Powers, General functions, Academic functions and Advisory functions of the Council

The Powers, General functions, Academic functions and Advisory functions of the Council shall be as follows, namely:– A.Powers of the Council

1. (i) It shall prepare a perspective plan for implementation of the Policies, evolve various programmes and determine the priorities of such programmes for implementation.
2. (ii) It shall propose general guidelines for the release of grants by the Government to Universities and other Institutions of higher education and advise the Government about the release of such grants to each University and other Institutions of higher education.
3. (iii) It shall frame regulations in accordance with this Act and the rules made thereunder.
4. (iv) It shall have such other powers as may be prescribed for the effective implementation of the programmes for the furtherance of the objectives of this Act. B.General Function
5. (i) It shall render advice to the Government, Universities and other Institutions of higher education in the Union territory of Puducherry.
6. (ii) It shall coordinate the roles of the Government, Universities and Apex regulatory agencies in spheres of higher education within the Union territory of Puducherry.
7. (iii) It shall evolve new concepts, programmes and perspective plans for development of higher education suo moto or on the suggestion by the Government or requests from Universities or other Institutions in the State.
8. (iv) It shall monitor the progress of implementation of the Developmental Programmes of Universities and Colleges taken up in the Union territory of Puducherry.
9. (v) It shall make suggestions to the Government to regulate the functioning of the Private Universities in the Union territory of Puducherry.
10. (vi) It shall promote cooperation and coordination of the Educational Institutions among themselves and explore the scope for interaction with related institutions in the fields of Arts, Science, Technology, Culture, Civil Society, Industry, Law, Vocational Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Career guidance/employment.
11. (vii) It shall suggest measures for the Academic and Financial Accountability of the Universities and other Institutions of higher education in the Union territory of Puducherry.
12. (viii) It shall prepare the Annual Budget and the Audited Statement of expenditure of the Council in such manner as may be prescribed.
13. (ix) It shall prepare an Annual Report making a self-appraisal and showing details of its performance. C. Academic Functions
14. (i) It shall encourage and promote innovations in curricular development, restructuring of courses and updating of syllabi in the Universities and Colleges.
15. (ii) It shall facilitate cooperation and coordination among the Colleges including aspects of offering courses under National Curriculum Framework that offers students the freedom to opt for different courses.
16. (iii) It shall devise steps to improve the standards of examinations conducted by Universities and Autonomous Colleges and suggest necessary reforms.
17. (iv) It shall facilitate training of teachers in Universities and Colleges.
18. (v) It shall promote and monitor publication of quality articles in Journals, text books, monographs and reference books of National and International repute/stature.
19. (vi) It shall develop programmes for greater academic cooperation and interaction between Universities and College teachers and to facilitate mobility of students and teachers within and outside the Union territory of Puducherry.
20. (vii) It shall advise on regulation of admission in Universities, Colleges and Institutions of higher education.
21. (viii) It shall review periodically, the existing guidelines and furnish recommendations for regulating admissions to various courses and for appointments to the posts of teachers and teacher administrators in Universities, Colleges and other Institutions of higher education.
22. (ix) It shall encourage sports, games, physical education and cultural activities in the Universities and Colleges.
23. (x) It shall reconfigure the Academic standards, requirements and curriculum based on employment prospects of students in close association with and interaction with prospective employers including Industries.
24. (xi) It shall prepare a Status Report on the working of the Universities and Colleges in the Union territory of Puducherry and furnish a copy thereof to the Government and such other authorities as the Government may specify. The manner of preparation of the report shall be such, as may be prescribed.
25. (xii) It shall perform such other functions for the realisation of the key objectives of access, equity and excellence in higher education. D.Advisory Function

1. (1) It shall advise the Government,–
   • (i) regarding the need for and the norms, if any, relating to the establishment of new Universities and Colleges besides new programmes and Departments in the existing Universities and Colleges.
   • (ii) regarding the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of Universities in the Union territory of Puducherry and to suggest modification, if any.
   • (iii) on any University, College or Institution of higher education or any other matter relating to higher education and research which may be referred to the Council.
   • (iv) in determining the block maintenance grants and to lay down the basis for such grants.
2. (2) It shall perform such other functions as may be necessary for the furtherance of higher education in the Union territory of Puducherry.