directors and the Deans),
     • (viii) One eminent agricultural scientist, nominated by the State Government. The Registrar shall be ex-officio Secretary of the Executive Council.
2. (2) A member who is a representative of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research or who is elected by the Academic Council or who is nominated by the State Government shall hold office for three years.

Powers and duties of the Executive Council Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by or under this Act, the Executive Council shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties, namely:—

1. (i) to frame the annual financial estimates of the University and submit the same to the Court for consultation before finalisation ;
2. (ii) with the approval of the State Government, to borrow, on the security of University property, money for the purposes of the University ;
3. (iii) to accept, subject to the Statutes, on behalf of the University bequests, donations and transfers of any movable and immovable property to the University ;
4. (iv) to transfer any movable or immovable property on behalf of the University, a report of which shall be made to the Court if the transaction pertains to any immovable property ;
5. (v) to manage and regulate the finances, accounts and investments of the University ;
6. (vi) to fix, demand and receive payment of such fees and other charges as may be prescribed ;
7. (vii) to approve the academic standards in affiliated colleges and recognised institutions and ensure the observance thereof ;
8. (viii) to make provision for—

1. (a) extension education of rural people,
2. (b) inservice training of the staff of the University, the concerned Departments of Government and the Zilla Parishads,
3. (c) physical and military training,
4. (d) sports and athletic clubs,
5. (e) students' welfare;
   • (ix) to arrange for and direct the inspection of affiliated colleges and recognised institutions and issue instructions for maintaining their efficiency and for ensuring proper conditions of employment for members of their staff; and in case of disregard of such instructions, to recommend modifications of the conditions of their affiliation or recognition or to take such other steps as it may deem proper ;
   • (x) to make, amend and repeal the Regulations for matters solely concerning itself ;
   • (xi) to accept, reject or refer back the Regulations framed by the Academic Council ;
   • (xii) to appoint examiners, fix their remuneration (if any) and to arrange for the conduct of, and for publishing the results of the University examinations and other tests ;
   • (xiii) to appoint such Boards and Committees whether standing or temporary as it may deem necessary for the proper functioning of the University and define their constitution, functions and tenure ;
   • (xiv) to delegate by Regulations any of its powers to the Vice-Chancellor, or such officer of the University or Board or Committee appointed by it as it may deem fit ;
   • (xv) to determine the form, provide for the custody and regulate the use of the common seal of the University ;
   • (xvi) to make provision for consumers' co-operative societies to serve the needs of students and staff of the University and of the colleges and institutions under its control ;
   • (xvii) to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or imposed on it by or under this Act and the Statutes ; (xviii) to exercise all powers of the University not otherwise provided for in the Act or the Statutes and all other powers which are requisite to give effect to the provisions of this Act or the Statutes.

1. (1) The Executive Council shall meet once in every two months, or more often as may be considered necessary, and on such dates as may be fixed by the Vice-Chancellor.
2. (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than eight members of the Executive Council, convene a special meeting of the Council, within twenty-one days of the receipt of such requisition.
3. (3) When a date has been fixed for the meeting of the Executive Council by the Vice-Chancellor, under sub-section
4. (1) or sub-section (2), the Registrar shall give ten clear days' notice in writing to the members of the Council of such meeting.

1. (1) The Academic Council shall serve as an Advisory body of the University and shall have the right to advise the Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Council on all academic, research and extension education matters.
2. (2) The Academic Council shall consist of the following members, namely :-
   • (i) The Vice-Chancellor-ex-officio Chairman,
   • (ii) The Director of Instruction,
   • (iii) The Director of Research,
   • (iv) The Director of Extension Education,
   • (v) The Director of Students' Welfare,
   • (vi) The Deans of Faculties,
   • (vii) The Associate Deans,
   • (viii) The Principals of affiliated Colleges and recognised institutions,
   • (ix) The Heads of Departments of the Faculties,
   • (x) The Chief Research Officers in charge of research stations,
   • (xi) The Chief Extension Education Officers,
   • (xii) One academic staff member from each Faculty, other than the Head of the Department elected by the Faculty,
   • (xiii) Two members elected by the Court, from amongst its members, who are not employees of the University or of Government. The Registrar shall be ex-officio Secretary of the Academic Council.
3. (3) The Academic Council may co-opt as members not more than four persons, for such period and in such manner, as may be prescribed, so as to provide adequate representation of different aspects of agriculture, and such co-opted members shall have the right to take part in the proceedings of the Council and also to vote like any other member of the Council.
4. (4) The Council shall meet at least once before the beginning of each trimester.

