The Tripura University of Health Sciences Act, 2026

This Act may be called the ‘Tripura University of Health Sciences Act, 2026’;

2. Definitions In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

i. “Affiliated Institution” means a college or an institution imparting education in health sciences and allied sciences and affiliated to the University in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and includes a college or an institution deemed to be an affiliated college or institution under this Act;

ii. “Appointed date” means the date appointed under sub -section (i) of section 3;

iii. “Approved Institutions” mean hospital, health center, affiliated institution or such other institutions recognized by the University as an institution in which a person may undergo training, if any, required by a course of study before conferring any degree, diploma or other academic distinction of the University ;

iv. “Authorities” means the authorities of the University as specified in section 16;

v. “Autonomous Institution” means a college or Institution, as the case may be, on which status of Autonomy has been granted and designated to be so by the statutes;

vi. “Board” means the Executive Board of the University;

vii. “College” means an institution imparting education in health sciences and is affiliated to the University;

viii. “Educational Agency” means any person or body of persons whether incorporated or not who or which establishes or maintains one or more private college or institutions in which instruction, or research in all or any of the subjects of the health science is provided;

ix. “Government College” means a college imparting education in health sciences, managed by the State Government and affiliated to the University;

x. “Hostel” means a unit of residence for the students of the institution affiliated to the University in accordance with the provisions of this Act or Statutes;

xi. “Health Sciences” means the science of modern medicine in all its branches concerning preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health of human beings and includes dental sciences, Mental Health, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and allied sciences including those concerned with interdisciplinary areas, and those related to paramedical courses;

xii. “Other Universities” means “The Tripura University”, “The Maharaja Bir Bikram University” and includes the universities established under their own Act;

xiii. “Paramedical courses” means programme of education, research and training in nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, optometry, radiology, audiology, speech pathology, Medical Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology, Physiology, Medical Laboratory Technology, medical radiation technology and such other courses of studies as may be declared, by notification, by the State Government;

xiv. “Prescribed” means prescribed by Statutes, Ordinances, and Regulations;

xv. “Private college” means a college which is not established and maintained by the State Government or the Central Government or local authority;

xvi. "recognized Institution" means an institution of higher learning, research or specialized studies, other than an affiliated institution, and recognized to be so by the University ;

xvii. "Regulatory Body" means Medical Council of India, constituted under National Medical Commission

1. (NMC) under National Medical Commission Act, 2019, Central Council of Indian Medicine constituted under section 3 of the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, Homeopathy Central Council constituted under the Homeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, National Dental Commission constituted under National Dental Commission Act, 2023, Nursing Council of India, constituted under the section 3 of Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947, Pharmacy Council of India constituted under section 3 of Pharmacy Act, 1948, University Grants Commission established under section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 and includes such other bodies established by the State Government or Central Government for laying down norms and conditions for ensuring standard of education in Modern Scientific Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Dentistry, Mental Health, in all their branches and includes paramedical courses; xviii. "Statutes", "Ordinances" and "Regulations" means, respectively the "Statutes", "Ordinances" and "Regulations" of the University made under this Act; xix. "Student" means a part-time or full-time student pursuing the course or undergoing house-manship or internship or residency programme or carrying on research in any of the affiliated colleges, or recognized institutions ; xx. "University" means the Tripura University of Health Sciences established under section 3 of this Act;

With effect from such date, as the State Government may, by notification, appoint in this behalf, there shall be established in the State of Tripura a University in the name and style of "The Tripura University of Health Sciences"; 2. The University shall be a body corporate by the aforesaid name having perpetual succession and common seal, with powers, subject to the provisions of the Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, to contract and shall, by the said name, sue and be sued; 3. The headquarters of the University shall be at Agartala, Tripura;

4. Objectives of the University The objectives of the University shall be;—

1. (i) to regulate the academic standards of the affiliated institutions;
2. (ii) to design new courses and curricula based on the advances in the field of health science ;
3. (iii) to advance and disseminate learning and knowledge in health sciences and allied fields by fostering and promoting medical research ;
4. (iv) to act as the nodal agency for linkages with other national and international institutions ;
5. (v) to develop a platform for the dialogue between different systems of medicine;
6. (vi) to explore the possibilities of joint research programme and integration between different systems of medicine among the affiliated institution ;
7. (vii) to promote acquisition of knowledge in a rapidly developing and changing society and to offer opportunities for upgrading knowledge and imparting training and development of skills in the context of innovations, research and discovery in all fields of health sciences with use of modern communication media and technologies; and
8. (viii) to undertake such other activities as may be required to fulfill the above objectives.

The powers and functions of the University shall be the following, namely:—

i. to hold examinations and to confer degrees and other academic distinctions for persons who shall have pursued approved courses of studies in an affiliated institution or recognized institution unless exempted therefrom in the manner prescribed and shall have passed the prescribed examinations of the University or shall have carried on research satisfactorily under conditions as may be prescribed and which have been duly evaluated ;

ii. to institute and award degrees, diplomas, certificates and such other academic distinctions;

iii. to make provisions for research and for advancement and dissemination of knowledge in health and allied sciences ;

iv. to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions on distinguished persons in accordance with the conditions as may be prescribed ;

v. to prescribe conditions under which the award of any degree, title, diploma certificates and other academic distinctions may be withheld ;

vi. to withdraw or cancel degree, title, diploma, certificates or other distinctions under conditions that may be prescribed by the Statutes after giving the persons affected, a reasonable opportunity to present their case ;

