LexThe MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES (KRISHI VIDYAPEETHS) ACT, 1983
Maharashtra · state statute
Open in Lexace · Ask the AI about this act1983 : Mah. XLI] 1
THE MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES
(KRISHI VIDYAPEETHS) ACT, 1983
[Text as on 19th December 2024]
——————
CONTENTS
PREAMBLE.
SECTIONS.
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and commencement.
2. Definitions.
CHAPTER II
UNIVERSITIES
3. Incorporation of Universities.
4. Objects and medium of instruction and examination of University.
5. Admissions to University and concessions for certain classes.
6. Powers and functions of University.
7. Duties of University to help agricultural development programmes of Government.
8. For failure to comply directions under section 7, power to resume lands vested in the
University.
9. Prohibitions for award of degree, etc., in Agriculture, Veterinary Science and Fisheries by
non-agricultural University.
10. Transfer of certain institutions to Government.
11. Inspection and inquiry.
CHAPTER III
MAHARASHTRA COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
12. Constitution of State Council and its powers and function.
CHAPTER IV
OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITIES
13. Classification of Officers and staff of University.
14. Executives, Academic and other Officers.
15. Chancellor.
16. Pro-Chancellor.
17. Vice-Chancellor.
18. Powers and duties of Vice-Chancellor.
19. Registrar.
20. Comptroller.
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21. Deans of Faculties.
22. Duties of Dean of Faculty.
23. Director of Instruction.
24. Director of Research.
25. Director of Extension Education.
26. Students’ Welfare Officer.
27. Associate Dean.
28. Power to determine conditions of University employees.
CHAPTER V
AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITIES
29. Authorities of University.
30. Executive Council.
31. Powers and duties of Executive Council.
32. Meetings of Executive Council.
33. Academic Council.
34. Powers and duties of Academic Council.
35. Faculties.
36. Powers and duties of Faculties.
CHAPTER VI
STATUTES AND REGULATIONS
37. Statutes.
38. Statutes how made.
39. Regulations.
CHAPTER VII
AFFILIATION AND RECOGNITION
40. Affiliation of colleges and institutions.
41. Recognition of institutions of research and specialised studies and of lower agricultural
education.
42. Inspection of colleges and institutions and reports.
43. Withdrawal of affiliation.
44. Withdrawal of recognition.
CHAPTER VIII
TEACHING, RESEARCH AND EXTENSION EDUCATION
45. Colleges and other institutions of University.
46. Academic staff members of University.
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(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
47. Teaching programme.
48. Research programme.
49. Extension education programme.
50. Co-ordination of teaching, research and extension education and integration of functions and
curricular and of services.
CHAPTER VIII A
SPECIAL PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN COLLEGES, RESEARCH CENTRES/INSTITUTES,
TRAINING CENTRES AND CATTLE BREDDING FARMS, ETC.
50A. Special Provisions in respect of certain colleges, research centres, etc.
CHAPTER IX
FINANCE
51. University Fund.
52. Financial estimates.
53. Statements, returns, etc., relating to grants made to be furnished to Government.
54. Financial control of Government.
55. Accounts and Auditing.
56. Directions for maintenance of accounts.
CHAPTER X
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
57. Certain appointments to be under contract.
58. Appointment of academic staff members to be made on recommendation of Selection Board
or Recruitment Board.
59. Transfer of certain staff from one University to another.
60. Special provision for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in
services and posts in University.
61. Vacating of office.
62. Filling of casual vacancy.
63. Acts and proceedings not invalid merely on ground of defect in constitution, vacancy, etc.
64. Questions regarding interpretations and disputes regarding constitutions of University body.
65. Maintenance of discipline among students of University.
66. Authorities and officers responsible for damage.
67. Protection of acts and orders.
68. Constitution of committees.
69. Annual Report.
CHAPTER XA
AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE TRIBUNAL
69A. University and College Tribunal.
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69B. Right of Appeal.
69C. General powers and procedure of Tribunal.
69D. Powers of Tribunal to give appropriate reliefs and directions.
69E. Decision of Tribunal to be final and binding.
69F. Penalty to management for failure to comply with Tribunal’s directions.
69G. Legal practitioners excluded from appearance.
CHAPTER XI
REPEAL AND SAVING
70. Repeal and Saving.
71. Removal of difficulties.
SCHEDULE
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(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
LIST OF AMENDMENT ACTS
1. Amended by Mah. 12 of 1988 (1-6-1988)
2. Amended by Mah. 41 of 1989 (4-11-1989)
3. Amended by Mah. 22 of 1991 (9-9-1991)
4. Amended by Mah. 19 of 1995 (31-8-1995)
5. Amended by Mah. 17 of 1998 (4-5-1998)1
6. Amended by Mah. 46 of 2000 (4-12-2000)
7. Amended by Mah. 14 of 2003 (3-3-2003)2
8. Amended by Mah. 27 of 2005 (19-5-2005)
9. Amended by Mah. 18 of 2010 (5-7-2010)3
10. Amended by Mah. 13 of 2013 (1-7-2013)4
11. Amended by Mah. 32 of 2013 (25-10-2013)5
12. Amended by Mah. 11 of 2019 (13-6-2022)6, 7,
1 Section 1 of this Act came into force on 4 th May 1998, being the date of publication of this Act in the Official Gazette,
s.1(3). Section 2, 3 and 67 to 72 came into force w.e.f. 1st March 2000 vide G. N. A., A. H. D. D. & F. D. No.
PASAMPRA. 1095/CR/-77/PART III/ADF-1(i), dt. 1-3-2000, Section 75 came into force w.e.f. 3-6-2000 vide G. N. A.,
A. H. D. D. & F. D. No. PASAMPRA. 3500/CR -38/ADF-1, dt. 3 -6-2000; Section 4 to 66, 73 and 74 came into force
w.e.f. 17-11-2000 vide G. N. A., A. H. D. D. & F. D. No. PASAMPARA. 3500/CR. 135/ADF-1, dt. 17-11-2000.
2 Mah. Ord. II of 2003 was repealed by Mah. 14 of 2003, s. 12.
3 Mah. Ord. VII of 2010 was repealed by Mah. 18 of 2010, s. 3.
4 Mah. Ord. X of 2013 was repealed by Mah. 13 of 2013, s. 4.
5 Mah. Ord. XVII of 2013 was repealed by Mah. 32 of 2013, s. 11.
6 Mah. Ord. XIV of 2019 was repealed by Mah. 11 of 2019, s. 10.
7 Section 8 of Mah. 9 of 2019, reads as under:—
8. Validation and savings. — Notwithstanding anything contained in the Maharashtra Agriculture Universities
(Krishi Vidyapeeths) Act, 1983 (Mah. XLI of 1983) and the Maharashtra Animal and Fish ery Sciences University Act,
1998 (Mah. XVII of 1998), or any law, rule, document or instrument to the contrary, or in any judgment or order or
direction of any court,—
(a) the College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri shall be deemed to be constituent college of the
Dr. Blalasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli;
(b) the College of Fisheries, Shirgaon; Taraporewala Marine Biological Research Station, Mumbai;
Marine Biological Research Station, Ratnagiri; Fodder Research Centre, Palghar; Kharl and Research Centre, Panvel;
Livestock Supervisor’s Training Centre, Lanja and the Cattle Breeding Farm, Kudal (District Sindhudurg) (hereinafter
referred to as “the said College, Research Centres, Instituted and Training Centre”), deleted by the Governmen t
Notification, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Department, No. PASAMPRA.
3500/CR-135/ADF-1, dated the 17 th November 2000, shall be deemed to be the constituent College, Resarch Ce ntres,
institutes or, as the case may be, Training Centre of the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth,;
(c) any student who immediately prior to the date of coming into force of this Act, was studying for a
degree, diploma, certificate, academic awards, etc., in Fishery Sciences in the sa id College, Research Centres, Institutes
and Training Centre referred to in clause ( b) shall continue his studies under the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi
Vidyapeeth;
(d) all the students registered as students of the said College, Research Centr es, Institutes and Training
Centre, referred to in clause, ( b) for any subject or course or programme before the coming into force of this Act, shall
deemed to have been registered with the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth;
(e) where any ex amination is held by the said University, College, Research Centres, Institutes and
Training Centre but the degree or other academic distinction has not been conferred or issued or the result of any such
examination has not been published, such examination shall be deemed to have been held by Dr. Balasaheb Sawant
Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth and that Krishi Vidyapeeth shall be competent to confer or issue any degree, diploma,
certificate, academic distinction, etc., and to declare the result of such examination;
(f) any degree, diploma, certificate, academic distinction, etc., conferred or awarded in Fishery Sciences to
any student by the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth , Dapoli or the said College, Research Centre,
Institute and Training Centre before the coming into force of this Act, shall be deemed to have been conferred or
awarded under the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth;
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13. Amended by Mah. 17 of 2019
(g) all be nefactions, awards, certificates , accepted or received by the said College, Research Centres ,
Institutes and Training Centre before the coming into force of this Act, shall be deemed to have been accepted or
received by the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth;
(h) all property, movable or immovable obtained or all rights (including I ntellectual Property Rights
registered or obtain ed), interest of whatsoever kind powers and privileges of the said College, Research Centres,
Institutes and Training Centre before the coming into force of this Act, shall be deemed to have been obtained or
registered with the said College, Research Centre, Institute and Training Centre;
(i) all will, deed or other document (including research reports) made before the coming into force of this
Act, which contains any bequest, gift, terms and trust in favou r of the College, Research Centres, Institutes and Training
Centre shall be deemed to have been made with the said College, Research Centre, Institute and Training Centre;
(j) any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued and incurred by the said College, Research
Centres, Institutes and Training Centre, before the date of coming into force of this Act, shall be deemed to have been the
rights, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued and incurred by the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi
Vidyapeeth;
(k) all the resolutions passed by the authorities or bodies of the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi
Vidyapeeth with respect to the subject ‘fishery sciences’, shall be deemed have been passed or made by the that Krishi
Vidyapeeth in accordance with the provisions of the Maharashtra Agricultural Universities ( Krishi Vidyapeeths ) Act,
1983 (Mah. XLI of 1983), as amended by this Act;
(l) all rules, regulations or statutes made by the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapee th And
applicable to the said College, Research Centre, Institute and Training Centre, shall be deemed to have been made by that
krishi Vidyapeeth in accordance with the provisions of the Maharashtra Agriculture Universities ( Krishi Vidyapeeths )
Act, 1983 (Mah. XLI of 1983), as amended by this Act;
(m) all academic and non -academic staff members appointed under the said College, Research Centres,
Institutes and Training Centre, shall be deemed to have been appointed by the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Kri shi
Vidyapeeth and shall continue to work under that Krishi Vidyapeeth;
(n) any legal suit, appeal or legal proceeding of whatever nature, which is pending before any court,
tribunal or authority by or against the said College, Research Centres, Instit utes and Training Centre before the coming
into force of this Act, shall be deemed to have been pending by or against the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi
Vidyapeeth.
9. Power to remove difficulty. — (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to th e provisions of this Act, the
Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, do anything, not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty:
Provided that, no such orde r shall be made after expiry of a period of two years from the date of commencement of
the Act.
(2) Every order made under sub -section (1) shall be laid, as soon as may be, after it is made, before each House of
the State Legislature.
Note.- The date mentioned in the bracket indicates the date of commencement of the Act.
1983 : Mah. XLI] The Maharashtra Agriculture Universities 7
(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
MAHARASHTRA ACT No. XLI OF 19831
[THE MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES (KRISHI VIDYAPEETHS)
ACT, 1983.]
[This Act received the assent of the Governor on the 22nd day of August 1983; assent was first
published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette on the 24th August 1983.]
An Act to consolidate and amend the Law relating to the four
Agricultural Universities in Maharashtra.
WHEREAS it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to the four Agricultural
Universities in the State of Maharashtra ;
AND WHEREAS it has now been decided to have a common law for the better governance of the
four Agri cultural Universities in Mahara shtra and for more efficient administration and financial
control and better organisation of teaching, research and extension education in those Universities ;
AND WHEREAS in accordance with decision aforementioned, it is now found expedient to
reconstitute the four Agricultural Universities in Maharashtra to provide better facilities for edu cation
in agricultural and allied matters and in particular for the development of agricultural sciences and for
carrying out or undertaking such schemes or activities to help and support the Agricultural
Development Programmes and extension education and such other activities of Government, as the
State Government may, from time to time, direct and for matters connected with or incidental to any of
the purposes aforesaid ;
It is hereby enacted in the Thirty-fourth Year of the Republic of India, as follows :—
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and commencement. — (1) This Act may be called the Maharashtra Agricultural
Universities (Krishi Vidyapeeths) Act, 1983.
(2) It shall come into force on such date 2 as the State Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions.— In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “affiliated college ” means a college, which is under the management of any authority
other than a University and is affiliated or deemed to be affiliated to the University;
(b) “agriculture” includes the basic and applied sciences (including technology) relating to
soil and water management, crop husbandry (including control of plant, pests and diseases),
horticulture, agricultural engineering, 3* * * * * * * forestry and also home science, co -operation
and marketing relating to agriculture;
4[(b-1) “Backward Class of Citizens ” means such classes or parts of or groups within such
classes as are declared, from time to time, by the State Government to be Other Backward Classes
and Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes;
(b-2) “collaboration” means collaborating academic activities of the University with other
universities, academic institutions (local, regional, national or international), research institutio ns
and organizations involved in the activities relating to research, agriculture, industry, tr ade and
commerce and the word “to collaborate” shall be construed accordingly;]
1 For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see “Maharashtra Government Gazette ” Extraordinary, Part V, dated the 14 th
December, 1981 at pages 689-691.
2 7th November 1983 (vide G. N., A. and C. D., No. AGU.-2283/41919/CR-166/19-A, dated 7th November 1983).
3 The words “animal husbandry, dairying, veteri nary, fisheries, marine biology ” were deleted by Mah. 17 of 1988, s. 73,
second Schedule.
4 These clauses were inserted by Mah. 14 of 2003, s. 2(a).
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(c) “constituent college ” means a college, which is under the direct management of a
University, whether located at the headquarters or elsewhere in the University area;
(d) “corresponding University ” in relation to an existing University, means the body
corporate specified against such existing University in column (2) of the Schedule;
(e) “Department” means a department designated as such by the State, with reference to a
subject or group of subjects;
(f) “existing University” means a University specified in column (1) of the Schedule;
(g) “extension education” means the educational activities concerned with the training of the
farmers and home makers and other groups serving agriculture, in improved agricultural practices
and the various phases of scientific technology related to agriculture and agricultural production
and marketing. It includes the work which may be done through meetings, demonstrations and
other methods for teaching improved agricultural practices and the training of workers required
for the conduct of these educational activities;
(h) “Head of Department ” mean s the academic staff member principally responsible for
teaching, research and extension education in a Department;
1[(h-1) “Joint Venture ” means an agreement entered into or collaboration made by the
University, with any other government institute, semi -government institute, company or
commercial establishment to increase the productivity and resources of the university and
transmission of technology to people at large, with the prior permission of the Government;]
2[* * * *]
(j) “prescribed” means prescribed by the Statutes;
(k) “Principal ” means the head of a college, post -graduate centre or other recognised
institution;
(l) “recognised institution ” means an institution for research or specialized studies, other
than an affiliated or constituent co llege and recognised or deemed to be recognised as such by a
University and includes any institution for lower agricultural education, such as an agricultural
school or gramsevak training centre, which is under the direct management of the University, or
which is recognised or deemed to be recognised as such by the University;
3[(l-1) “Recruitment Board” means the Maharashtra Agriculture Universities Recruitment
Board constituted under section 58;]
4[* * * *]
(n) “Schedule” means the Schedule to this Act;
(o) “Schedule Castes” means such castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within, such
castes, races or tribes as are deemed to be Scheduled Castes in relation to the State of
Maharashtra under article 341 of the Constitution of India, and for th e purposes of this Act,
includes Nav-Buddhas;
(p) “ Scheduled Tribes” means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of, or groups
within, such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to the
State of Maharashtra unde r Article 342 of the Constitution of India residing in any part of the
State of Maharashtra and for the purposes of this Act, includes Denotified and Nomadic Tribes;
(q) “State Council” means the Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Rese arch
constituted under this Act;
1 This Clause was inserted by Mah. 14 of 2003, s. 2(b).
2 Clause (i) was deleted by Mah. 14 of 2003, s. 2(c).
3 Clause (l-1) was inserted by Mah. 32 of 2013, s. 2.
4 Clause (m) was deleted by Mah. 22 of 1991, Second Schedule.
1983 : Mah. XLI] The Maharashtra Agriculture Universities 9
(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
(r) “Statutes” and “Regulations” means, respectively, the Statutes and the Regulations of the
University made or deemed to be made under this Act;
1[(r-1) “Tribunal ” means the Agricultural University and College Tribunal , estab lished
under section 69A];
(s) “University” means a University constituted under this Act;
(t) “University area ” in relation to any University specified in column ( 2) of the Schedule,
means the area specified against it in column (3) of the Schedule;
(u) “University campus”, in relation to a University, means the area of the University at its
headquarters, which was immediately before the commencement of this Act, defined as the
University campus of the existing University, or as may, from time to time, be defined as the
University campus by the State Government by notification in the Official Gazette.
CHAPTER II
UNIVERSITIES
3. Incorporation of Universities. — (1) ( a) In relation to each of the existing Universities
specified in column ( 1) of the Schedu le, with effect from the commencement of this Act, the
corresponding University specified against it in column ( 2) of the Schedule, with the same name, is
hereby constituted under this Act.
(b) The Chancellor, the Pro -Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the first members of the Executive
Council and the Academic Council of each of the Universities specified in column ( 2) of the Schedule
and all persons who are deemed to be or may hereafter become or be, elected, nominated, appointed or
co-opted as such Execut ives, officers or members of the respective University, are hereby constituted
and declared to be the successor body corporate, with the same name as specified in column ( 2) of the
Schedule, and with perpetual succession and a common seal and shall by the same name sue and be
sued.
(c) The areas specified against the name of each University in column (3) of the Schedule shall be
the University area and the place specified against it in column ( 4) of the Schedule shall be the
headquarters of the University.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub -section ( 1), the State Government may, at any
time, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that any University shall have its headquarters at the
place other than that specified against it in column (4) of the Schedule.
(3) Each University shall be competent to acquire and hold property, both movable and
immovable, to lease, sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any movable or immovable property,
which vests in or be acquired by it, for the purposes of the University, and do all other things necessary
for the purposes of this Act :
Provided that no such lease, sale or transfer of immovable property shall be made without the
prior consent of the State Government.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, having regard to the interest of the State as a
whole, the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette , entrust any specialised
research programme in any University area to any other University, even though such a program me is
not carried on or situated within the area of such University, for such period, and subject to such terms
and conditions as may be specified in such notification.
4. Objects and medium of instruction and examination of University. — (1) Each University
shall be deemed to be established and incorporated for the following purposes, namely :—
(i) providing for education in agriculture and allied sciences and humanities;
(ii) furthering the advancement of learning and research in agriculture and allied sciences;
1 This clause was inserted by Mah. 14 of 2003, s. 2(d).
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(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
(iii) undertaking and guiding extension education programmes including establishment of
Krishi Vidnyan Kendras and organising district level farmers’ Melawas, from time to time, for the
improvement and development of the standard of agriculture and agriculturists in the State;
(iv) integrating and co -ordinating the teaching of subjects in the differ ent Faculties of the
University;
(v) co-ordinating agricultural education, research and extension education activities;
(vi) teaching and examinin g students in such manner, and conferring such degrees,
diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions, as the University may deem fit;
(vii) providing integrated agricultural education activities at all levels for maximum
effectiveness and at minimum cost;
(viii) such other purposes, not inconsistent with the foregoing provisions of this Act, which
the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf.
(2) The University shall endeavour to promote the use of M arathi as the medium of instruction
and examination :
Provided that, English may be the medium of instruction and examination in such subjects, and
for such period or periods, as may, from time to time, be prescribed by the Statutes.
5. Admissions to Un iversity and concession for certain classes. — Each University shall be
open to all persons, who or whose parents have resided in the State of Maharashtra for not less than
three years, during the period of ten years immediately preceding the date on which admission is
sought, and no person shall be excluded from admission to any degree, diploma, certificate or other
academic distinction or course of study on the ground only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
or political or other opinion :
Provided that, the University may, subject to the previous sanction of the State Government,
reserve certain seats for purposes of admission as students in any college or institution maintained or
controlled by the University for the following classes of persons, namely :—
(i) the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes;
(ii) the Other Backward Classes;
(iii) agriculturists, and those children of agriculturists who possess the prescribed minimum
qualifications or experience in agriculture;
(iv) persons who an d whose parents have not resided in the State at least for three years
during the period of ten years immediately preceding the date on which admission is sought;
(v) children of freedom fighters;
(vi) displaced persons as defined in the Maharashtra Rese ttlement of Proj ect Displaced
Persons Act, 1976 (Mah. XLI of 1976), and their children;
1[(vii) children of defence personnel;
(viii) students passing qualifying examination from the school or institution situated within a
University area :]
Provided further that, the University may, subject to like sanction, also grant to persons falling
under all or any of the categories ( i), (ii), (iii), (v) and ( vi) in the last preceding proviso, exemptions
from payment of such fees or boarding, lodging or other char ges, or from all fees and charges, or
provide for such special scholarships, as it may deem fit :
2[Provided also that, nothing] in this section shall require the University to admit to any course of
study any person who does not meet the prescribed academic standards for admission to such course or
1 Clauses (vii) and (viii) were inserted by Mah. 12 of 1988, s. 2(a).
2 These words were substituted for the words “Provided further that nothing” by Mah. 12 of 1988, s. 2(b).
1983 : Mah. XLI] The Maharashtra Agriculture Universities 11
(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
to retain on the rolls of the University persons whose academic records are below the minimum
standards required for the award of a degree or whose personal conduct is such as to be prejudicial to
the purposes of the University or to the rights and privileges of other students and academic staff
members :
Provided also that, nothing in this section shall require the University to admit to any course of
study, students larger in number than, or with academic or other qualifications lower than, those
prescribed.
Explanation.— For the purposes of this section, “agriculturist ” means a person who as an owner
or tenant holds agricultural land, and whose main income is derived from personal cultivation of land,
and includes any person whose principal means of livelihood is manual labour on agricultural land.
6. Powers and function of University. — Subject to the provisions of this Act, each University
shall have the following powers and functions, namely :—
(i) to provide for instructions in agriculture and allied sciences and in such other branches of
learning as the University may deem fit;
(ii) to make provision for conduct of research and dissemination of the findings of research
and technical information through extension education programmes;
(iii) to institute courses of study and to hold examinations for and to confer degrees,
diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions on persons who have,—
(a) pursued a course of study as prescribed, or
(b) carried out research in the University or in an institution recognised in this behalf
by the University as may be prescribed;
(iv) to institute degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions;
(v) to confer honorary degrees and other distinctions as may be prescribed;
(vi) to provide lectures and instructions for field workers, farmers and other persons not
enrolled as regular students of the University and to grant certificat es to them as may be
prescribed;
(vii) to establish and maintain l aboratories, libraries, research stations, institutions,
demonstration centres, museums and aquariums for teaching, research and extension education
and such other facilities as may be deemed appropriate for University students and employees;
(viii) to in stitute and maintain colleges, schools, centres, home science wings, workshop
wings and other institutions relating to agriculture and allied sciences and hostels thereof;
(ix) to supervise and control the residence, conduct and discipline of the students of the
University and to make arrangements for promoting their health and welfare;
(x) to institute teaching, research and extension education posts required by the University
and to appoint persons to such posts;
1[(xi) to create administrative, ministerial and other posts with the prior approval of the State
Government and to appoint persons to such posts, as per the prescribed procedure;]
(xii) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships and prizes in accordance with the
statutes;
(xiii) to fix, demand and receive such fees and other charges as may be prescribed;
(xiv) to co-operate with other Universities and Government Departments in such manner and
for such purposes as the University may determine;
(xv) to make provision for consumers’ co -operative societies to serve the needs of students
and staff of the University and of the colleges and institutions under its control;
1 Clause (xi) was substituted for the original by Mah. 14 of 2003, s. 3(a)
12 The Maharashtra Agriculture Universities [1983 : Mah. XLI
(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
(xvi) to do all such acts and things, whether incidental to the powers and fun ctions or not, as
may be requisite in order to further the objects of the University;
1[(xvii) to co -operate or collaborate with any other university, institutions, authority or
organisation for research and advisory services and for that purpose to enter into appropriate
arrangements with other un iversities, institutions, authorities or organisat ions to conduct certain
courses;
(xviii) to undertake academic collaboration programmes with universities and institutions in
the country directly and with universities and institutions abroad with the pri or approval of t he
State and Central Government;
(xix) to enter into Joint Ventures with any other government institute, semi -government
institute, company or commercial establishment.]
7. Duties of University to help agricultural development programmes of Government.— It
shall be the duty of each University to carry out or undertake the production of such breeder and
foundation seeds, survey for estimating cost of production of such ag ricultural commodities,
participation in such training and visit syst ems of extension and such other schemes and activities to
help and support the Agricultural Development Programmes or activities of Government, as the
Pro-Chancellor, under intimation to the Chancellor may, from time to time, direct the University to
carry out or undertake within such period as may be specified in the direction.
8. For failure to comply directions under section 7, power to resume lands vested in the
University.— If, in the opinion of the State Government, any University does not undertak e adequate
agricultural production on the lands vested in it, in accordance with the directions issued under section
7, the State Government may, by notice, call upon the University to show cause, within a specified
period, why the lands vested in it as sp ecified in the notice, should not be resumed by th e State
Government. After considering the cause, if any, shown by the Uni versity, the State Government may,
without prejudice to any other action which may be taken under this Act, by order, resume all or any of
the lands specified in the notice from the University and carry out or undertake its development
programmes or activities thereon, whether by itself or through any agency specified by it in this behalf.
9. Prohibitions for award of degrees, etc., i n Agriculture Veterinary Science and Fisheries
by non -agricultural University. — Notwithstanding anything contained in any Act relating to the
establishment of any non-agricultural University in the State, no such University shall be competent to
award any degrees, diplomas, certificates or other academic distinctions in Agriculture, 2* * * :
3[Provided that, nothing in this section or section 40 shall apply to the Yashwantrao Chavan
Maharashtra Open University established under section 3 of the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra
Open University Act, 1989 (Mah. XX of 1989) or any institution of higher learning or studies
recognised by that University under clause ( xxiii) of sub-section (1) of section 5 of that Act ; and that
University shall be competent to awar d any degrees, diplomas, certificates or other academic
distinctions in Agriculture, Veterinary Science and Fisheries.]:
4[Provided further that, notwithstanding anything contained in section 9 of the Maharashtra
Animal and Fishery Sciences University Act, 1998 (Mah. XVII of 1998), the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant
Konkan Vidyapeeth, Dapoli shall also be competent to award degrees, diplomas, certificates or other
academic distinctions in Fishery Sciences.]
10. Transfer of certain institutions to Government.— If, in the opinion of any University, any
college, research institution, school, centre, activity or other institution transferred to and vesting in it is
surplus to its requirements, the University may request the State Government that the same may be
taken over by the State Government. Upon such request, the State Government may, by notification in
the Official Gazette, direct that such institution shall, from such date and subject to such terms and
1 Clauses (xvii), (xviii) and (xix) were added by Mah. 14 of 2003 s. 3(b).
2 The words “Veterinary Science and Fisheries” were deleted by Mah. 17 of 1998, s.73, Second Schedule.
3 This proviso was added by Mah. 41 of 1989, s. 2.
4 The proviso was added and shall be deemed to have been added with effect from the 17 th November, 2000 by Mah. 11 of
2019, s. 2.
1983 : Mah. XLI] The Maharashtra Agriculture Universities 13
(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
conditions (including those relating to the employees serving therein or thereunder) as may be
specified in the notification, cease to vest in the University and pass to, and be maintained by, the State
Government; and thereupon all properties and assets and liabilities of the University in relation to such
institution shall stand transferred to, and vest in, the State Government. The conditions of service of the
employees, if any, transferred to the State Government along with the institution shall not be less
favourable than those applicable to them immediately before such transfer.
11. Inspection and Inquiry.— (1) The Chancellor shall have the right to cause an inspection to
be made, by such person or persons or body of persons, as he may direct, of any University, its
buildings, farms, laboratories, libraries, m useums, workshops and equipments of any college,
institution or hostel maintained, administered or recognised by the University and of the teaching and
other work conducted by or on behalf of the University or under its auspices and of the conduct of
examinations or other functions of the University, and to cause an inquiry to be made in like manner
regarding any matter connected with the administration or finances of the University.
(2) The Chancellor shall, in every case, give due notice to the Universit y of his intention to cause
an inspection or inquiry to be made, and the University shall be entitled to appoint a representative,
who shall have the right to be present and to be heard at the inspection or inquiry.
(3) After an inspection or inquiry has been caused to be made, the Chancellor may address the
Vice-Chancellor on the result of such inspection or inquiry and the Vice-Chancellor shall communicate
to the Executive Council the views of the Chancellor and call upon the Executive Council to
communicate to the Chancellor through him its opinion thereon within such time as may have been
specified by the Chancellor. If the Executive Council communicates its opinion within the specified
time limit, after taking into consideration that opinion, or where the Executive Council fails to
communicate its opinion in time, after the specified time limit is over, the Chancellor may proceed and
advice the Executive Council upon the action to be taken by it, and fix a time limit for taking such
action.
(4) The Executive Council shall, within the time limit so fixed, report to the Chancellor through
the Vice-Chancellor the action which has been taken or is proposed to be taken on the advice tendered
by him.
(5) The Chancellor may, where action has not been taken by the Executive Council to his
satisfaction within the time limit fixed, and after considering any explanation furnished or
representation made by the Executive Council, issue such directions, as the Chancellor may think fit,
and the Executive Council and other authority concerned shall comply with such directions.
(6) Notwithstanding 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 objects of the University or in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the
Statutes and Regulations or that special measures are desirable to maintain the standards of University
teaching, examinations, research, extension education, admin istration or finances, the Chancellor may
indicate to the Executive Council through the Vice-Chancellor any matter in regard to which he desires
an explanation and call upon the Executive Council to offer such explanation within such time as may
be specified by him. If the Executive Council fails to offer any explanation within the time specified or
offers an explanation which, in the opinion of the Chancellor, is not satisfactory, the Chancellor may
issue such directions as appear to him to be necessary, a nd the Executive Council and other authority
concerned shall comply with such directions.
(7) The Executive Council shall furnish such information relating to the administration and
finances of the University as the Chancellor may from time to time require.
(8) The Executive Council shall furnish to the State Government such returns or other
information with respect to the property or activities of the University as the State Government may
from time to time require.
CHAPTER III
MAHARASHTRA COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
12. Constitution of State Council and its powers and functions. — (1) For the purposes of
effective co -ordination in the activities of all Agricultural Universities in the State, particularly in
14 The Maharashtra Agriculture Universities [1983 : Mah. XLI
(Krishi Vidyapeeth) Act, 1983
relation to teaching, resea rch, extension education and other matters of common interests and for
having periodical evaluation of the functioning of the Universities and supervision over the
Universities and their academic and financial activities and programmes, the State Governmen t shall
constitute a Council to be called “the Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research”.
(2) ( a) The Minister for Agriculture, Maharashtra State, shall be the Chairman of the State
Council.
(b) The State Government may appoint a per son who in its opinion, has expertise in any
aspect of agricultural development, to be the Vice -Chairman of the Council 1[and the Vice -Chairman
shall, subject to the provision s of this Act, hold office for a period of three years from the date of his
appointment. The Vice -Chairman shall hold office during the pleasure of the State Government; and
the State Government may, if it appears to it to be necessary and expedient so to do in the public
interest, by order remove him from office at any time :
Provided that, the Vice-Chairman of the Council holding the office on the date of commencement
of the Maharashtra Agricultural Universities ( Krishi Vidyapeeths ) (Second Amendment) Act, 2013
(Mah. XXXII of 2013), shall vacate such office with immediate effect.]
(c) The Council shall consist of the following other members, namely :—
(i) the Vice -Chancellors of the Agricultural Universities in the State as ex-officio
members;
(ii) the Chief Secretary to Government and the Agriculture, Finance and Planning
Secretaries to Government as ex-officio members;
(iii) one representative of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to be ap pointed
by the State Government;
(iv) four non-official members of the Executive Councils concerned to be appointed by
the State Government, one from each Agricultural University area;
(v) one member to be appointed by the Chancellor;
(vi) two agricultural scientists to be appointed by the State Government;
(vii) the member -secretary, a whole -time officer, to be appointed by the Stat e
Government.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the Council shall have
the following powers and functions, namely :—
(a) to approve the annual plans of the Universities and the sch emes forming part of such
plans;
(b) subject to the provisions of section 54, to approve the annual financia l estimates of the
Universities;
(c) to grant approval to any proposals by the Universities Excerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.