1. (1) Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by or under the provisions of this Act, the Academic Council shall study and make recommendations on courses of study, curricula and the conduct of teaching, research and extension education within the University and the maintenance of the standards thereof.
2. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the Academic Council shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties, namely :-
   • (i) to make proposals for establishment of colleges, departments, research stations, libraries, laboratories, demonstration stations and such other activities necessary in the interest of agricultural improvement ;
   • (ii) to make recommendations to the Executive Council for the institution of Professorships, Associate Professorships, Lecturerships, Demonstratorships and posts at research stations including extension education and in regard to their qualifications, duties, emoluments and other conditions of service ;
   • (iii) to formulate, modify and revise schemes for the constitution or reconstitution of Departments of teaching, research and extension education ;
   • (iv) to make Regulations relating to courses of study leading to degrees, diplomas and certificates in consultation with the Faculty and Board of Studies concerned ;
   • (v) to make Regulations regarding the admission of students to the University ;
   • (vi) to make Regulations regarding the examinations conducted by the University and the conditions on which students shall be admitted to such examinations ;
   • (vii) to make recommendations to the Executive Council regarding postgraduate teaching, research and extension education ;
   • (viii) to make proposals for allocating subjects to the different Faculties ;
   • (ix) to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or imposed on it by or under the provisions of this Act.

1. (1) The University shall institute [all or any of] the following Faculties, and such other Faculties as may be constituted by the Statutes from time to time :-
   • (i) Agriculture (including Agricultural Economics and Animal Husbandry),
   • (ii) Veterinary Science,
   • (iii) Agricultural Technology,
   • (iv) Agricultural Engineering,
   • (v) Home Science,
   • (vi) Basic Sciences and Humanities,
   • (vii) Post Graduate Studies,
   • (viii) Lower Agricultural Education,
   • (ix) Fisheries (including Marine Biology),
   • (x) Forestry. The subjects comprising each Faculty shall be determined by the Statutes.
2. (2) Each Faculty shall, subject to the recommendations of the Academic Council and the approval of the Executive Council, have charge of the teaching courses of study, the research work and the extension education programmes in various disciplines.
3. (3) There shall be a Dean of each Faculty. He shall be the Chief Academic Officer of the Faculty, responsible for the due observance of the Statutes and Regulations. He shall be ex-officio Chairman of the Faculty.
4. (4) Each Faculty, other than the Lower Agricultural Education Faculty, shall consist of-
   • (i) Dean of the Faculty-ex-officio Chairman,
   • (ii) The Associate Deans in the Faculty,
   • (iii) The Heads of Departments,
   • (iv) One Professor of each Department other than the Head of the Department, to be elected by the academic staff members of the Department,
   • (v) The Chief Research Officers,
   • (vi) The Chief Extension Education Officers,
   • (vii) The Principals of affiliated colleges and recognised institutions in the related Faculty,
   • (viii) Two Associate Professors and two Lecturers, to be elected by the respective groups. The term of office of elected members shall be three years.
5. (5) The Faculty of Lower Agricultural Education shall consist of-
   • (i) Dean of the Faculty-ex-officio Chairman,
   • (ii) Two members representing each prescribed group of lower agricultural education, elected by heads of the institutions in the respective groups, from amongst themselves. The term of office of elected members shall be three years.
6. (6) A Faculty may co-opt concerned officers of the State Government or of any Zilla Parishad as members, whose number shall not be more than eight and who shall be chosen for such period and in such manner as may be prescribed, so as to provide adequate representation of extension education workers.
7. (7) Each Faculty shall meet at least once in a trimester, but sufficiently in advance of the Academic Council meeting in order that the recommendations of the Faculty can be considered by the Academic Council.

The Faculties though subordinate to the Academic Council in respect of taking decisions, may consider and make recommendations to the Council on all administrative and technical matters. As far as possible the Academic Council shall be guided by the relevant Faculty in its decisions. Barring the policy matters, the Dean of each Faculty shall take action on the resolutions adopted by the Faculty, but under intimation to the Vice-Chancellor. Each Faculty may constitute such Boards of Studies, for such subjects, consisting of such members for such period and in such manner as may be prescribed.

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

1. (a) the constitution, powers and duties of the authorities of the University, and the declaration of other bodies to be such authorities;
2. (b) the emoluments and other conditions of service of the Vice-Chancellor and his powers and duties;
3. (c) the designations, qualifications, method of recruitment, pay, allowances and other conditions of service of various categories of employees of the University, and their powers and duties;
4. (d) the constitution, reconstitution or abolition of Faculties and their powers and duties;
5. (e) the establishment of Departments of Teaching in the Faculties;
6. (f) the conferment and withdrawal of honorary degrees and academic distinctions;
7. (g) the institution of pension or provident fund or insurance scheme, or all or any one or more of them, for the benefit of employees of the University;
8. (h) the qualifications of Professors, Associate Professors, Lecturers, Demonstrators and other members of the academic staff of affiliated colleges and recognised institutions;
   • (i) registration of graduates and maintenance of a register of registered graduates;
9. (j) recognition of examinations of other Universities or educational institutions; as equivalent to the examinations of the University;
10. (k) procedure of meetings of the Court and the conduct of its business;
11. (l) any matter which is to be or may be prescribed under this Act;
12. (m) any other matter which is necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act.