vii. to prescribe conditions for recognition of institutions for conducting research or other programme of the University and to grant recognition to institutions satisfying the conditions and to withdraw such recognition ;

viii. to make provision wherever feasible in the affiliated institutions, recognized institutions, for survey and collection of statistics, data and other particulars relevant to various developmental activities including evaluation of the developmental schemes under the State and Central Plans with the participation of the students as a part of their curricular activities ;

ix. to monitor and evaluate the academic performance of affiliated institutions and recognized institutions for grant of continuation of affiliation and periodical accreditation and to rescind affiliation if it violates any provisions of the Act, Statutes, Regulations, Ordinances issued by the University or violates any provision of the rules, Regulations, orders, instructions and guidelines, if any, issued by any Regulatory Body;

x. to inspect, where necessary, affiliated institutions and recognized institutions through suitable machinery established for the purpose, and take measures to ensure that proper standards of instruction, and training are maintained by them and adequate library, laboratory, hospital, faculty and other academic facilities are provided for ;

xi. to institute awards, fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, studentship, medals and prizes for teachers and students of the affiliated institutions or recognized institutions;

xii. to provide for the training and quality improvement of teachers and non-teaching employees in the affiliated institutions ;

xiii. to provide for periodical assessment of the performance of teachers and non- teaching employees of the affiliated institutions, in accordance with the Statutes ;

xiv. to regulate attendance of the teachers in the premises of the affiliated institutions during teaching hours and beyond teaching hours, as may be prescribed and to prohibit teachers from taking or conducting private tuition or private coaching classes.

xv. to prescribe a code of conduct for management of affiliated institutions or recognized institutions;

xvi. to establish, maintain and manage, whenever necessary,—

1. (a) a printing and publication department ;
2. (b) Information Bureaus ;
3. (c) Employment Guidance Bureaus and such other activities as may be necessary and possible to fulfill the objectives of the University ; xvii. to co-operate or collaborate with any other University, institution, authority or organization for research and advisory services and to enter into appropriate arrangement with other Universities, institutions, authorities, or organizations to conduct courses and for such purposes as the situation may demand ; xviii. to explore the possibilities of augmenting the resources of the University by exploring or innovating activities such as research and development, consultancy, training programmes and providing services to clients from industry, trade or any other non- Government organization ; xix. to receive funds for collaboration programmes from foreign agencies subject to rules and regulations of the Central Government and the State Government in that behalf ; xx. to accept, hold and manage any endowments, donations or funds which may become vested in it for the purposes of the University by grant, testamentary disposition or otherwise, and to invest such endowments, donations or funds in any manner that the University may deem fit including scholarships and medals: Provided that any donation from a foreign country, foreign foundation or any person in such country or foundation shall be accepted by the University only in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the Central Government and the State Government ; xxi. to borrow money with or without security for such purpose, as may be approved by the State Government, from the Central Government, the University Grants Commission or other incorporated bodies subject to the provisions of this Act ; xxii. to fix fees and to demand and collect such fees in the manner as may be prescribed ; xxiii. to undertake publication of works of merit and research pertaining to health and allied sciences ; and xxiv. to do all such other acts and things or make such other provisions as may be deemed necessary or desirable to further the objects of the University.

No person shall be excluded from any office of the University or from membership of any of its authorities, bodies or committees or from appointment to any post, or from admission to any degree, diploma, certificate or other academic distinction or course of study on the ground only of sex, race, creed, class, caste, place of birth, religious belief or profession or political or other opinion:

Provided that the University may give affiliation to any college or institution in which admission is given exclusively for women or reserved for women:

Provided further that the University may, in consonance with the policies of the State Government, reserve posts, employment or seats for admission in favour of members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Socially and Economically Backward Classes of citizens, women or other category of persons.

i. The Governor of Tripura shall, by virtue of his office, be the Chancellor and the head of the University;

ii. The Chancellor, when present, shall preside over the meeting of 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 his perusal;

iii. The Chancellor may call for such information and record relating to any affair 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;

iv. 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 authority, body, committee

furnished or representation made by the Board, issue such directions as the Chancellor may think fit and the Board and other authority concerned shall comply with such directions;

xi. Not-withstanding anything contained in the preceding sub-sections, 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 examinations, administration or finances, the Chancellor may indicate to the Board through the Vice - Chancellor any matter in regard to which he desires an explanation and call upon the Board to offer such explanation within such time as may be specified by him and if the Board 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 appears to him to be necessary, and the Board and any other authority concerned shall comply with such directions;

xii. The Board shall furnish such information relating to the administration and finances of the University or teaching, examination or research of any of the affiliated institutions as the Chancellor may, from time to time, require;

xiii. 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;

Provided that before taking any such action, the Chancellor shall give an opportunity to such authority to show cause why such action should not be taken;

xiv. An appeal shall lie to the Chancellor against any order of dismissal passed by the Board or the Vice-Chancellor against any person in the service of the University;

xv. An appeal under sub section (xiv) shall be filed within thirty days from the date of serving the order of dismissal on the persons concerned;

xvi. The Chancellor shall, before passing any order on an appeal as above, refer the matter for advice to the State Government;

xvii. The Chancellor shall have the power to remove the Vice-Chancellor 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 nominated by the Chancellor:

Provided further that the person so nominated is above the status or in the rank of the Vice- Chancellor:

Provided also that the Vice-Chancellor shall not be removed under this sub-section unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken against him;

xviii.

Officers of the University The following shall be the officers of the University, namely:—

1. (i) the Vice-Chancellor;
2. (ii) the Registrar;
3. (iii) the Controller of Examination;
4. (iv) the Comptroller of Finance;
5. (v) the Director, Curriculum ; and
6. (vi) and such other officers as may be declared by the Statute to be the officers of the University.

i. The Vice-Chancellor shall be a whole-time officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Chancellor from a panel of three names recommended by a Committee unanimously, who are not members of that Committee;

ii. The names so recommended shall be a person from the Medical Education fraternity possessing high level of academic and administrative competence, integrity, morals, institutional commitment and with distinguished academic record having a minimum ten years experience as Professor in Modern Medicine in NMC recognized or permitted institutions. She/he shall hold the office for a term of five years, which shall be renewable for one more term only by a resolution of the committee;

iii. If the persons approved on priority basis by the Chancellor, out of the panel so recommended, are not willing to accept the appointment, the Chancellor may call for a fresh panel of three different names from the said Committee or If the Chancellor is of the opinion that none of the persons out of the said panel is suitable for appointment as Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor may take steps to constitute another Committee to give a fresh panel of three different names and shall appoint one of the persons named in the fresh panel, as the Vice-Chancellor;

iv. The committee referred to in sub-sections (i) and (ii) shall consist of three members out of whom one member shall be nominated by the State Government, one member shall be nominated by the Chancellor and the remaining member shall be nominated by the Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Chancellor shall appoint one of the members to be the Chairman of the Committee;

v. 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, who may extend such time limit in public or administrative exigency, it is necessary to do so;

vi. The person appointed as the Vice-Chancellor shall, subject to the terms and conditions of his contract of service hold office for a 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 and will not be eligible for reappointment;

vii. Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Chancellor shall appoint such person as he deems fit to be the first Vice-Chancellor of the University and the person so appointed shall hold office for such period not exceeding five year, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Chancellor may fix in that behalf;

viii. Where any vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor by reason of death, resignation or otherwise and it cannot be conveniently and expeditiously filled up in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (i) to (iv) or if there is any other emergency, the Chancellor may, appoint a suitable person for such period not exceeding six months, on recommendation of the State Government;

ix. The salary payable to, and the other conditions of service of, the Vice-Chancellor shall be determined by the State Government:

Provided that the remuneration and other conditions of service shall not be varied to the disadvantage of the Vice-Chancellor during the tenure as such;

x. The Vice-Chancellor may, by writing under his own signature addressed to the Chancellor, after giving one month notice, resign from that office and shall cease to hold 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;

ix. Where any matter is required to be regulated by Statutes or Ordinance or Regulations but no Statute or Ordinance or Regulation has been made in that behalf, the Vice-Chancellor may, for the time being, regulate the matter by issuing such directions as he may think necessary, and shall at the earliest opportunity thereafter, place them before the Board or other authority concerned for approval and may, at the same time place before such authority for consideration of the draft of Statutes or Ordinances or Regulations required to be made in that behalf;

x. The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to appoint all officers of the University based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted in such manner as may be prescribed by Statutes and with the approval of the Board;

xi. As the Chairperson of the authorities or committees of the University, the Vice-Chancellor shall be empowered to suspend a member from the meeting of the authority or committee for obstructing or stalling the proceedings or for indulging in behavior unbecoming of a member, and shall report the matter accordingly, to the Chancellor;

xii. The Vice-Chancellor shall place before the Board, the report of the work of the University periodically as provided under the Statutes;

xiii. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in the Statutes or Regulations made or deemed to have been made there under, the Vice Chancellor may, if he is satisfied that the number of examiners in the panel of examiners approved by the Board 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 Board 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 and the person so nominated by the Vice-Chancellor under this sub-section shall be deemed to be an examiner included in the panel approved by the Board;

xiv. The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to appoint the examiners and question paper setters for the conduct of examinations from the panel approved by the Board;

xv. The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to constitute the vigilance squad for the inspection of affiliated institutions in which university examinations are conducted;

xvi.

Appointment, Powers and Functions of the Registrar i. The Registrar shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the University and shall be a full time salaried officer and shall work directly under the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice-Chancellor;

ii. The Registrar shall be appointed by the Vice Chancellor or on absorption/deputation/lien from Tripura Medical Education Service not below the rank of Associate Professor in Modern Medicine with a minimum ten years of teaching experience in NMC recognised or permitted institutions;

iii. 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;

iv. The Registrar shall act as Secretary of the Board, Academic Council and such other authorities and committees as may be provided by the Statutes

ix. The Registrar shall prepare and update the Handbook of the Statutes and Regulations approved by the authorities or committees, from time to time, and make them available to all the respective members of the authorities and officers of the University;

x. The Registrar shall receive complaints and suggestions in regard to the improvement of administration and consider them for appropriate action;

xi. In all suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleadings shall be signed and verified by the Registrar or any other person authorized by him in his behalf and all processes in such suits and proceedings shall be issued to and served on the Registrar;

xii. 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 the Statutes or assigned to him, from time to time by the Vice -Chancellor.

i. The Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor or on absorption/deputation/lien from Tripura Medical Education Service not below the rank of Assistant Professor in Modern Medicine with a minimum ten years of teaching experience in NMC recognised or permitted institutions;

ii. The qualification and experience for the purpose of selection of the Controller of Examination shall be such, as may be prescribed by the Statutes;

iii. 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 of Examinations for more than two terms;

iv. The Controller of Examinations shall be the principal officer-in-charge of the conduct of examinations and declaration of their results and shall discharge the functions under the superintendence, direction and guidance of the Board;

v. The Controller of Examinations shall be the Member-Secretary of the committees appointed by the Board, except the committees constituted for appointment of paper setters and examiners;

vi. Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions under sub-section (iv), the Controller of Examinations shall be responsible for making all arrangements necessary for holding examinations and tests and declaration of results;

vii. The Controller of Examinations shall exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Statutes or assigned to the Controller of Examinations, by the Board, from time to time.

viii. Appointment of paper-setters and examiners at the University examinations in the subject with approval of the Vice Chancellor.

ix. Appointment of examiners or evaluators for evaluation of thesis and dissertations and for conducting viva-voce tests, wherever prescribed, for awarding postgraduate, doctorate and higher degrees with approval of the Vice Chancellor.

i. The Comptroller of Finance shall be the principal Finance, Accountants and Audit officer of the University and shall be a full time salaried officer and shall work directly under the control of the Vice-Chancellor;

ii. The Comptroller of Finance shall be appointed by the Vice Chancellor or on deputation from Tripura Civil Service not below the rank of Joint Secretary or by absorption/deputation/lien from Tripura Medical Education Service not below the rank of Assistant Professor in Modern Medicine having at least ten years of teaching experience in NMC recognised or permitted colleges;

iii. The Comptroller of Finance 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 Board on matters which have financial implications but shall not be entitled to vote;

iv. The Comptroller of Finance shall maintain minutes of the meetings of Finance Committee and the Sub-Committees if any, appointed by the Finance Committee;

v. The Comptroller of Finance shall be responsible for preparation and presentation of the annual budget, Statement of accounts and audit reports, to the Finance Committee and the Board;

vi.

Appointment, Powers and functions of the Director, Curriculum i. The Director, Curriculum shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with prior approval of the State Government for such period and on such terms as may be prescribed by Statutes but not below the rank of Assistant Professor in Modern Medicine with a minimum seven years of teaching experience in NMC recognised or permitted institutions and shall be a full time salaried officer of the University and shall work directly under the control of the Vice-Chancellor;

The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Controller of Examinations, the Comptroller of Finance, Director Curriculum and such other officers as may be appointed shall be notified by the University in the Tripura Gazette.

The following shall be the authorities of the University, namely: —

1. (i) The Executive Board;
2. (ii) The Academic Council;
3. (iii) The Board of studies;
4. (iv) The Finance Committee;
5. (v) The Quality Assurance Council; and
6. (vi) such other bodies of the University as may be declared by Statutes to be the authorities of the University.

The Board shall be the Chief Executive Body of the University and shall consist of the following members, namely:—

Ex-Officio Members: a) the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the Chairperson ; b) the Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department or representative not below the rank of Deputy Secretary; c) the Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department or representative not below the rank of Deputy Secretary; d) the Secretary to Government, Finance Department or representative not below the rank of Deputy Secretary; e) the Secretary to Government, Law Department or representative not below the rank of Deputy Secretary; f) the Director, Medical Education; g) the Director, Health Services ; h) the Registrar of the University; i) one Principal from amongst all Government Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Nursing, Homeopathic and Ayurvedic Colleges, if any, as nominated by the State Government.

Other Members: j) one head of Department, if any, from different affiliated private institutions who is not otherwise member of the Board, to be nominated by the Chancellor in the order of seniority by rotation ; k) two members of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, elected by the members thereof; l) such other members as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

2. The Registrar shall be the ex-officio Secretary of the Board but shall have no right to vote;

3. The Chairperson shall preside over the meeting and in his absence, a member nominated from amongst the members shall preside over the meeting;

4. The quorum for the meeting of the Board shall be one-third of the total members;

5. The term of office of the members other than ex-officio member of the Board shall be five years from the date of nomination;

6. The Board shall meet at least twice a year, on such dates as may be fixed by the Vice-Chancellor and one of such meetings shall be called the annual general meeting and a report on the working of the University during the previous year together with a Statement of receipts and expenditure, the financial estimates and the last audit report, shall be presented before the Board at the annual general meeting of the Board;

7.

The Powers and functions of the Executive Board The Board shall have the following powers and functions, namely:— i. to formulate the broad policies and programme of the University ; ii. to suggest measures for the improvement and development of the University ; iii. to examine the annual report, the annual accounts, the audit report and the development plans of the University and give recommendations to the Vice Chancellor ; iv. to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions on the recommendation of the Academic Council ; v. to review current academic programme and collaborative programme ; vi. to suggest new academic programme consistent with the social requirements in medical education ; vii. to suggest institution of new degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions ; viii. to make Statutes, ordinances, regulations subject to the approval of the State Government ; ix. to xxxiv. to prepare academic calendar of the University according to the Statutes, and guidelines from various Regulatory Bodies and the State Government for each academic year, before expiry of the previous academic year ; xxxv. to consider the perspective plan for the academic developments of the University prepared by the Academic Council ; xxxvi. to assess and approve the feasibility of proposals from the Academic Council for academic programmes ; xxxvii. to cause an inquiry to be made in respect of any matter concerning the proper conduct, working and finances of the colleges, institutions affiliated to the University ; xxxviii. to delegate, any of its powers, except the power to make Statutes and Ordinances, to the Vice -Chancellor or such officer or authority of the University or a committee appointed by it as it thinks fit; and xxxix. to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or assigned by this Act or the Statutes.

The Academic Council shall be responsible for laying down the academic policies in regard to maintenance and improvement of standards of teaching and research and collaboration programme;

2. The Academic Council shall consist of the following members, namely :—

Ex-officio members:-

1. (a) the Vice-Chancellor who shall be the Chairperson ;
2. (b) the Director, Curriculum;
3. (c) Chairpersons of the Board of Studies ;
4. (d) Director, Medical Education; Other members:-
5. (e) five Professors—three from the Government Medical Colleges and two from the affiliated Private Medical Colleges, if any, to be nominated by the Vice Chancellor;
6. (f) two Professors - one each from Government and Private Dental Colleges, if any, to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor;
7. (g) two Professors - one each from Government and Private Ayurveda Colleges, if any, to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor ;
8. (h) two Professors one each from Government and Private Homeopathic Colleges, if any, to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor;
   • (i) one Professor or Senior Faculty - one from any Government Nursing Colleges, to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor;
9. (j) two Professors or Senior Faculty from one each from Government and private Pharmacy Colleges to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor;
10. (k) one Teacher from Medical Laboratory Technology to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor;
11. (l) one teacher from Physiotherapy of any Government or Private Paramedical Colleges, if any, to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor;
12. (m) one teacher representing each discipline to be co-opted by the Academic Council from among the teachers having not less than ten years teaching experience, other than Principals of Colleges, Heads of recognized Institutions of whom, at least one must belong to Scheduled Tribe or Scheduled Caste;
13. (n) two eminent experts in the field of Health and Allied Sciences, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; and
14. (o) three women teachers nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from among the teachers of the affiliated Government colleges; 3. The Registrar shall act as the Secretary of the Academic Council, but shall have no right to vote; 4. The quorum for the meeting of the Academic Council shall be one-fifth of the total members of the Academic Council; 5. The Academic Council shall meet not less than thrice a year, there should not be a gap of beyond four months in between such meetings; 6.

Powers and functions of the Academic Council The Academic Council shall have the following powers and functions, namely :—

1. (i) to advise the Board on all academic matters ;
2. (ii) to make regulations on academic matters ;
3. (iii) to make proposals for research and advancement and dissemination of knowledge;
4. (iv) to prescribe the courses of studies for the institutions affiliated to the University ;
5. (v) to prescribe the qualifications of teachers in affiliated institutions ;
6. (vi) to prescribe the qualifications for admission of students to various courses of studies and to the examinations ;
7. (vii) to make provisions for admission of students to various courses of studies on the basis of merit and in order to maintain the standards of education ;
8. (viii) to co-ordinate the teaching and learning process in the affiliated institutions;
9. (ix) to recommend to the Board, proposals regarding institution of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions ;
10. (x) to make proposals to the Board for the institution of fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes and make regulations for their awards ;
11. (xi) to prescribe qualifications and norms for appointment of paper-setters, examiners, moderators and others concerned with the conduct of examinations ;
12. (xii) to appoint committees to review periodically the utility and practicability of the existing courses of study and the desirability or necessity of reviewing or modifying them in the light of new knowledge or challenging social requirements and consistent with the regulations, orders or instructions if any, of the Regulatory Body;
13. (xiii) to decide what examinations of other Universities may be accepted as equivalent to those of the University and to negotiate with other Universities for recognition of the examinations of the University

i. There shall be a Quality Assurance Council in the University for periodic examination of the academic standards, democratic functioning and social commitment of the affiliated institutions and the university; ii.

General provisions regarding authorities of the University i. The constitution, powers, functions and duties of other authorities of the University, not laid down under any of the provisions of this Act, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes; ii. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or Statutes, where a person nominated, appointed or co-opted as an officer of the University or a member of any of the authorities, or committees of the University by virtue of his being eligible to be so nominated or appointed or co-opted as such an officer or a member under any of the categories of officers or members specified by or under the relevant provisions of this Act in relation to such office or authority, such person shall cease to be such an officer of the University or member of such authority as soon as such person ceases to belong to such category and shall be deemed to have vacated the office as such officer or member; iii. No person shall be a member of any of the authorities of the University for a period of more than two consecutive terms, either as nominated, appointed or co-opted member, as the case may be; iv. Save as otherwise provided by or under the provisions of this Act, each authority of the University while acting and exercising its powers and discharging its functions or duties assigned to it by or under the provisions of this Act, shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to deal with and decide on the matters assigned to it and discharge the functions or duties assigned to it by or under the provisions of this Act and the Statutes; v. A member of any authority of the University other than ex-officio member including a nominee may resign by writing under his signature: Provided that a nominee of the Chancellor may resign, by addressing to the Chancellor and any other member including nominee of the Vice-Chancellor, may resign by addressing to the Vice Chancellor. vi. The person shall cease to be a member of such authority upon his resignation being accepted by the Chancellor or, the Vice Chancellor, as the case may be; vii. If the person nominated, appointed or co-opted to an authority or committee remains absent without prior permission of the authority or the committee for three consecutive meetings, he shall be deemed to have vacated his membership and he shall cease to be a member from the date of the third such meeting in which he has remained absent; viii. Save as otherwise provided by this Act, all matters with regard to the conduct of meetings of the authorities or committees, if any, constituted by the University or by any authority, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

1. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board shall have, in addition to all other powers vested in it, the power to make Statutes to provide for the administration and management of the affairs of the University with approval of the Chancellor;
2. (2) Statutes may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
   • (i) the powers and duties of the officers of the University ;
   • (ii) the constitution, powers and duties of the authorities of the University not specifically provided for in this Act ;
   • (iii) the procedure for the nomination of
   • (xi) the norms for grant of autonomy to affiliated institutions or recognized institutions or approved institutions;
   • (xii) acceptance and management of trusts, bequests, donations, endowments and grants from individuals or organizations;
   • (xiii) fixing of number of working days, number of actual days of instructions, holidays other than Sundays, vacation and terms in academic year ;
   • (xiv) disciplinary action against officers and other employees of the University, and disciplinary action against teachers, officers and other employees of affiliated institutions or recognized institutions and approved institutions other than the institutions managed by the State Government, the Central Government and local authority;
   • (xv) award of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other academic distinctions by the University ;
   • (xvi) the withdrawal or cancellation

1. (i) Subject to provisions of this Act, the Statutes and Ordinances and the approval of the Board, the Academic Council may make Regulations in the manner prescribed by Statutes, providing for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

1. (a) the courses of studies and the conduct of examinations;
2. (b) the admission of students to the various courses of study and to the examinations;
3. (c) the qualifications of teachers;
4. (d) the appointment and prescription of duties of examiners; .
5. (e) recognition of examinations, degrees and diplomas of the Universities as equivalent to the examinations, degrees and diplomas of the University; and
6. (f) all other matters which under the provisions of this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances are to be, or may be, prescribed by the Regulations.
   • (ii) All Regulations made under this Act shall have effect from such date as the Academic Council may direct, but every Regulation so made shall be laid before the Board during its next succeeding meeting for approval.

i. Any authority may, subject to the previous approval of the Board shall have the power to make bye-laws and orders not inconsistent with the Act, the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations, for the guidance and working of the Boards and Committees constituted under the provisions of this Act, the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations and for regulating the procedure and conduct of business at the meetings of any authority of the University and providing for all matters solely concerning such authority or Committee; ii. Such bye-laws and orders shall be submitted to the Board which may amend or annul them in such manner as it thinks proper, after ascertaining and considering the views of the authority or Committee making them.

i. Subject to the rights of the minority educational institutions, admission to all courses in the affiliated institutions shall be made in accordance with the reservation policy of the State Government for the members of the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Socially and Educationally Backward classes of citizen, Women and other category of persons;

Provided that where rules have been framed by the State Government, in the interest of the students of the entire State, the University shall adopt the same;

Provided further that having regard to the maintenance of discipline, the authority concerned shall have the power to refuse admission to a student with the approval of Board;

ii. At the beginning of each academic year, the University shall prepare and publish an academic calendar for all programme including a Schedule of Examinations;

Selection of the students for sports, cultural and other activities The University shall make provision in the Statutes to ensure that the students nominated to represent their classes, colleges, as the case may be, for sports, cultural and all other activities are nominated entirely on the basis of merit in the respective field.

1. (i) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the local limits of jurisdiction of the University (hereinafter referred to as the territorial limits of the University), shall extend to the whole of the State of Tripura;
2. (ii) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, any institution or college within the territory of the State Tripura, imparting education in health sciences, may be associated in any way with or be admitted to any privilege of this University or may be affiliated under this University subject to the condition that, direction in this regard is issued by the Central Government, in writing, to the effect that, the proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 7 of the Tripura University Act (Central Act No. 9 of 2007) shall not apply for that institution or college.

1. (i) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, any institution or college within the territory of the State Tripura, imparting education in health sciences, may be associated in any way with or be admitted to any privilege of this University or may be affiliated under this University subject to the condition that, direction in this regard is issued by the Central Government, in writing, to the effect that, the proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 7 of the Tripura University Act, 2006 (Central Act No. 9 of 2007) shall not apply for that institution or college.
2. (ii) Subject to the above, any such educational institution in Health Sciences and allied subjects or the colleges / Institutions imparting education in Health Sciences and allied subjects existing in State and affiliated to Tripura University immediately before the appointed date shall be de-affiliated from the respective University and to have been affiliated to the University from such appointed date for such period and subject to such terms and conditions as has been specified in the order of the affiliation of respective University and subject to Sub section (i) above : Provided that the University may impose such other terms and conditions for continuation of further extension of the terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act and of any law made by the Parliament, as it may deem fit, and the college or institution so affiliated shall be bound to comply with those terms and conditions within such reasonable time as may be directed by the University : Provided further that the University shall have the power to alter or withdraw the affiliation deemed to have been granted under this sub-section, if any such college or institution does not comply with the terms and conditions so imposed. a. For the purpose of deemed affiliation provided in sub-section (iii), any college or institution shall submit a copy of the valid letter of affiliation granted by other University concerned to the Registrar of the University within a period, as may be fixed by the University, in the order and acknowledgement of the receipt of such copy by the University shall be a valid evidence for the purpose of such deemed affiliation. b. The affiliation of the colleges or institutions referred to in sub- section (iii) shall, subject to the conditions that the affiliation of those colleges or institutions in respect of the batches of students admitted to the courses in health sciences and allied subjects, continue till those batches of students complete their courses and the examinations of all such students shall be conducted by such other Universities to which they were attached and Degrees or Diplomas or other distinctions shall be awarded by such Universities and admission to these colleges for the academic year preceding the appointed date shall continue in such Universities. c. The admission to the course or courses to be started, in the colleges and institutions from the succeeding academic year from the appointed date and onwards and the examinations for the new batches of students admitted or to be admitted during said academic year, shall be conducted by the University and degrees or diplomas be awarded by the University.

The Educational Agency applying for affiliation or recognition and whose college or institution has been granted affiliation or recognition, shall give and comply with the undertaking to the effect -

1. (i) that the provisions of this

i. All grants and loans received from the State Government, the Central Government, the University Grants Commission and from any other source, all revenues of the University, all fees received, all income such as rent and profits derived from properties and funds vested in the University, all endowments and donations received from any source whatsoever, all other miscellaneous receipts of the University and deposits, remittances and service of funds, received in connection with the affairs of the University shall form one consolidated fund called “Tripura”;

“University of Health Sciences Fund” and shall be utilized for the purposes and in the manner laid down in this Act and the Statutes;

Provided that separate accounts may be maintained for specific purposes; ii. All moneys in the Tripura University of Health Sciences Fund shall be kept in any scheduled nationalized Bank; iii. The University may invest such part of the money of the Tripura University of Health Sciences Fund, as it may deem fit, in Government securities or securities guaranteed by the Government of India with prior approval of the Board; iv. The custody of the Tripura University of Health Sciences Fund, the payment of money therein, the withdrawal of money therefrom and all other ancillary matters shall be regulated by the Statutes; v. The University shall establish the following accounts, namely:—

1. (i) general fund ;
2. (ii) salary fund;
3. (iii) trust fund;
4. (iv) development and programme fund;
5. (v) research fund;
6. (vi) contingency fund; and
7. (vii) any other fund which, in the opinion of the University, is deemed necessary; vi. The following shall form part of or be paid into the general fund, namely:—
8. (i) any non-salary contribution or grant, received from the State Government or the Central Government or the University Grants Commission;
9. (ii) all incomes of the University from any source whatsoever, including income from fees and charges;
10. (iii) any sums borrowed from the banks or any other agency, with the permission of the State Government;
11. (iv) sum received from any other source or agency; vii. The salary fund shall consist of all amounts received from the State Government, Central Government or the University Grants Commission towards full or part payment of the salary and allowances and no amount from this fund shall be utilized for a purpose other than payment of salary and allowances; viii. All income or money from trusts, bequests, donations, endowments, subventions and similar grants shall form the trust fund; ix. The development and programme fund of the University shall consist of all infrastructure development grants received from the State Government, all contributions made by the University Grants Commission for development and research, grants received from other funding agencies of the Central Government, United Nations and its affiliates, other international agencies, industries, banks and financial institutions or persons but no amount from this fund shall be appropriated to any other fund of the University or expended for any other purpose ; x. The development and programme fund shall be utilized in the manner consistent with the object of the programme for which a suitable code will be adopted to include the guidelines of the funding agency on expenditure and audit, to be granted and approved by the Board; xi. The research fund shall be utilized for research activities which shall consist of any sum received from Government of India, Government of Tripura, any Autonomous Institute, International Research Agencies or any other Agencies, Body or authority for the purpose of undertaking research activity; xii. The University shall have and maintain a contingency fund under a separate head of the University accounts which shall be used only for the purposes of meeting any unforeseen expenditure; xiii. Surplus moneys at the credit of these funds, which cannot immediately or at any early date be applied for the purposes aforesaid, shall, from time to time, be deposited in the banks.

i. The University shall receive as grant-in-aid for its maintenance such sums provided by the State Government in the State’s annual budget, subject to such conditions as may be fixed by the State Government from time to time; ii.

Budget i. The annual budget estimates along with the financial statements of the University for ensuing financial year shall be prepared by the Comptroller of Finance and presented to Finance Committee, under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor before such dates as may be prescribed by the Statutes, for approval; ii. The annual budget estimates and the Financial statement as approved by the Finance Committee, shall be presented to the Board for consideration; iii. The Board shall have no power to reject the Budget, but it can make suggestions and amendments to the Budget and return the same to the Finance Committee for consideration; iv. The Finance Committee may accept or reject the recommendation of the Board with justification; v.

Internal Audit i. The accounts of the University shall be audited at least once in every year and in any case within six months of the closing of the financial year by the auditors appointed by the Board from among the firms of Chartered Accountants whose partners have no interest in any of the authorities or affairs of the University; ii. The audited accounts shall be published by the University and a copy thereof together with the copy of the auditor’s report shall be placed before the Board and submitted to the Chancellor and the State Government.

i. The State Government shall appoint auditors to conduct the audit of the accounts of the University and the institutions under the management of the University at regular intervals; ii. The auditors shall maintain a continuous audit of the accounts of the University and may, after giving due intimation, conduct local audit of any institution affiliated to the University; iii. The University shall bear the cost of the audit as fixed by the State Government; iv. After completing the audit for a year or for any short period or for any transaction or series of transactions, the auditor shall send a report to the University and a duplicate copy thereof to the State Government; v. The auditors shall specify in the report under sub-section (iv), all cases of irregular, illegal or improper expenditure or of failure to recover moneys or other property due to the University or of a loss or waste of money or other property thereof caused by neglect or misconduct of the officers and authorities of the University; vi. The auditors shall also report on any other matter related to the accounts of the University as may be referred by the State Government; vii. The University shall forthwith rectify any defect or irregularity pointed out by the auditors and report the action taken to the State Government within a specified time as may be prescribed in the statute.

i. The Academic Council shall prepare the annual report of the University containing such particulars as the State Government may specify covering each financial year and, before its final approval, it shall be presented to the Board for its review on or before such date as may be prescribed by Statutes; ii.

Grievance Committee i. There shall be a Grievances Committee in the University to deal with the grievances of employees of the University, to hear and settle grievances as far as practicable within a reasonable period of not more than six months, and the committee shall make a report to the Board; ii. It shall be lawful for the Grievances Committee to entertain and consider grievances or complaints and report to the Board for taking such action as it deems fit and the decisions of the Board on such report shall be final; iii. The Grievances Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:—

1. (a) the Vice-Chancellor—Chairperson;
2. (b) three members of Academic Council nominated by the members of the Board; and
3. (c) the Registrar—Member Secretary; iv.

Exclusion of jurisdiction of other University and other bodies i. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, no University except the University established by law, by parliament, deemed University in the State and other than the University established under this Act, shall grant affiliation to any college or institution which offers course of study in the field of health Sciences and other allied subjects, after the commencement of this Act:

Provided that nothing in this section shall, save as otherwise provided in this Act, apply to any institution or University established by law or of a deemed University within the meaning of section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 which is directly managed, controlled and financed by such University or deemed University;

ii. Save as provided in sub-section (i) and notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, no authority or Board by whatever name called, other than the University established under this Act, shall grant a degree, diploma, certificate or license in the field of health sciences and other allied subjects after commencement of this Act.

a. Without prior approval of the Government, University shall not,—

1. (a) create any new post of officers or other employees ;
2. (b) revise pay, allowances, post-retirement benefits and other benefits of its officers and other employees ;
3. (c) grant any special pay, allowance or other extra remuneration of any description whatsoever including ex-gratia payment or other benefits having financial implications, to any of its officers or other employees ;
4. (d) divert any earmarked funds received for any purpose other than that for which it was received;
5. (e) incur expenditure on any developmental work from the funds received from the State Government or the University Grants Commission or any person or body for the purposes other than the purposes for which the funds are received ;
6. (f) take any decision regarding affiliated colleges resulting in increased financial liability, direct or indirect, for the State Government; and
7. (g) Any other matter as may be prescribed in the statute; b. The University shall be competent to incur expenditure without prior approval of the State Government from the funds received from ;—
8. (a) various funding agencies without any share or contribution from either the State Government or Central Government ;
9. (b) fees for academic programme started on self-supporting basis ;
10. (c) contributions received from the individuals, industries, institutions, organizations or any person whosoever, to further the objectives of the University ;
11. (d) contributions or fees for academic or other services offered by the University;
12. (e) development fund, if any, established by the University for the purposes of,—
    • (i) starting any academic programme on self-supporting basis ;
    • (ii) incurring expenditure on any development work: Provided that there shall not be any financial liability, direct or indirect, immediate or future to the State Government for incurring such expenditure: Provided further that all such expenditures shall be as per the regulations as may be prescribed by the University; a) In case of failure of the University to exercise powers or perform duties as specified in this Act and Statutes to be framed or where the University has not exercised such powers or performed such duties adequately or where there has been a failure to comply with any order issued by the State Government, the State Government may, on making such enquiry as it may deem fit, issue a directive to the University for proper exercise of such powers or performance of such duties or comply with the order and it shall be the duty of the University to comply with such direction.

i. It shall be the duty of every authority or officer of the University to ensure that the interests of the University are duly safeguarded;

ii. If it is found that a damage or loss has been caused to the University by any action on the part of any authority or officer of the University not in conformity with the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations, except when done in good faith, or any failure so as to act in conformity thereof, by willful neglect or default on its or his part, such damage or loss shall be liable to be recovered from the authority or the concerned members thereof jointly or severally, or from the officer concerned, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Statutes.

If any question arises regarding the interpretation of any provision of this Act or of any Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations as to whether a person who has been duly nominated or appointed or is entitled to be a member of any authority or Committee 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 taking such advice as deemed necessary, decide the question in consultation with the State Government and such decision shall be final;

Protection of action taken in good faith No suit or other legal proceedings shall be instituted against or damages claimed from the University or its officers, authorities or bodies for anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done or any orders passed in good faith in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or the Statutes, Ordinances, Bye-Laws and order made thereunder.

No act or proceeding of the Board, Academic Council or any other authority or anybody or committee of the University including the committee appointed by the Chancellor for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor,

i. It shall be the duty of the first Vice-Chancellor appointed under this Act to make arrangements for constituting the Board and other authorities of the University within six months from the date of commencement of this Act or such longer period not exceeding one year as the State Government may, by notification direct;

ii. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and until an authority is duly constituted under this Act, the first Vice-Chancellor may appoint any officer or constitute any committee temporarily to exercise and perform any of the powers and duties of such authority under this Act.

i. If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may, within a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act, by order, published in the Tripura Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with this Act, as it appears to be necessary or expedient for removing the doubt or difficulty;

ii. Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature.