The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981

GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL 
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT 
West Bengal Act XXXVI of 1981 
THE RABINDRA BHARATI ACT, 1981. 
[Passed by the West Bengal Legislature.] 
[Assent of the Governor was first published in the Calcutta Gazette, 
Extraordinary, of the 26th October, 1981.] 
[26th October, 1981.] 
An Act to provide for the reconstitution of the University known as 
Rabindra Bharati and for certain matters incidental thereto and 
connected therewith. 
WHEREAS it is expedient to reconstitute the University known as 
Rabindra Bharati to encourage in conformity with the ideas and thoughts 
of Rabindranath Tagore, the integration of cultural heritage of the nation 
consistent with its linguistic and socio-economic history and to enable it 
to function more efficiently as a University encouraging and providing 
for instruction, teaching, training and research in various branches of 
learning and courses of study, promoting advancement and dissemination 
of knowledge and learning, and extending higher education, to meet the 
growing needs of society and to make the constitution of various authorities 
or bodies of the University more democratic; 
It is hereby enacted in the Thirty-second Year of the Republic of India, 
by the Legislature of West Bengal, as follows:— 
CHAPTER I 
Preliminary 
1. (1) This Act may be called the Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
(2) This section and section 55 shall come into force at once; and 
the remaining provisions of this Act shall come into force on such date 
or dates as the State Government may, by notification in the Official 
Gazette, appoint, and different dates may be appointed for different 
provisions of this Act. 
Short tide 
and 
commence-
ment. 
2. In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or Definitions. 
context,— 
(1) "the Academy" means the Academy of Dance, Drama and 
Music, initially established and sponsored by the Government 
of West Bengal and subsequently taken over by the University, 
including its properties, movable and immovable, and other 
assets and liabilities, and deemed to be a part of the University; 
339 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter I.—Preliminary.—Section 2.) 
(2) "affiliated" in relation to a college or an institution or a centre 
means affiliated to the University known as Rabindra Bharati 
as constituted prior to the appointed day and continuing as 
such immediately before such day or affiliated to the University 
under this Act; 
(3) "appointed day" means the date referred to in sub-section (5) 
of section 55; 
(4) "college" means a college established or maintained by, or 
affiliated to, the University; 
(5) "convocation" means a meeting of the Court for the purpose 
of conferring degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates or other 
academic distinctions; 
(6) "employee" in relation to the University means any person 
employed by the University; 
(7) "financial year" means the year ending on the 31st day of 
March; 
(8) "Government College" means a college maintained and 
managed by the State Government; 
(9) "Governor" means the Governor of the State of West Bengal; 
(10) "hall" or "hostel" means a unit of residence for students, 
teachers, officers or non-teaching staff recognised by the 
University; 
(11) "institution" means a school, centre of culture, museum, 
library or any other organisation, by whatever name called, for 
training, instruction, research or study in all or any of the 
following subjects, namely, dance, drama, music and visual 
arts; 
(12) "Librarian" in relation to the University or a college, institution 
or centre affiliated to the University means a Librarian or a 
Deputy Librarian or an Assistant Librarian or any other person 
discharging the functions of a Librarian on whole-time basis, 
by whatever name called, appointed or recognized as such by 
the University; 
(13) "Minister" means the Minister-in-charge of Higher Education 
appointed as such by the Governor; 
(14) "non-teaching staff" in relation to the University or a college, 
institution or centre affiliated to the University means the non-
teaching staff, not holding any teaching post (including part-
time teaching post), appointed or recognized as such by the 
University, and includes technical staff but does not include a 
Librarian or an officer. 
Explanation.—"Technical staff" shall mean the staff-
holding any technical post, by whatever name called, appointed 
or recognized as such by the University; 
340 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter I.—Preliminary.—Section 2.) 
(15) "prescribed" means prescribed by Statues, Ordinances, 
Regulations or Rules made under this Act; 
(16) "Principal" means the head of an institution, by whatever 
name called; 
(17) "Rabindra Bharati Society" means the Society, by whatever 
21 of 1860. 	 name called, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 
1860 under the name and style of Rabindra Bharati on the 
15th January, 1947, and having its office in the campus of 
the University; 
(18) "registered graduate" means a graduate registered under this 
Act, at least three months prior to the date of election of 
members to the Court, on application in the prescribed form 
and on payment of a fee of one rupee: 
Provided that no person shall be eligible to be registered 
under this Act unless he has graduated himself from the 
University at least three years prior to the date of election 
of members to the Court; 
(19) "Statutes", "Ordinances", "Regulations" and "Rules" mean, 
respectively, the Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and Rules 
of the University made under this Act;. 
(20) "Students' Union" in relation to the University or a college, 
institution or centre affiliated to the University means a 
Students' Union constituted in the manner prescribed; 
(21) "Teacher" means a Principal, Professor, Assistant Professor, 
Reader, Lecturer, Demonstrator, Tutor, Instructor or any 
other person, either whole-time or part-time, imparting 
instruction or conducting research in the University or 
in any college, institution or centre affiliated to the 
University; 
(22) "Teacher of the University" means a Professor, Reader, 
Lecturer or any other person, appointed or recognized as 
such by the University, either whole-time or part-time, for 
the purpose of imparting instruction or conducting research 
in the University; 
(23) "University" means the University known as Rabindra 
Bharati, as constituted under this Act; 
(24) "University Library", "University Museum" or "University 
Institution" means a library, a museum or an institution, as 
the case may be, maintained and managed by the University, 
whether established by it or not. 
341 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter 11.—The University and its officers.—Sections 3, 4.) 
CHAPTER II 
The University and its officers 
The 
University. 
Powers of 
the 
University. 
3. (1) The Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor of the University 
and the members of the Court and the Executive Council, for the time 
being, shall constitute a body corporate by the name of the Rabindra 
Bharati. 
(2) The University shall have perpetual succession and a 
common seal and shall sue and be sued by the name of Rabindra 
Bharati. 
4. The University shall have the following powers, namely:— 
(1) to encourage, in conformity with the ideas and thoughts of 
Rabindranath Tagore, integration of cultural heritage of the 
nation consistent with its linguistic and socio-economic 
history, to provide for instruction, teaching, training and 
research and to promote the advancement and dissemination 
of knowledge and learning, and the extension of higher 
education in all branches of humanities and, in particular, 
in dance, drama, music and visual arts; 
(2) to establish, maintain or manage colleges, libraries, museums 
and such other institutions, institutes, or centres for study 
and research as it may deem necessary; 
(3) to affiliate to itself or to recognize colleges, institutions, 
institutes or centres in respect of all or any of the following 
subjects, namely, dance, drama, music and visual arts, but 
not in respect of any other branch of humanities or any 
branch of science, and to disaffiliate a college, institution, 
institute or centre in such subject or subjects or to withdraw 
such affiliation or recognition; 
(4) to prescribe for colleges, other than Government 
Colleges,— 
(a) the constitution, powers and functions of their Govern-
ing Bodies, and 
(b) with the approval of the State Government,— 
(i) the terms and conditions of service of— 
(A) Librarians, and 
(B) non-teaching staff, and 
(ii) rules for Provident Funds; 
342 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 11.—The University and its officers.—Section 4.) 
(5) to prescribe for colleges the rules for Teachers' Councils; 
(6) to provide for the inspection, or investigation into the 
affairs, of colleges, institutions, institutes or centres 
affiliated to or recognised by it and to exercise general 
supervision and control over them; 
(7) to take over for a period not exceeding twelve months the 
management of any college, institution or institute affiliated 
to, or recognized by the University, other than a Government 
College or institution, in order to ensure that proper standard 
of teaching, training or instruction is maintained therein: 
Provided that the University may, if it considers necessary 
so to do, extend such period so, however, that the aggregate 
period shall not exceed eighteen months; 
(8) to dissolve the Governing Body of any affiliated college, 
institution or institute, other than a Government College, and 
pending reconstitution of the Governing Body thereof in 
such manner as may be prescribed, to appoint an Administrator 
or an ad hoc Governing Body: 
Provided that the reconstitution of the Governing Body 
shall be made within a period of twelve months from the date 
of its dissolution: 
Provided further that the University may, if it considers 
necessary so to do, extend such period so, however, that the 
aggregate period shall not exceed eighteen months; 
(9) to institute and make appointment to Professorship, Reader-
ship, Lectureship and other posts required by the University 
for the purpose of imparting instruction or conducting 
research in the University; 
(10) to create posts, as and when required, of officers and other 
employees of the University besides those provided for in 
this Act and to appoint persons to such posts; 
(11) to prescribe, subject to the provisions of this Act, the 
constitution, powers and duties of the Boards of Studies, the 
Finance Committee, and other bodies; 
(12) to prescribe the powers and duties of officers of the 
University; 
(13) to prescribe, subject to the provisions of this Act, the terms 
and conditions of service, including the rules of conduct and 
discipline, and the emoluments for all posts of Teachers, 
officers and other employees of the University; 
343 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter 11.—The University and its officers.—Section 4.) 