1. (1) The first Statutes necessary for effective operation of the University and to be made before the Court is constituted, with regard to matters set out in section 35, shall be made by the first Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the State Government.
2. (2) The Court may make new or additional Statutes or may amend or repeal the Statutes, from time to time, in the manner hereafter in this section provided.
3. (3) The Court may take into consideration the draft of a Statute either of its own motion or on a proposal by the Executive Council. In the case of a draft which is not prepared by the Executive Council, the Court, before considering the same, shall obtain the opinion of the Executive Council: Provided that if the Executive Council fails to submit its opinion within three months from the date it receives the draft, the Court may proceed to take the draft into consideration.
4. (4) The Court, if it thinks necessary, may also obtain the opinion of any other authority of the University in regard to any draft Statute which is before it for consideration.
5. (5) Every Statute passed by the Court shall be submitted to the Chancellor, who may give or withhold his assent thereto or refer it back to the Court for reconsideration.
6. (6) No Statute passed by the Court shall be valid or shall come into force until assented to by the Chancellor.

1. (1) The Executive Council, the Academic Council and the Faculties may make Regulations consistent with this Act and the Statutes made thereunder for all or any of the following matters :-
   • (a) laying down the procedure to be observed at their meetings (including the quorum required) and the conduct of their business ;
   • (b) providing for the matters which by this Act or the Statutes have to be provided by Regulations ;
   • (c) providing for all matters solely concerning such authorities or for matters for which provision is, in the opinion of such authorities, necessary for the exercise of their powers and performance of their duties under this Act or the Statutes.
2. (2) Each authority of the University shall make Regulations providing for the giving of notice to the members of such authority of the dates of meetings and of the business to be considered at meetings and for keeping of a record of the proceedings of the meetings.
3. (3) The Academic Council may, subject to the provisions of the Statutes, and approval of the Executive Council, make Regulations providing for courses of study, system of examinations, and degrees and diplomas of the University, after receiving drafts of the same from the Faculty concerned.
4. (4) The Academic Council may not alter a draft received from the Faculty but may reject the draft or return it to the Faculty for further consideration, together with the suggestions of the Academic Council.
5. (5) The Executive Council may direct the amendment, in such manner as it may specify, of any Regulation made by any authority under this section or the annulment of any such Regulation, so however that any such amendment or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done or omitted to be done under that Regulation.

(1)

1. (a) If at the date on which this section comes into force any college or other educational institution in the State, other than a Government college or institution, giving instruction at the degree or diploma level in the field of agriculture is associated with or admitted to the privileges of any University established by law in the State, then on such date such association and admission to privileges, as the case may be, shall cease to have effect in relation to such institution; and with effect from such date all such institutions shall be deemed to be admitted to the privileges of the University, and the University shall, as far as may be possible and consistent with this Act, admit such institutions to all such privileges as they had from the other University, immediately before such date.
2. (b) After such date no college or other institution in the State giving instructions at the degree or diploma level in the field of agriculture shall, save with the sanction of the State Government, be associated in any way with or seek admission to any privileges of, any other University established by law in the State. (1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), with effect from the date on which section 38 of the Punjabrao Agricultural University (Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1968, comes into force, any college or other educational institution situated within the University area as defined in that Act, shall cease to be affiliated to the University and shall be deemed to be affiliated to the other University under that Act. (1B) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), with effect from the date of commencement of the Konkan Agricultural University (Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1972, any college or other educational institution situated within the University area as defined in that Act, shall cease to be affiliated to the University and shall be deemed to be affiliated to the other University under the provisions of that Act.

1. (2) A college applying for affiliation to the University shall send a letter of application to the Registrar, and shall satisfy the Executive Council and the Academic Council,
   • (a) that the college will fulfill a need in the locality, having regard to the type of education being provided or intended to be provided by it, the existing provision for the same type of education made by other colleges in the neighbourhood, and the suitability of the locality where the college is or is to be established;
   • (b) that the college is to be under the management of a regularly constituted governing body;
   • (c) that the strength and qualifications of the teaching staff and the conditions governing their tenure of office are such as to make due provision for the courses of instruction, teaching, research and training to be undertaken by the college;
   • (d) that the buildings in which the college is to be located are suitable, and that provision will be made in conformity with the Regulations for the residence of the students in the hostels;
   • (e) that a farm of adequate size with appropriate facilities for research and practical training of students, is available at or near the college in conformity with the Statutes and the Regulations;
   • (f) that due provision has been or will be made for a library and laboratories;
   • (g) that due provision will, as far as circumstances may permit, be made for the residence of the Principal and some members of the academic staff in or near the college or the place provided for the residence of students;
   • (h) that the financial resources of the college are such as to make due provision for its continued maintenance and efficient working;
     • (i) that the rules of the college fixing the fees (if any) to be paid by the students have not been so framed as to involve such competition with any existing college in the same neighbourhood as would be injurious to the interests of education. The application shall further contain an assurance that after the college is affiliated, any transference of management and all changes in the academic staff and all other changes which result in any of the aforesaid requirements not being fulfilled or continued to be fulfilled shall be forthwith reported to the Executive Council.
2. (3) On receipt of a letter of application under sub-section (2), the Executive Council shall—
   • (a) direct a local inquiry to be made by a competent person or persons authorised by the Executive Council in this behalf in respect of the matters referred to in sub-section
3. (2) and such other matters as may be deemed necessary and relevant;
   • (b) make such further inquiry as may appear to it to be necessary;
   • (c) record its opinion, after consulting the Academic Council, on the question whether the application should be granted or refused, either in whole or in part, stating the results of any inquiry under clauses
   • (a) and (b);
   • (d) in case all conditions are fulfilled, forward the application alongwith its recommendations and proceedings to the Court.
4. (4) The Court may, after such inquiries as may appear to it to be necessary, grant or refuse the application, either in whole or in part. Where an application or any part thereof is granted, the decision of the Court shall specify the courses of instruction in respect of which the college is affiliated, and where the application or any part thereof is refused, the grounds of such refusal shall be stated.
5. (5) An application under sub-section
6. (2) may be withdrawn at any time before a decision is taken under sub-section (4).
7. (6) Where a college desires to add to the courses of instruction in respect of which it is affiliated, the procedure prescribed under sub-sections
8. (2) to
9. (5) shall, so far as may be, be followed.
10. (7) Where an affiliated college desires to become a constituent college, the college shall send a letter of application to the Registrar, with its terms and conditions, if any. Such application shall be considered by the Executive Council, and such Council shall, with the approval of the Court, recommend to the State Government whether such application should be granted or refused, and if the application be granted subject to what terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon between the college and the University. The State Government may, after such inquiries as appears to it to be necessary, grant or refuse the application subject to such modifications, if any, as it may deem fit to make in the terms and conditions recommended by the Executive Council. If the application is granted, the college shall be a constituent college and taken under direct management of the University, and from such date as may be specified in this behalf by the State Government by notification in the Official Gazette.

1. (1) The Court shall have the power, after consultation with the Executive Council, to recognise any institution of research or specialised studies under the management of any authority other than the University as recognised institution for the purpose of providing means of instruction and research to meet partially the requirements of the University for advanced degrees.
2. (2) An institution applying for recognition under this section shall send a letter of application to the Registrar and shall give full information in such letter in respect of the following matters :—
   • (a) constitution and personnel of the managing body ;
   • (b) subjects and courses in regard to which recognition is sought ;
   • (c) accommodation, equipment and the number of students for whom provision has been or is proposed to be made ;
   • (d) the strength of the staff, their qualifications and salaries and the research work done by them ;
   • (e) fees levied or proposed to be levied and the financial provision made for capital expenditure on buildings, lands and equipment and for the continued maintenance and efficient working of the institution.
3. (3) On receipt of a letter under sub-section (2), the Executive Council shall—
   • (a) direct a local inquiry to be made by a competent person or persons authorised by it in this behalf ;
   • (b) make such further inquiry as may appear to it to be necessary ;
   • (c) record its opinion, after consulting the Academic Council, on the question whether the application should be granted or refused, either in whole or in part, stating the results of any inquiry under clauses
   • (a) and
   • (b) ,
   • (d) recommend to the Court grant or refusal of the recognition, either in whole or in part, and thereupon the Court shall take such decision as it deems fit. 1[(4) The Court shall also have power, after consultation with the Executive Council, to recognise any institution for lower agricultural education, such as an agricultural school or gramsevak training centre under the management of any authority other than the University, as recognised institution for the purpose of providing means of instruction in lower level education in agricultural and allied activities. The procedure prescribed in sub-sections
4. (2) and
5. (3) for applying for and granting or refusing to grant recognition to any institution of research or specialised studies shall apply mutatis mutandis for applying for and granting or refusing to grant recognition to any institution for lower agricultural education.]

1. (1) Every affiliated college and recognised institution shall furnish such reports, returns and other information as the Executive Council may require to enable it to judge the efficiency and necessity of the college or institution with respect to the University requirements.
2. (2) The Executive Council shall cause every such college or institution to be inspected from time to time by one or more competent persons authorised by the Executive Council in this behalf.
3. (3) The Executive Council may call upon any affiliated college or recognised institution so inspected to take, within a specified period, such action as may appear to it to be necessary in respect of any of the matters referred to in the last two preceding sections.

1. (1) The rights conferred on a college by affiliation may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, or modified, if the college has failed to carry out any of the provisions of sub-section
2. (2) of section 38 or it has failed to observe any of the conditions of its affiliation or it is conducted in a manner which is prejudicial to the interests of agricultural education.
3. (2) A motion for the withdrawal or the modification of such rights shall be initiated only in the Executive Council. The member of the Council who intends to move such a motion shall give notice of it and shall state in writing the grounds on which it is made.
4. (3) Before taking the said motion into consideration, the Executive Council shall send a copy of the notice and written statement mentioned in sub-section
5. (2) to the Principal of the college concerned together with an intimation that any representation in writing submitted within a period specified in such intimation on behalf of the college will be considered by the Executive Council : Provided that, the period so specified may, if necessary, be extended by the Executive Council.
6. (4) On receipt of the representation, or on the expiry of the period referred to in sub-section (3), the Executive Council, after considering the notice of motion, statement and representation and after such inspection by any competent person or persons authorised by the Executive Council in this behalf, and such further inquiry as may appear to it to be necessary, and after consultation with the Academic Council, recommend to the Court the action to be taken in the matter.
7. (5) Upon receipt of any proposal under the last preceding sub-section, the Court shall take a decision on the action to be taken in the matter.

Withdrawal of recognition

1. (1) The rights conferred on an institution by recognition may be withdrawn or suspended for any period by the Court, if the institution has failed to observe any of the conditions of its recognition, or the institution is conducted in a manner which is prejudicial to the interests of agricultural education or research.
2. (2) A motion for such withdrawal or suspension shall be initiated only in the Executive Council. The member of the Council who intends to move such a motion shall give notice of it and shall state in writing the grounds on which it is made.
3. (3) Before taking the said motion into consideration, the Executive Council shall send a copy of the notice and written statement mentioned in sub-section
4. (2) to the Head of the institution concerned, together with the intimation that any representation in writing submitted within a period specified in the intimation, on behalf of the institution, will be considered by the Executive Council : Provided that, the period so specified may, if necessary, be extended by the Executive Council.
5. (4) On receipt of the representation, or on the expiry of the period referred to in sub-section (3), the Executive Council, after considering the notice of motion, statement and representation, and after such further inquiry as may appear to it to be necessary and after consulting the Academic Council, shall recommend to the Court the action to be taken in the matter. On receipt of such proposal, the Court shall take a decision in the matter.

Colleges and other institutions of the University

1. (1) The University shall establish at its headquarters, within the University campus 1[all or any of] the following colleges and such other institutions in close juxtaposition and a central experiment station for fundamental and applied research in close proximity :—
   • (i) A College of Agriculture (including Agricultural Economics and Animal Husbandry).
   • (ii) A College of Veterinary Science.
   • (iii) A College of Agricultural Technology.
   • (iv) A College of Agricultural Engineering.
   • (v) A College of Home Science.
   • (vi) A College of Basic Sciences and Humanities.
   • (vii) An Institute of Post-Graduate Students.
2. (2) Besides the University campus, the programme of the University may be conducted 2 * * * * at such colleges, institutions or other places in any part 3[of the University area] as the University may decide.
3. (3) The University shall provide for under graduate as well as post-graduate training and shall ensure for the economy and efficiency in teaching and research by gradually integrating the curricula of the colleges.
4. (4) The post-graduate teaching and research shall as far as possible be conducted at the Institute of Post-Graduate Studies.

Each academic staff member of the University shall hold the rank of a Professor, Associate Professor, Lecturer or Demonstrator or any other prescribed rank in harmony with his qualifications and status in the University, irrespective of the duties of teaching, research or extension education for the time being allotted to him.

1. (1) The constituent and affiliated colleges and recognised institutions of the University shall gradually be brought on the common pattern of teaching and organisation as may be directed by the University from time to time.
2. (2) The University shall according to need establish additional colleges and institutions to serve the requirements of the various Faculties.
3. (3) The institutions taken over by the University under section 7 shall be conducted by it as constituent training institutions in such manner and with such suitable changes as the University may consider appropriate.
4. (4) The University shall according to need start additional training centres or close down either permanently or temporarily any of the training institutions or classes under its control as it may consider appropriate.

1. (1) The University shall establish a research service. The research and experiment stations which have been taken over by the University under sub-section
2. (5) of section 7 shall be conducted by it as constituent research institutions in such manner and with such suitable changes as the University may consider appropriate.
3. (2) The University shall establish regional research stations 1 * * * * at the existing agricultural colleges and shall according to need establish such additional experimental stations for research both fundamental and applied at suitable places 2[in the University area] as the University may consider appropriate.
4. (3) The University may at any time close down, curtail or expand, either permanently or temporarily, any of the research stations as the University may think appropriate.

The University shall establish an agricultural extension education service, and shall, subject to the provisions in this Act and the Statutes, make useful information based upon the findings of research available to farmers and other people in the rural areas 3* * * to help solve their problems. It shall conduct demonstration and training programmes for the benefit of students, extension workers, cultivators and other rural people, by establishing regional extension education units 1 * * * * at the existing agricultural colleges. Increased agricultural production shall be the principal objective of all extension activities and these activities shall be co-ordinated with the other functions of the University and other appropriate agencies 4[in the University area].

1. (1) In consultation with the appropriate officers of the University, the Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible for taking such steps as may be necessary for the full co-ordination of teaching, research and extension education activities of the University.
2. (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible, working through the appropriate officers and staff of the University, for seeing that conditions are established whereby there is the maximum feasible progress in the development of new information and technology in the natural, physical and social sciences related to agriculture and their transfer to the teaching curricula and to the educational programmes leading to their understanding and adoption, where applicable in practice, 5[in the University area].
3. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible, working through the appropriate officers and staff of the University, to see that there is an appropriate inter-relation of the different curricula and courses offered in the different Faculties of the University so as to avoid unnecessary duplication of functions between Faculties and provide the students with the best course offerings and faculty contacts feasible within the University’s resources and talents.
4. (4) The University shall develop its programme of research and extension education keeping in view the needs of the State 6[in general and, in particular provide appropriate] technical support and consultative advice to the State Government Departments engaged in agricultural development work 4[in the University area].

1. (1) The University shall establish a fund to be called the University Fund.
2. (2) The following shall from part of, or be paid into, the University Fund :—
   • (a) any contribution or grant by Government;
   • (b) the income of the University from all sources including income from fees and charges and sale proceeds of farm products;
   • (c) bequests, donations, endowments and other grants, if any, received by the University.
3. (3) The University shall have and maintain a Contingency Fund under a separate heading in the University accounts, to which shall be credited such sums as may, from time to time, be granted as contributions or grants by Government specially for this purpose. Such Fund shall be used for meeting the intial expenditure and thereafter for making advances for the purposes of meeting unforeseen expenditure.
4. (4) With the previous sanction of the State Government, any portion of the University Fund may, from time to time, be credited by the University to a separate heading in the University accounts, provided that there shall be credited and debited to such special heading such sums only as shall expressly relate to the objects for which a special fund is so created.
5. (5) The University Fund shall, at the discretion of the Executive Council, be kept in the State Bank of India, or in any scheduled bank as defined in the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, which holds a licence issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, or in a co-operative bank approved by the State Government for the purpose, or be invested in securities authorised by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, or, subject to the maximum limit of rupees five lakhs, in the shares of, or by giving loans to, consumers' co-operative societies established for the purposes of the University or any of the affiliated colleges or recognised institutions.

(1)

1. (a) During the period of stabilization of the University, the State Government shall prescribe the date by which and the manner in which the University shall prepare the annual financial estimates of receipts and expenditure of the University.
2. (b) The Executive Council shall consider the estimates so prepared and approve them, with or without modifications and submit them, as approved by it, to the State Government for its sanction.
3. (c) The State Government may pass such orders with reference to the said estimates as it thinks fit and communicate the same to the University which shall give effect to such orders. (2)
4. (a) After the period of stabilization of the University is over, the Vice-Chancellor shall cause to be prepared by the Comptroller of the University on or before such date as may be prescribed the annual financial estimates for the ensuing year and submit them to the Executive Council and to the Court for consideration and suggestions, if any ;
5. (b) The Executive Council may consider the suggestions made by the Court and approved the said estimates, with or without modifications.

1. (1) The Executive Council shall constitute a Finance Committee consisting of the following persons :—
   • (a) The Vice-Chancellor—ex-officio Chairman,
   • (c) Three members chosen by the Executive Council from amongst its members. The Comptroller shall be ex-officio Secretary of the Finance Committee.
2. (2) The Finance Committee shall have the following powers :—
   • (a) to examine the annual financial estimates of the University and to advise the Executive Council thereon,
   • (b) to examine the annual accounts of the University and to advise the Executive Council thereon,
   • (c) to review the financial position of the University from time to time,
   • (d) to make recommendations to the Executive Council on all matters relating to the finances of the University,
   • (e) if so directed by the Executive Council, to make recommendations to the Executive Council on any proposals made by the Executive Council involving expenditure for which no provision exists in the budget or which involves expenditure in excess of the amount provided in the budget.

1. (1) The annual accounts of the University shall be prepared by the Comptroller under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor, and all monies accruing to or receive by the University from whatever source and all amounts disbursed and paid by the University shall be entered in the accounts.
2. (2) The annual accounts and the balance sheet shall be submitted by the Vice-Chancellor to the State Government, which shall cause an audit to be carried by an auditor appointed by it, in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The accounts when audited shall be printed and copies thereof together with the copies of the audit report shall be presented by the Vice-Chancellor to the Executive Council, the Court and the Chancellor.
3. (3) The Executive Council shall submit a copy of the accounts and the audit reprot to the State Government along with the statement of the action taken by the University on the audit report, and the State Government shall cause the same to be laid before each House of the State Legislature.

1. (1) After the passing of this Act, such of the existing staff serving in any of the Government colleges, institutions, centres or other activities liable to be transferred to the University under section 7, or such other staff connected therewith, as the State Government may, from time to time, having regard to the necessity therefor, direct, shall be taken over and employed by the University, and every person so taken over and employed shall be subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and Regulations made thereunder : Provided—
   • (a) that, during the period of such employment all matters relating to the pay, leave, retirement, allowances, pension, provident fund and other conditions of service of the members of such staff shall be regulated by the Bombay Civil Services Rules or such other rules as may, from time to time, be made by the State Government ;
   • (b) that, any such member shall have a right of appeal to the State Government against any order of reduction, dismissal or removal from service or any other punishment.
2. (2) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections
3. (3) and (4), all permanent servants of the said staff taken over and employed by the University under sub-section
4. (1) shall have a lien on their posts in the service of the State Government, and the period of their service under the University shall if they choose to revert to the service of the State Government, be counted for their increments, pension and other matters relating to their service.
5. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections
6. (1) and (2), every officer or servant of the State Government taken over by the University shall, within a period of two years from the date he is so taken over (or such further time (if any) as the State Government may decide), give notice in writing to the State Government—
   • (a) that he should be permitted to retire and thereupon he shall be permitted to retire from Government service and shall be entitled to such terminal benefits as compensation, pension or gratuity, or the like, as may be prescribed by the State Government, or
   • (b) that he should be permanently absorbed in the service of the University and thereupon the University shall absorb him permanently in its service, any service rendered by him under the State Government shall be deemed to be service under the University, and he shall be entitled to receive from the University such terms and conditions of service as respects remuneration, leave and pension, and such rights as respects disciplinary matters or rights similar thereto as changed circumstances may permit as are not less favourable than those to which that person was entitled to immediately before he was taken over by the University, or
   • (c) that he should be permitted to revert to Government service and thereupon he shall be permitted to revert to the service on the same terms and conditions of service applicable to him immediately before he was taken over by the University.
7. (4) If any officer or servant of the State Government fails to give notice under sub-section
8. (3) in time, he shall be deemed to have opted to be permanently absorbed in the service of the University under clause
   • (b) of sub-section (3).
9. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, in the case of any officer or servant of the State Government taken over by the University, if in the opinion of the University such other or servant is not suitable or is surplus to its requirements, the University may move the State Government, within a period of two years from the date he was so taken over to repatriate the said officer or servant to the service of Government. Upon such request by the University, the State Government shall take back the said officer or servant in its service.
10. (6) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, any person taken over and employed by the University under this section to whom section 53 of the Punjabrao Agricultural University (Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1968, applies shall, from the date specified by the State Government, under sub-section
11. (1) of section 7 of that Act, be subject to the provisions of that Act and the Statutes and Regulations made thereunder.
12. (7) Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore in this section contained, any person taken over and employed by the University under this section to whom section 53 of the Konkan Agricultural University (Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1972, applies shall, with effect, from the date of commencement of that Act, be subject to the provisions of that Act and the Statutes and Regulations made thereunder.

1. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, with effect from the date appointed under section 7A in respect of any agricultural school (hereinafter in this section referred to as "the appointed day"), every person (whether he is a Government servant on deputation to a Zilla Parishad under section 253B or is finally allotted to a Zilla Parishad under section 242 or 253C of the said Act or is appointed by a Zilla Parishad or has otherwise become an officer or servant of a Zilla Parishad under the said Act) serving in such school immediately before the appointed day, shall be taken over and employed by the University, and every person to taken over and employed shall be subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and Regulations made thereunder : Provided—
   • (a) that, during the period of such employment, all matters relating to the pay, leave, retirement, allowances, pension, provident fund and other conditions of service of such person shall be regulated by the rules, which were applicable to him immediately before the appointed day, or in the case of a Government servant on deputation be regulated by such other rules as may, from time to time, be made by the State Government ;
   • (b) that, against any order of reduction, dismissal or removal from service or any other punishment, any such person shall have a right of appeal, if he is a Government servant on deputation, to the State Government, and if he is or has become an officer or servant of a Zilla Parishad to such authority as was competent to entertain such appeal under the rules applicable to him immediately before the appointed day.
2. (2) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections
3. (3) and (4), all persons taken over and employed by the University under sub-section
4. (1) who are servants of the State Government on deputation to a Zilla Parishad under section 253B of the said Act, shall from the appointed day cease to be on such deputation ; and who are permanent servants of the State Government or of a Zilla Parishad, shall have a lien on their posts in the service of the State Government or the Zilla Parishad, as the case may be, and the period of their service under the University shall if they choose to revert to the service of the State Government or the Zilla Parishad, be counted for their increments, pension and other matters relating to their service.
5. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections
6. (1) and (2), every person taken over by the University under sub-section
7. (1) shall, within a period of two years from the appointed day (or such further time, if any, as the State Government may decide), give notice in writing to the State Government—
   • (a) that he desires to retire and thereupon he shall be permitted to retire from Government service or the Zilla Parishad service, as the case may be, and shall be entitled to all such terminal benefits as compensation, pension or gratuity, or the like, as he would have been entitled to, had he then retired from Government service or the Zilla Parishad service, as the case may be, or
   • (b) that he should be permanently absorbed in the service of the University and thereupon the University shall absorb him permanently in its service, any service rendered or deemed to be rendered by him under the State Government or the Zilla Parishad shall be deemed to be service under the University, and he shall be entitled to receive from the University such terms and conditions of service as respects remuneration, leave and pension, and such rights as respects disciplinary matters or rights similar thereto as changed circumstances may permit as are not less favourable than those to which that person was entitled to immediately before the appointed day, or
   • (c) that he should be permitted to revert to Government service or the Zilla Parishad service, as the case may be and thereupon he shall be permitted to revert to the said service on the same terms and conditions of service applicable to him immediately before the appointed day.
8. (4) If any person taken over by the University under sub-section
9. (1) fails to give notice under sub-section
10. (3) in time, he shall be deemed to have opted to be permanently absorbed in the service of the University under clause
    • (b) of sub-section (3)
11. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, in the case of any person taken over by the University, if in the opinion of the University such person is not suitable or is surplus to its requirements, the University may move the State Government within a period of two years from the appointed day, to repatriate him to the service of Government or the Zilla Parishad, as the case may be.

Certain appointments to be under contract

1. (1) Save as otherwise provided by or under this Act, every salaried officer and academic staff member shall be appointed under a written contract. The contract shall be lodged with the Registrar, and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the employee concerned.
2. (2) No such employee shall receive any remuneration for any work in or outside the University, except as may be provided by the Statutes.
3. (3) Any dispute arising out of a contract between the University and any of its employees shall at the request of the employee concerned be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration consisting of one member appointed by the Executive Council, one member nominated by the employee concerned and an umpire appointed by the Chancellor. The decision of the Tribunal shall be final, and no suit shall lie in any civil court in respect of the matter decided by the Tribunal.

Appointment of academic staff members to be made on recommendation of selection committee No person shall be appointed by the University as a member of the academic staff, except on the recommendation of a selection committee constituted for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes made in that behalf.

1. (1) Save as otherwise provided, any member of any authority or body of the University may resign his office by letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor through the Registrar, and on the Vice-Chancellor accepting the resignation, the office of such member shall become vacant.
2. (2) Any member of any authority or body of the University shall cease to be a member thereof on his being convicted by a court of law of an offence which involves moral turpitude.

When any vacancy occurs in the office of a member (other than an ex-officio members) of any authority or body of the University before the expiry of the term of office of such member, the vacancy shall be filled, as soon as conveniently may be, by election, nomination, appointment or co-option, as the case may be, of a member who shall hold office so long only as the member in whose place he has been elected, nominated, appointed or co-opted, would have held it, if the vacancy had not occurred :

Acts and proceedings not invalid merely on the ground of defect in constitution, vacancy, etc [58. Notwithstanding that the Court, the Executive Council or the Academic Council or any other authority or body of the University is not duly constituted, or there is a defect in its constitution or reconstitution and notwithstanding that there is a vacancy in the membership of any such authority or body, no act or proceeding of such authority or body, shall be invalid merely on any such ground.]

If any question arises regarding the interpretation of any provision of this Act or of any Statute or Regulation, or as to whether a person has been duly elected or appointed or co-opted as, or is entitled to be, a member of any authority or body of the University, the matter may be referred on petition by any person or body directly affected or suo motu by the Vice-Chancellor to the Chancellor, who shall, after giving the person or body affected a reasonable opportunity of being heard and after taking such advice as he deems necessary, decide the question, and his decision shall be final :

Protection of Acts and orders All acts and orders duly and in good faith done or passed by the University or any of its authorities, bodies or officers shall be final ; and no suit shall be instituted against or damage claimed from the University or its authorities or bodies or officers for anything purporting to be done in pursuance of this Act and the Statutes and Regulations framed thereunder.

Where any authority of the University is given power by this Act or the Statutes to appoint any committee, such committee may, except as otherwise provided, consist of its members, or partly of its members and partly of other persons, as the authority concerned may in each case decide.

The annual report of the University shall be prepared under the direction of the Executive Council and submitted by it to the Court on or before such date as may be prescribed. The report as approved by the Court shall be submitted by the Vice-Chancellor to the Chancellor and the State Government.

Appointment of first Vice-Chancellor Notwithstanding anything contained in section 13, the first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the State Government as soon as practicable after the passing of this Act, for a period not exceeding five years and on such terms and conditions as the State Government thinks fit.

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 15, the first Registrar shall be appointed by the State Government as soon as possible after the passing of this Act, for a period not exceeding five years and on such terms and conditions as the State Government thinks fit.

1. (1) It shall be the duty of the first Vice-Chancellor to make arrangements for constituting the Court, the Executive Council, the Academic Council and other authorities of the University, within six months after the date of his appointment, or such longer period not exceeding a further one year, as the State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette direct.
2. (2) The first Vice-Chancellor shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the approval of the State Government, make the first Statutes and Regulations necessary for regulating the method of election to the aforesaid authorities, for constituting them and for regulating the procedure at their meetings and for the transaction of their business.
3. (3) The authorities constituted under sub-section
4. (1) shall commence to exercise their powers and perform their duties on such date or dates as the State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette appoint.

1. (1) At any time after the passing of this Act until such time as the authorities of the University shall commence to discharge their functions, if in addition to the Government staff taken over or to be taken over by the University, any officers or officer or member of the academic or ministerial staff is required to be employed by the University, the Vice-Chancellor may make the appointment : Provided that, if an appointment is to be made of an officer or a member of the academic staff it shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor, with the previous sanction of the Chancellor.
2. (2) Any appointment made under sub-section
3. (1) shall be for such period not exceeding five years and on such terms and conditions as the Vice-Chancellor thinks fit.

1. (1) The Vice-Chancellor appointed under section 63 shall have powers until the Executive Council commences to discharge its functions,—
   • (a) with the previous approval of the Chancellor, to make additional Statutes and Regulations to provide for any matter not provided for by the first Statutes or Regulations ;
   • (b) to constitute provisional authorities or bodies, and on their recommendations to make Regulations for the conduct of the work of the University ;
   • (c) subject to the control of the State Government, to make such financial arrangements as may be necessary to enable this Act or any part thereof to be brought into force ;
   • (d) to appoint any committee as he may think fit, to discharge such of his functions as he may direct or to delegate to any officer of the University such of his functions as he may direct ;
   • (e) generally to exercise all or any of the powers conferred on the Executive Council by or under this Act.
2. (2) Any orders passed by the Vice-Chancellor in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (c),
   • (d) or
   • (e) of sub-section
3. (1) shall cease to have effect after the expiry of the period of one year from the date of appointment of the first Vice-Chancellor or from such earlier date as the authority of the Univesity concerned may fix in this behalf.

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may, as occasion requires, but not later than two years from the date of coming into force of section 1, by order, do anything, not inconsistent with the objects and purposes of this Act, which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty.