LexThe THE SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY ACT, 2021
Kerala · state statute
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GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
Law (Legislation-G) Department
NOTIFICATION
No. 12010/Leg. G2/2020/Law. Dated, Thiruvananthapuram, 2nd February, 2021
20th Makaram,1196
13th Magha, 1942.
In pursuance of clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of
Kerala is pleased to authorise the publication in the Gazette of the following translation in
English language of the SreeNarayanaGuru Open University Act, 2021 (1 of 2021).
By order of the Governor,
ARAVINTHA BABU P. K.,
Law Secretary.
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[Translation in English of “2021-081 GdlMo@oWMeMunO}, Bdcjens OQyoMleasmslgl
@a>Q” published under the authority of the Governor.]
ACT 1 OF 2021
THE SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY ACT, 2021
An Act to establish and incorporate an Open University to impart higher education through
distance education and for skill development by deviating from the educational system
existing in the State, utilizing modern technological methods in all areas of knowledge at
different levels and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Preamble.—WHEREAS, it is expedient to establish and incorporate an Open University
to impart higher education through distance education and for skill development by deviating
from the educational system existing in the State, utilizing modern technological methods in
all areas of knowledge at different levels and to provide for matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto;
BE it enacted in the Seventy-first Year of the Republic of India as follows:—
CHAPTER 1
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and commencement—{1) This Act may be called _ the
SreeNarayanaGuru Open University Act, 2021.
(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 25th day of September, 2020.
2. Definitions.— In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “academic institution” means an institution affiliated to Universities
established by law in the State or recognized by such Universities and it includes such
Universities;
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(b) “Academic Council” means an Academic Council of the University under
section 29;
(c) “authority” means an authority of the University under section 20;
(d) “Board of School of Studies’ means the Board of School of Studies
constituted under section 42;
(e) “campus” means the places arranged by the University to impart instruction for
courses of study;
(f) “Chancellor” means the Chancellor of the University;
(g) “course of study” means a course of study of the University to obtain certificate,
diploma, degree, post graduate degree, research degree or other academic distinction under the
provisions of this Act and Statutes and Ordinances made thereunder;
(h) “Cyber Controller” means Cyber Controller appointed under section 17;
(1) “Cyber Council” means a Cyber Council constituted under section 37;
(j) “employee” means a person appointed by Statutes for the functioning of the
University and does not include teachers and officers;
(k) “Finance Council” means the Finance Council of the University constituted
under section 33;
(1) “Government” means the Government of Kerala;
(m) “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette;
(n) “officer” means an officer of the University under section 10 or a person
designated as officer by Statutes;
(o) “Ordinances” means Ordinances of the University made under this Act;
(p) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules, Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations
made under this Act;
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(q) “Pro-Chancellor”’ means the Pro-Chancellor of the University;
(r) “Regional Centre” means a centre established or recognized by the University
for the purpose of co-ordination and supervision of the functioning of any Study Centre in the
State and such Regional Centre shall have such powers and duties as specified in this Act and
Statutes made thereunder;
(s) “Regulations” means Regulations of the University made under this Act;
(t) “School of Studies” means a School of Studies of the University established
under section 41;
(u) “Senate” means the Senate of the University constituted under section 21;
(v) “State” means the State of Kerala;
(w) “Statutes” means Statutes of the University made under this Act;
(x) “student” means a person duly enrolled in the University for a course of study;
(y) “Study Centre” means a centre established or recognized by the University in
connection with the course of study and it includes academic institutions;
(z) “Syndicate” means the Syndicate of the University constituted under
section 25;
(za) “teacher” means a person appointed or approved by the University for
imparting instructions or guiding research to a student;
(zb) “University” means the SreeNarayanaGuru Open University established and
incorporated under section 3;
(zc) “University Fund” means the SreeNarayanaGuru Open University Fund
constituted under section 56;
(zd) “Vice-Chancellor” means the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
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CHAPTER 2
THE UNIVERSITY
3. Establishment and incorporation of the University.—(1) There shall be established a
University by the name “ the SreeNarayanaGuru Open University”, which shall consist of
Regional Centres and Study Centres. There shall be a Chancellor, a Pro-Chancellor, a Vice-
Chancellor, a Pro-Vice-Chancellor, authorities and officers as provided in this Act.
(2) The University shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a
common seal and shall sue and be sued by the said name.
(3) The University shall be competent to acquire and hold properties both movable
and immovable, and after obtaining previous sanction of the Government in writing, to lease,
sell or otherwise transfer, for the bonafide need of the University or for a purpose aiming at its
development, any movable or immovable property which may have become vested in it or have
been acquired by it for the purpose of the University and to borrow money from the
Government, Central Government or any other State Government or from any legally
constituted body corporate and to contract and to do all other things necessary for the purpose
of this Act.
(4) Inall suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleadings
shall be signed and verified by the Registrar or any other person authorised by him in this
behalf and all processes in such suits and proceedings shall be issued to, and served on, the
Registrar.
(5) The University and its Regional Centres, Study Centres and academic
institutions shall be the campuses of the University.
(6) The headquarters of the University shall be at Kollam.
(7) Certificates, diplomas, degrees, post graduate degrees, research degrees and
other academic distinctions shall be awarded in the name of the University by conducting
teaching, training, research, examination and evaluation in the manner as may be prescribed by
Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations in the courses of study conducted by the University
directly or through Regional Centres, Study Centres or academic institutions.
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4. Territorial limit.—The territorial limit of the University shall extent to the whole of
the State.
5. Objects of the University—The objects of the University shall be as follows,
namely:—
(i) to prepare various courses of study on the basis of higher education system
prevailing in the State, other states and at international levels by utilizing modern technological
methods through distance education and to award certificate, diploma, degree, post graduate
degree, research degree or other academic distinction after imparting instruction and by
conducting examination and evaluation to persons either or not engaged in any employment,
irrespective of age;
(ii) to uplift the standard of education of general public;
(iii) to impart instruction in various courses of study by utilizing modern
technological methods through online, webcasting, pod casting, broadcasting, telecasting and
video-conferencing and through study materials by post or e-mail, seminars, debates, contact
classes and webinars;
(iv) to give necessary encouragement for education, research and teacher-student
training for the cultural progress in the State based on heritage and for that,—
(a) to design curriculum for various courses relating to existing and modern
employment opportunities;
(b) to create opportunity to all sections in the society, especially all categories
of marginalised and backward people in remote and rural areas, full-time employed or not,
housewives and the elderly by doing study in subjects in various fields to gain knowledge;
(c) to determine the criteria for the methods of study with advanced system,
combination of courses of study and qualification for admission to courses of study, age,
method of instruction, conduct of examination and evaluation for encouraging study in all
fields;
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(d) to encourage informal education in the same manner as that of formal
education by utilising books, study materials and softwares available in the University and by
encouraging credit transfer and utilizing the service of teachers of other University for the
progress of education system in the State;
(e) to provide necessary training to teachers for imparting instruction and
training in various arts, crafts and skills;
(f) to conduct studies and research relating to natural resources, environment,
science, culture, heritage, language, literature and politics;
(g) to formulate various policies for integrated personality development;
(h) to establish relations with institutions including national-international
Universities, research institutions, industrial establishments, local self government institutions,
self-help groups and non-governmental organization for the exchange of knowledge in the field
of education;
(v) to make arrangement to a student who has registered for a course of study with
any University in the country established by law and unable to complete such a course of study,
by giving admission for continuing study to such student subject to the provisions of this Act
or Statutes or Ordinances made thereunder.
6. Powers and duties of the University.—The University shall have the following powers
and duties, namely:—
(i) to make arrangements to impart instruction and to conduct research in subjects
such as basic science, technology, language, art, culture, politics, health, labour, agriculture,
industry, tourism, law and environment;
(ii) to conduct examination and evaluation in various courses of study and to award
certificates, diplomas, degrees, post graduate degrees, reasearch degrees and other academic
distinctions as may be prescribed by Statutes;
(iii) to confer honorary degrees and other academic distinctions as may be prescribed
by Statutes;
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(iv) to withhold, withdraw or cancel certificate, diploma, degree, post graduate
degree, research degree, honorary degree or other academic distinction under conditions that
may be prescribed by Statutes after giving the person affected a reasonable opportunity of
being heard;
(v) to determine the method of distance education in connection with academic
programmes of the University;
(vi) to create posts of professor, associate professor, assistant professor and other
academic positions for the academic purposes of the University and to make appointment;
(vii) to determine qualifications and conditions for the admission of students to
various courses of study conducted by the University and to conduct examination and
evaluation;
(viii) to institute fellowships, scholarships, prizes and other awards as recognition of
merit and to confer them as may be prescribed by Statutes;
(ix) to establish, maintain or abolish Regional Centres, Study Centres and academic
institutions as may be prescribed by Statutes;
(x) to arrange study materials for the purpose of imparting instruction for study
courses through modern technological methods;
(xi) to organize and conduct refresher course, orientation class, workshop, seminar
and discussion for teachers, question paper setters, evaluators, other academic members and
students;
(xi1) to create various categories of posts in the University, Regional Centres and
Study Centres and to determine scale of pay, qualification and method of appointment to such
posts as may be prescribed by Statutes and to make appointment to such posts;
(xiii) to provide for research in various subjects;
(xiv) to recognize examinations or courses of study conducted by other Universities,
academic institutions or higher educational institutions within and outside the country to be
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equivalent to the examinations or courses of study conducted by this University or to withdraw
the recognition granted;
(xv) to determine whether the certificate, diploma, degree, post graduate degree or
other academic distinction awarded by other Universities, academic institutions or higher
educational institutions within and outside the country is sufficient to the course of study
conducted by this University;
(xvi) to acquire and hold any property, movable or immovable, which may become
vested in it for the purposes of the University by way of purchase, grant, testamentary
disposition, gift, donation or otherwise and to demise, alienate or otherwise dispose of all or
any of the properties belonging to the University for bonafide purposes only of the University
and also to do all other acts incidental or appertaining to a body corporate;
(xvii) 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 and to institute scholarships and medals from such funds subject to the condition
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 Government;
(xviii) to borrow money with the sanction of the Government upon the security of
movable or immovable property of the University or otherwise, for the purposes of the
University;
(xix) to enter into contract or to enforce, alter or cancel contract;
(xx) to prescribe fees and other sums payable to the University by the Ordinances;
(xx1) to exercise control over the teachers, employees and students and to ensure their
welfare, discipline and health;
(xxii) to recognize or to withdraw recognition of any institution, imparting higher
education for such purposes as determined by the University from time to time;
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(xxi11) to appoint visiting professor, emeritus professor, consultants, fellow, scholar,
artist, course writer and course co-ordinator as may be necessary, on contract basis to achieve
the objects of the University;
(xxiv) to approve those who are in service in other Universities, higher educational
institutions, organizations and institutions as teacher or Head of the School of Studies of this
University as may be prescribed by Ordinances;
(xxv) to arrange infrastructure facilities for instruction and research;
(xxvi) to provide powers and duties of officers of the University except the Vice-
Chancellor;
(xxvii) to organise arts and sports festivals for students;
(xxvii) to make Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations and to amend, modify or repeal
the same;
(xxix) generally to do such other acts as may be required for the furtherance of the
objects and purposes of this Act.
7. University open to all classes and creeds.—(1) No person shall, on grounds only of
religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence, language, political opinion or any
of them, be ineligible for, or discriminated against, in respect of any employment or office
under the University and institutions related to it or membership of any of the authorities or
bodies of the University or admission to any course of study in the University.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the University may make
special provision for appointment, membership or admission for women or those belonging to
marginalized group, backward classes, Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribes , economically
backward classes in forward communities or differently abled.
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CHAPTER 3
THE CHANCELLOR, PRO-CHANCELLOR AND OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY
8. The Chancellor.—(1) The Governor of Kerala shall, by virtue of his office, be the
Chancellor of the University.
(2) The Chancellor shall be the Chairman of the Senate of the University.
(3) The Chancellor shall be the Head of the University and when present, shall
preside over the convocation of the University.
(4) Where any resolution, order or proceedings of any authority of the University
which in the opinion of the Chancellor is not in conformity with this Act or rules, Statutes,
Ordinances or Regulations made thereunder or is against the interests of the University, the
Chancellor may, after obtaining report in writing from the Vice-Chancellor, suspend, modify
or cancel any such resolution, order or proceedings, as the case may be:
Provided that, before making any such order, the Chancellor shall call upon the
University, to show cause within the period specified, why such an order should not be made,
and if any cause is shown, the Chancellor shall consider the same and decide the action to be
taken in such matter and such decision shall be final.
(5) Every proposal for conferment of an honorary degree shall be subject to
confirmation by the Chancellor.
(6) An appeal may lie to the Chancellor against an order of dismissal of a person in
service in any permanent post of the University, passed by the Vice-Chancellor or any authority.
(7) An appeal under sub-section (6) shall be filed within sixty days from the date of
receipt of such order of dismissal.
(8) The Chancellor may, before passing an order on an appeal under
sub-section (6) obtain such advice as may be necessary.
(9) The Chancellor shall have the power to remove the Vice-Chancellor or the Pro-
Vice-Chancellor, as the case may be, from his office, on the satisfaction of the Chancellor, by
an order in writing on misappropriation of fund of the University, misconduct or
mismanagement:
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Provided that, such charge shall be proved by an enquiry conducted by a person who
is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or the High Court appointed by the Chancellor
for the purpose:
Provided further that, the Vice-Chancellor or the Pro- Vice-Chancellor, as the case may
be, shall not be removed under this section unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity
of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken against him.
9. The Pro-Chancellor.—(1) The Minister-in-charge of Higher Education in the State
shall, by virtue of his office, be the Pro-Chancellor of the University.
(2) Inthe absence of the Chancellor or during his inability to act, the Pro-Chancellor
shall exercise all powers and perform all duties of the Chancellor.
(3) The Pro-Chancellor shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties of
the Chancellor as the Chancellor may, by order in writing delegate to the Pro-Chancellor and
such delegation may be subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be specified in such
order.
10. Officers of the University.—The following shall be the officers of the University,
namely:—
(i) The Vice-Chancellor;
(ii) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor;
(iii) The Registrar;
(iv) The Finance Officer;
(v) The Controller of Examinations;
(vi) The Cyber Controller;
(vii) The Head of School of Studies;
(viii) The Director of Regional Centres; and
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(ix) Such other persons in the service of the University as may be declared by
Statutes to be officers of the University.
11. The Vice-Chancellor—(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be a whole time salaried officer
of the University.
(2) The first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the
recommendation of the Government and thereafter a person as the Vice-Chancellor shall be
appointed by the Chancellor recommended unanimously or recommended by a majority of
members of a search committee, consisting of the following members, namely:—
(i) one person nominated by the Chancellor — Convener;
(i1) one representative of the University Grants Commission;
(iii) one person nominated by the Syndicate, who shall not be an authority,
officer, teacher or employee of the University:
Provided that, where the search committee is unable to nominate a person, the
Chancellor shall appoint one person as the Vice-Chancellor from among a panel of names
submitted by each member consisting of one person each.
(3) The process of preparing such panel or furnishing of recommendation 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:
Provided that, the Chancellor, may as he deems fit, extend such time limit and the
process of preparing a panel or furnishing of recommendation shall be completed within a
period of four months including the period so extended.
(4) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the chief academic officer of the University and
shall not complete sixty years of age at the time of appointment.
(5) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold the office for a period of four years from the
date on which he enters upon his office and shall be eligible for reappointment for one more
term.
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(6) Where the vacancy of the Vice-Chancellor arises in any of the following
circumstances, the Chancellor may appoint the Vice-Chancellor of any other University
established by State law or professor of this University as the Vice-Chancellor for a period not
exceeding six months, namely:—
(i) where the search committee appointed under sub-section (2) is unable to
recommend any name within the time limit specified by the Chancellor;
(11) where vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor because of
death, resignation or otherwise and it cannot be filled up conveniently and expeditiously in
accordance with the provisions of sub-sections (2) and (3) ;
(i11) where the vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chancellor arises temporarily
because of leave, illness or of any other causes;
(iv) where the term of office of the Vice-Chancellor expires;
(v) where there is any other emergency:
Provided that, the person so appointed shall cease to hold such office on the date on
which the Vice-Chancellor resumes office.
(7) The salary payable to, and other conditions of service of, the Vice-Chancellor shall
be such as may be prescribed by Statutes.
(8) Such sumptuary allowance as the Government may approve from time to time or
as prescribed by Statutes, shall be placed at the disposal of the Vice-Chancellor.
(9) The Vice-Chancellor may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Chancellor,
after giving one month's notice to the Chancellor resign from his office and shall cease to hold
that office on acceptance of the resignation by the Chancellor or on the date of expiry of the
said notice period, whichever is earlier.
12. Powers and duties of the Vice-Chancellor—(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the
principal executive and chief academic officer of the University and shall have supervision and
control of the University and shall give effect to the decisions of the authorities, bodies and
various councils of the University.
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(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the ex-officio Member Secretary of the Senate of the
University and the ex-officio Chairman of the Syndicate, the Academic Council, the Finance
Council and the Cyber Council.
(3) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene meetings of any of the
authorities, bodies or various councils, as and when he considers that such meeting is necessary.
(4) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that the actions of the
University are carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances
and Regulations made thereunder and that the decisions or proceeding of the authorities, bodies
and various councils are not inconsistent with this Act and Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations
made thereunder.
(5) If there are reasonable grounds for the Vice-Chancellor to believe that there is an
emergency which requires immediate action to be taken, he shall, take such action as he thinks
necessary, and shall, as soon as may be, report in writing, the grounds for the emergency and
the action taken by him, to such authority, body or various councils which, in the ordinary
course, would have dealt with the matter for decision in its next meeting.
(6) The Vice-Chancellor shall appoint teachers and employees of the University in
such manner as may be prescribed by Statutes:
Provided that, subject to the approval of the Syndicate, the Vice-Chancellor shall have
the power to make temporary appointment to any post.
(7) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the disciplinary authority of the teachers and
employees of the University.
(8) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the financial power to make expenditure subject
to the limit fixed by Statutes.
(9) As the Chairperson of the authorities or bodies or various councils of the
University, the Vice-Chancellor shall have, subject to the approval of the Syndicate, the power
to suspend a member from the meeting of the authority, body or various councils for obstructing
or stalling the proceedings or for indulging in behaviour unbecoming of a member.
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(10) Subject to the provisions of Statutes and Ordinances, the Vice-Chancellor shall
have the power to suspend, discharge, dismiss or otherwise take any disciplinary action against
the officers, teachers and employees of the University after giving them reasonable opportunity
to defend their part.
(11) The Vice-Chancellor shall appoint the members of all bodies and various
councils in accordance with Statutes, unless specified in this Act.
(12) The Vice-Chancellor shall place a report before the Senate and Syndicate
relating to the activities of the University periodically as provided by Statutes.
(13) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other
duties as may be conferred upon the Vice-Chancellor under the provisions of this Act and
Statutes made thereunder.
(14) The Vice-Chancellor may delegate to any officer of the University for exercising
or performing any or all of the powers or duties vested upon him under the provisions of this
Act and Statutes made thereunder temporarily in such occasions and in such manner as may be
prescribed by Statutes.
(15) When the vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor temporarily or the
temporary absence of the Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor shall have the power to make
necessary arrangements for exercising powers and performing duties of the Vice-Chancellor.
13. Appointment, powers and duties of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor.—(1) The Syndicate
shall appoint a person recommended by the Vice-Chancellor as Pro-Vice-Chancellor under the
provisions of this Act and Statutes made thereunder and he shall be a whole time salaried
officer of the University:
Provided that, the first Pro- Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Government on
the basis of such conditions determined by the Government.
(2) No person who is more than sixty years of age at the time of appointment shall be
appointed as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
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(3) The term of appointment of the Pro- Vice-Chancellor shall be for a period of four
years and if found eligible for reappointment, subject to the provision of this section, he may
be appointed for the next four years also:
Provided that, the term of office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall be co-terminus with
the term of office of the Vice-Chancellor.
(4) The salary and other conditions of service of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall be as
may be prescribed by Statutes.
(5) The powers, responsibilities and duties of the Pro- Vice-Chancellor shall be as may
be assigned to him by the Vice-Chancellor from time to time.
14. Appointment, powers and duties of the Registrar—(1) The Registrar shall be a whole
time salaried officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Syndicate for a period of
four years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he completes the age of
fifty-six years, whichever is earlier and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by
Statutes:
Provided that, the first Registrar shall be appointed by the Government on the basis of
the conditions determined by the Government.
(2) The person appointed as Registrar shall be eligible for reappointment for one more
period subject to the provisions in sub-section (1).
(3) The Registrar shall be the secretary of the Syndicate:
Provided that, he shall not be a member of the Syndicate.
(4) Subject to the decisions of the authorities of the University, the Registrar shall
have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of
the University.
(5) Suits by or against the University shall be instituted by or against the Registrar.
(6) The Registrar shall be the custodian of records, common seal and such other
properties of the University.
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(7) The Registrar shall prepare and update the Handbook of the Statutes, Ordinances
and Regulations approved by the University from time to time and make it available to all the
respective members of the authorities and officers of the University.
(8) The Registrar shall exercise such powers and perform such duties under the
provisions of this Act and Statutes made thereunder.
15. Appointment, powers and duties of the Finance Officer —(1) The Finance Officer
shall be a whole time salaried officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Syndicate
for a period of four years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he completes
the age of fifty-six years, whichever is earlier and on such terms and conditions as may be
prescribed by Statutes:
Provided that, the first Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Government on the
basis of the conditions determined by the Government.
(2) The person appointed as Finance Officer shall be eligible for reappointment for
one more period subject to the provisions in sub-section (1).
(3) The Finance Officer shall be the secretary of the Finance Council of the
University:
Provided that, he shall not be a member of the Finance Council.
(4) The Finance Officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties under the
provisions of this Act and Statutes made thereunder.
16. Appointment, powers and duties of the Controller of Examinations.—(1) The
Controller of Examinations shall be a whole time salaried officer of the University and shall be
appointed by the Syndicate for a period of four years from the date on which he enters upon
his office or till he completes the age of fifty-six years, whichever is earlier and on such terms
and conditions as may be prescribed by Statutes:
Provided that, the first Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the
Government on the basis of the conditions determined by the Government.
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(2) The person appointed as Controller of Examinations shall be eligible for
reappointment for one more period subject to the provisions in sub-section (1).
(3) The Controller of Examinations shall exercise such powers and perform such
duties under the provisions of this Act and Statutes made thereunder.
17. Appointment, powers and duties of the Cyber Controller—(1) The Cyber Controller
shall be a whole time salaried officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Syndicate
for a period of four years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he completes
the age of fifty-six years, whichever is earlier and on such terms and conditions as may be
prescribed by Statutes:
Provided that, the first Cyber Controller shall be appointed by the Government on the
basis of the conditions determined by the Government.
(2) The person appointed as Cyber Controller shall be eligible for reappointment for
one more period subject to the provisions in sub-section (1).
(3) The Cyber Controller shall exercise such powers and perform such duties under
the provisions of this Act and Statutes made thereunder.
18. Appointment, powers and duties of the Directors of Regional Centres.—(1) There
shall be four Regional Centres of the University for academic purposes in four centres as
determined by the Government on the recommendation of the University.
(2) Every Regional Centre shall have a Director.
(3) The Syndicate shall appoint a person as the Director of the Regional Centre as
may be prescribed by Statutes and he shall be a whole time salaried officer of the University:
Provided that, the first Director of the Regional Centres shall be appointed by the
Government from the Universities established in the State by State law or teachers from the
Government or Aided Colleges on deputation basis.
(4) The term of service of the Director of the Regional Centre shall be equal to the
term of service of teachers of the University.
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(5) The powers, duties, salary and conditions of service of Director of the Regional
Centre shall be as may be prescribed by Statutes.
19. Other officers.—The appointing authority, method of appointment, salary and
conditions of service, powers and duties of other officers and employees of the University shall
be as may be prescribed by Statutes.
CHAPTER 4
AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY
20. Authorities of the University.—The following shall be the Authorities of the
University, namely:—
(i) The Senate;
(ii) The Syndicate;
(i11) The Academic Council;
(iv) The Finance Council;
(v) The Cyber Council;
(vi) The Board of School of Studies; and
such other bodies of the University as may be designated by Statutes to be the authorities of
the University.
21. The Senate —The Senate shall consist of the following members, namely:—
Ex-officio Members
(1) The Chancellor;
(11) The Pro-Chancellor;
(111) The Vice-Chancellor;
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(iv) The Secretary to Government in-charge of the Higher Education Department or
an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to Government authorised by him;
(v) The Secretary to Government in-charge of the Finance Department or an officer
not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to Government authorised by him;
(vi) The Secretary to Government in-charge of the General Education Department
or an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to Government authorised by him;
(vit) The Secretary to Government in-charge of the Labour and Skills Department
or an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to Government authorised by him;
(viii) The Secretary to Government in-charge of the Electronics and Information
Technology Department or an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to Government
authorised by him;
(ix) One member each nominated by the Syndicate or body similar to the Syndicate
of other Universities established by State law;
(x) One member nominated by the Executive Council of the Kerala State Higher
Education Council;
(xi) The Pro- Vice-Chancellor;
(xii) The Director of Collegiate Education;
(xiii) The Director of Technical Education;
(xiv) Head of Labour Department;
(xv) The Directors of Regional Centres;
(xvi) The Heads of School of Studies.
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Nominated Members
(1) Six eminent persons, nominated by the Government from the fields of education,
industry, agriculture, labour, information technology, art, literature, culture and sports, of whom
one shall be from the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribes and one shall be a woman;
(ii) Three eminent persons nominated by the Chancellor from the field of higher
education;
(iii) One person each, nominated by the Government from among the teachers in
regular service, employees and registered students of the University.
22. Reconstitution of the Senate —(1) The Senate shall be reconstituted in every four
years.
(2) The term of office of members of the Senate other than ex-officio members shall
be co-terminus with the term of the Senate.
(3) Any person who becomes a member of the Senate by virtue of his office shall
cease to be a member of the same on termination of such office:
Provided that, the authority concerned may nominate a person in lieu of a member so
relieved from the Senate.
(4) Where the vacancy of a nominated member occurs prior to the reconstitution of the
Senate, the authority concerned shall nominate a person to such vacancy:
Provided that, the term of office of a member so nominated shall be for the remaining
period of the term of office of the member in whose place he has been nominated.
(5) The Vice-Chancellor shall take steps to reconstitute the Senate, three months prior
to the expiration of the term of the Senate.
(6) The University shall, by notification constitute the Senate.
(7) Amember of the Senate shall be eligible for allowances as may be prescribed by
Statutes.
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23. Meetings of the Senate —(1) The Senate shall meet at least once in a year:
Provided that, the Chancellor shall have the authority to convene a meeting of the
Senate at any time.
(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall, in consultation with the Chancellor, convene the
meeting of the Senate.
(3) The Chancellor shall preside over the meeting of the Senate:
Provided that, in the absence of the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor shall preside over
the meeting with the permission of the Chancellor.
(4) The quorum of the Senate shall be one third of its total number of members:
Provided that, such quorum shall not be required for convocation of the University or
a meeting of the Senate held for the purpose of conferring degrees, titles or other academic
distinctions.
(5) The procedures of the meeting of the Senate shall be as may be prescribed by
Statutes.
24. Powers and duties of the Senate.—The Senate shall be the sovereign authority of the
University. The Senate shall give advise required for formulating policy of the University.
The other powers and duties of the Senate shall be as may be prescribed by Statutes.
25. The Syndicate —The Syndicate shall consist of the following members, namely:—
Ex-officio Members
(i) The Vice-Chancellor;
(ii) The Secretary to Government in-charge of the Higher Education
Department or an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to Government nominated by
him: >
(iii) The Secretary to Government in-charge of the Finance Department or an
officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to Government nominated by him;
(iv) The Pro- Vice-Chancellor.
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Elected Members
One member elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly, from among
themselves.
Nominated Members
(i) One person nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from among the Heads of
School of Studies as may be prescribed by Statutes;
(ii) Eight eminent persons nominated by the Government from the field of
higher education, labour and industry, of whom one shall be from the Scheduled Caste or
Scheduled Tribes and one shall be a woman;
(iii) One student nominated by the Government from among the registered
students of the University.
26. Reconstitution of the Syndicate.—(1) The Syndicate shall be reconstituted in every
four years.
(2)The term of office of the members of the Syndicate other than
ex-officio members shall be co-terminus with the term of the Syndicate.
(3) A person who has become a member of the Syndicate by virtue of his office shall
cease to be a member of the same on the termination of such office.
(4) Where the vacancy of a nominated member occurs prior to the reconstitution of the
Syndicate, the authority concerned shall nominate a person to such vacancy:
Provided that, the term of office of a member so nominated shall be for the remaining
period of the term of office of the member in whose place he has been nominated.
(5) The Registrar shall take steps to reconstitute the Syndicate three months prior to
expiration of its term.
(6) The University shall, by notification constitute the Syndicate.
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(7) A member of the Syndicate shall be eligible for allowances as may be prescribed
by Statutes.
27. Meetings of the Syndicate.—({1) The Syndicate shall meet once in two months:
Provided that, the Vice-Chancellor shall have the authority to convene a meeting of the
Syndicate at any time.
(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall preside over the meetings of the Syndicate:
Provided that, in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall
preside over the meeting with the permission of the Vice-Chancellor.
(3) The Registrar shall convene the meeting of the Syndicate at such place, date and
time upon the direction of the Vice-Chancellor.
(4) The quorum for the meeting of the Syndicate shall be six.
(5) The procedures for the meeting of the Syndicate shall be as may be prescribed by
Statutes.
28. Powers and duties of the Syndicate.-—(1) The Syndicate shall be the chief executive
body of the University.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and Statutes made thereunder, the executive
functions of the University, including the general superintendence and control over the assets,
liabilities, revenue and immovable and movable properties of the University shall be vested in
the Syndicate.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act or rules, Statutes or Regulations issued
thereunder, the Syndicate shall have the following powers, namely:—
(i) to create teaching, non-teaching, academic and ministerial posts and to
determine conditions of service, qualifications and method of appointment to such posts,
subject to the orders issued by the Government from time to time for the purpose of academic
activity of the University;
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(ii) to hold and control funds and movable and immovable properties of the
University;
(i111) to direct for the management and control of all movable and immovExcerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.