(14) to make provisions for provident and other funds for the 
employees of the University; 
(15) to institute degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other 
academic distinctions; 
(16) to hold examinations and to confer degrees, titles, diplomas, 
certificates and other academic distinctions on persons 
who— 
(a) shall have pursued an approved course of study in the 
University or in an affiliated college, institution, 
institute or centre unless exempted therefrom in the 
manner prescribed, and shall have passed the prescribed 
examinations of the University, or 
(b) shall have carried on research under conditions 
prescribed; 
(17) to withdraw or to cancel degrees, titles, diplomas, certi-
ficates or other academic distinctions under such conditions 
as may be prescribed by Statutes and after giving the 
person affected a reasonable opportunity to present his 
case; 
(18) to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions 
under conditions prescribed; 
(19) to prescribe, demand and receive fees, fines and other charges 
for examinations and other purposes; 
(20) to establish, maintain, manage or recognize halls, hostels 
and other places of residence for the students, Teachers, 
officers or non-teaching staff of the University, to withdraw 
such recognition, and to take over the management and 
maintenance of the existing halls, hostels or places of 
residence, recognized by the University, with the consent 
of the authorities thereof; 
(21) to provide for the promotion of health and welfare of students 
and of discipline among them; 
(22) to conduct, co-ordinate, regulate and control the post-
graduate research work and teaching in the University, the 
affiliated college and the institutions add centres affiliated 
to, or recognized by, the University; 
(23) to make grants to the National Cadet Corps and the National 
Service Scheme from the University Fund; 
344 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter IL—The University and its officers.—Section 5.) 
(24) to enter into an agreement with the State Government or with 
the approval of the State Government with any other 
Government or with any person, body or authority for the 
taking over by the University of the management of any 
college, institution or centre, including its assets and liabilities, 
or for any other purpose not repugnant to the provisions of 
this Act; 
(25) to acquire, hold and dispose of property, movable and 
immovable, and to make grants and advances for furthering 
any of its objects; 
(26) to accept and administer gifts, endowments and benefactions, 
for the furtherance of any of its objects for the University 
or on behalf of any college or institution established, by, 
affiliated to, or recognized by, the University; 
(27) to institute awards, fellowships, travelling fellowships, 
scholarships, studentships, stipends, bursaries, exhibitions, 
medals and prizes; 
(28) to accept grants from the Central or any State Government 
or the University Grants Commission and, with the approval 
of the State Government, also from other sources, to raise 
loans, or to accept loans from the Central or the State 
Government or the University Grants Commission and from 
other sources: 
Provided that raising of loans and acceptance of loans 
from other sources shall require the approval of the State 
Government; 
(29) to cooperate with other universities, institutions and 
educational authorities in matters that relate to and further 
educational objectives of the University; 
(30) generally to do all such acts and things as may be necessary 
or desirable for, or incidental to, the advancement of the 
objects or purposes of the University. 
5. (1) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the local limits of Jurisdiction 
jurisdiction of the University. (hereinafter referred to as the territorial 	 Tjntiveersity. 
limits of the University) shall extend to the whole of West Bengal. 
(2) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (1), the powers of the 
University conferred by or under this Act shall not extend to any college, 
institution or centre which, for the time being, is included within the local 
limits of jurisdiction of any other university established by law within 
West Bengal and already affiliated to it. 
345 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
Delegation 
of powers to 
subordinate 
authorities. 
Officers of 
the 
University. 
The 
Chancellor. 
The Vice-
Chancellor. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter IL—The University and its bfficers.—Sections 6-9.) 
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), any 
college, institution or centre situated outside the territorial limits of the 
University may, with the sanction of the State Government, apply to 
the University for affiliation in respect of all or any of the subjects 
referred to in clause (3) of section 4 and the University may, subject 
to such conditions and restrictions as it may with the approval of the 
State Government think fit to impose, affiliate to itself such college, 
institution or centre and admit the same to all the privileges of the 
University. 
6. The University may delegate such of its powers as it may deem 
expedient to any of its authorities constituted under section 16 or to any 
of its officers, and may, at any time, withdraw at its discretion any power 
so delegated. 
7. The following shall be the officers of the University:— 
(1) the Vice-Chancellor; 
(2) the Registrar; 
(3) the Finance Officer; 
(4) persons holding such other posts as may be delcared by 
Statutes to be posts of officers of the University. 
8. (1) The Governor shall, by virtue of his office, be the Chancellor 
of the University. He shall be the head of the University and the 
President of the Court and shall, when present, preside at the meetings 
of the Court. 
(2) The Chancellor shall exercise such powers as may be conferred 
on him by or under the provisions of this Act. 
(3) Where power is conferred upon the Chancellor to make 
nominations to any authority or body of the University, the Chancellor 
shall, to the extent necessary, nominate persons to represent interests not 
otherwise adequately represented. 
(4) Every proposal to confer any honorary degree shall be subject 
to confirmation by the Chancellor. 
9. (1') The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor 
on the unanimous recommendation of the Court. If the Court fails to 
make any such recommendation, the Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed 
by the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister from a panel of three 
persons to be elected by the Court in accordance with the system of 
proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. 
346 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 11.—The University and its officers.—Section 10.) 
(2) (a) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of four 
years or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, and shall 
be eligible for re-appointment for another term of four years or till he 
attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. 
(b) The,Chancellor may, notwithstanding the expiration of the term of 
the office ofIthe Vice-Chancellor or his attaining the age of 65 years,- allow 
him to continue in office till a successor assumes office, provided that he 
shall not continue as such for any period exceeding six months. 
(3) The Vice-Chancellor shall be a whole-time officer of the University 
and shall be paid from the University Fund such salary and allowances as 
the Chancellor may decide in consultation with the State Government. 
(4) The Vice-Chancellor may resign his office by writing under his 
hand addressed to the Chancellor. 
(5) (a) If the Vice-Chancellor is, by reason of leave, illness or 
other cause, temporarily unable to exercise the powers and perform the 
duties of his office, then, during the period of such temporary inability 
the Chancellor in consultation with the Minister may appoint any person 
to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor. 
(b) When a vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor 
by reason of death, resignation or expiry of the term of his office or 
otherwise, then, pending the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor, , the 
Chancellor in consultation with the Minister may appoint any person to 
exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor for any 
period not exceeding six months. 
(6) The vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chancellor occurring by 
reason of death, resignation or expiry of the term of his office or otherwise 
shall be filled up by appointment of a Vice-Chancellor in accordance with 
the provisions of sub-section ( I) within a period of six months from the 
date of occurrence of the vacancy and such period shall be held to include 
any period for which a Vice-Chancellor is allowed to continue in office 
under clause (b) of sub-section (2) or a person is appointed to exercise the 
powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor under clause (b) of 
sub-section (5). 
10. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and Powers and 
of academic officer of the University and shall, in the absence of-the duties the Vice- Chancellor, preside over the meeting of the Court. He shall, by virture of Chancellor. 
his office, be a member and the Chairman of the Executive Council and the 
Faculty Councils and also the Chairman of any other authority or body of 
347 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter II.—The University and its officers.—Section II.) 
the University of which he may be a member. He shall also be entitled to 
be present at and to address any meeting of any other authority or body of 
the University of which he may not be a member, but shall not be entitled 
to vote thereat. 
(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene meetings 
of the Court, the Executive Council, Faculty Councils and of any other 
authority or body of the University. 
(3) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that the 
provisions of this Act, and the Statutes, the Ordinances, the Regulations 
and the Rules are faithfully observed, and to take such action as 
may be necessary for this purpose. 
(4) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to exercise general 
control and supervision over all other officers of the University and over 
all Teachers and employees of the University and generally over all the 
affairs of the University. 
(5) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and dis-
charge such other duties as may be delegated to him by any authority 
or body of the University or as may be prescribed by Statutes, Ordinances, 
Regulations or Rules. 
(6) The Vice-Chancellor may take on behalf of the University such 
action as he may deem expedient in any matter which, in his opinion, is 
either urgent or of an emergent nature and shall report the same for 
confirmation at the next meeting of the authority or body which, in the 
ordinary course, would have dealt with the matter: 
Provided that if the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor is not 
approved by the authority or body concerned, the matter shall immediately 
he referred to the Chancellor whose dicision thereon shall be final. 
(7) The Vice-Chancellor may, with the approval of the Executive 
Council, at any time delegate any of his powers other than the powers 
referred to in sub-section (6) to any other officer subordinate to him. 
The 
Registrar. 
11. (1) The Registrar shall be a whole-time officer of the University. 
He shall be appointed by the Executive Council on the recommendation of 
a Committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman, two nominees 
of the Executive Council, a nominee of the Chancellor and a nominee of 
the State Government, for such period and on such terms and conditions 
as may be prescribed by Statutes. 
(2) The Registrar may resign his office by writing under his hand 
addressed to the Vice-Chancellor. 
348 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 11.—The University and its Officers.—Sections 12-15.) 
(3) If the Registrar is for any reason temporarily unable to exercise the 
powers or perform the duties of his office, the Vice-Chancellor may, 
subject to the approval of the Executive Council, appoint a Teacher of 
the University or an officer of the University, temporarily for a total 
period not exceeding six months, to exercise the powers and perform the 
duties of the Registrar. 
12. Subject to the supervision, direction and general control of the 
Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar shall act as the Secretary of the Court as 
also of the Executive Council and shall exercise such powers and perform 
such duties as may be prescribed, or delegated to him by or under this Act 
and the Statutes, the Ordinances or the Regulations, as the case may be. 
Powers and 
duties of the 
Registrar. 
13. (1) The Finance Officer shall be a whole-time officer of the The Finance 
University and shall be appointed by the Executive Council on the Officer.  
recommendation of a Committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor as 
Chairman, two nominees of the Executive Council, a nominee of the 
Chancellor and a nominee of the State Government, for such period and 
on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by Statutes. 
(2) The Finance Officer may resign his office by writing under his 
hand addressed to the Vice-Chancellor. 
(3) If the Finance Officer is for any reason temporarily unable 
to exercise the powers and perform the duties of his office, the Vice-
Chancellor may, subject to the approval of the Executive Council, appoint 
a person temporarily for a total period not exceeding six months, to 
exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Finance Officer. 
14. (1) Subject to the supervision, direction and general control Powers and 
of the Vice-Chancellor, the Finance Officer shall be in charge of the duties of the 
Finance 
administration of the funds, the finances and the properties and assets of Officer. 
the University and of all trusts and endowments; and he shall take special 
interest in activities that aim at raising funds for the purposes of the 
University and augmenting the resources of the University. 
(2) The Finance Officer shall exercise such other powers and perform 
such other duties as may be prescribed, or delegated to him by or under 
this Act and the Statutes, the Ordinances or the Regulations, as the case 
may be. 
15. In their respective spheres of duties, the Registrar and the Finance 
Officer shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, have the power of 
supervision and control over all officers and employees serving in 
departments under their charge and shall exercise such disciplinary power 
as may be conferred on them by or under this Act and the Statutes, the 
Ordinances or the Regulations, as the case may be. 
Supervisory 
powers of 
the Registrar 
and the 
Finance 
Officer. 
349 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter 111.—Authorities of the University—Sections 16, 17.) 
CHAP I hR III 
Authorities of the Universty. 
Authorities. 	 16. The following shall be authorities of the University:— 
(1) the Court; 
(2) the Executive Council; 
(3) the Faculty Councils; 
(4) the Boards of Studies; 
(5) the Finance Committee; 
(6) such other authorities as may be established under the Statutes. 
The Court. 17. (1) The Court shall consist of the following members:— 
(a) ex officio members 
(i) the Chancellor; 
(ii) the Vice-Chancellor; 
(iii) the immediately preceding Vice-Chancellor; 
(iv) the Secretary, Education Department, Government 
of West Bengal; 
(v) the Secretary, Finance Department, Government of 
West Bengal or his-nominee not below the rank of 
Deputy Secretary to the Government of West Bengal; 
(vi) the Deans of the Faculty Councils; 
(vii) the Principal, Indian College of Arts and 
Draftsmanship, Calcutta; 
(viii) the President, West Bengal Council of Higher 
Secondary Education; 
(ix) the President, West Bengal Board of Secondary 
Education; 
(x) the General Secretary, Rabindra Bharati Society; 
(xi) the President, Bangiya Sahitya Parishad; 
(xii) the President, The Asiatic Society; 
(xiii) the President, Academy of Fine Arts, Calcutta; 
(xiv) the Director, Indian Museum, Calcutta; 
(b) elected members 
(xv) three Professors of the University—one from each 
Faculty Council elected jointly by the Professors of 
• the University; 
350 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 111.—Authorities of the University.—Section 17.) 
(xvi) nine Teachers of the University Departments other 
than Professors, of whom four shall belong to the 
Departments under the Faculty Council for Post-
Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Fine Arts, 
four shall belong to the Departments under the 
Faculty Council for Post-Graduate Studies in Arts 
and one shall belong to the Department under the 
Faculty Council for Post-Graduate and 
Undergraduate Studies in Visual Arts, elected by 
such Teachers from amongst themselves; 
(xvii) one Teacher other than Principal elected by Teachers 
of the affiliated college from amongst themselves; 
(xviii) five persons elected by the registered graduates 
from amongst themselves; 
(xix) one person representing Visva Bharati appointed by 
the Chancellor on the recommendation of the 
Upacharya (Vice-Chancellor) of Visva Bharati; 
(xx) four regular students of the University—at least one 
belonging to any of the Departments under each of 
the Faculty Councils—elected in the manner 
prescribed. 
Explanation 1.—For the purpose of this clause, 
"regular student" shall mean a student who has 
been prosecuting his studies in any post-graduate or 
undergraduate Department of the University under 
any of the Faculty Councils and who is not in default 
of payment of prescribed tuition fees and other dues 
to the University till such date as may be notified by 
the University in this behalf; 
Explanation 11.—Notwithstanding anything 
contained elsewhere in thiS Act, a member elected 
under this clause shall hold office for a period of two 
years from the date of his election or till he ceases to 
be a regular student, whichever is earlier; 
(xxi) one regular student prosecuting his studies in the 
affiliated college elected by such students from 
amongst themselves. 
Explanation 1.—For the purpose of this clause, 
"regular student" shall mean a student who has been 
351 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter M.—Authorities of the University.—Section 17.) 
prosecuting his studies in the affiliated college and 
who is not in default of payment of prescribed 
tuition fees and other dues of such college till such 
date as may be notified by the University in this 
behalf; 
Explanation II. —Notwithstanding anything 
contained elsewhere in this Act, a member elected 
under this clause shall hold office for a period of 
three years from the date of his election or till he 
ceases to be a regular student, whichever is earlier; 
(xxii) one Research Scholar or Research Fellow of the 
University elected by such Research Scholars and 
Research Fellows. 
Explanation1.—"Research Scholar" or "Research 
Fellow" shall mean a whole-time Research Scholar 
or Research Fellow of the University, who receives 
a stipend from the University; 
Explanation 11.—Notwithstanding anything 
contained elsewhere in this Act, a Research Scholar 
or a Research Fellow elected under this clause shall 
cease to hold office on the expiration of the term of 
Research Scholarship or Research Fellowship, as 
the case may be; 
(xxiii) three members elected by the members of the non-
teaching staff of the University from amongst 
themselves; 
(xxiv) one member elected by the members of the non-
teaching staff of the affiliated college from amongst 
themselves; 
(xxv) one member elected by the officers of the University 
from amongst themselves; 
(xxv ) one member of the West Bengal Legislative 
Assembly elected by the members of the West 
Bengal Legislative Assembly from amongst 
themselves; 
(xxvii) two persons having special knowledge or practical 
experience in respect of one or more of the following 
subjects, namely, Literature, Philosophy, History, 
Fine Arts, Dance, Drama and Music, nominated by 
the Chancellor; 
(xxviii) one nominee of the Sangeet Natak Academy. 
352 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 111.—Authorities of the University.—Section 18.) 
(2) All elections to the Court shall be held in the manner prescribed 
by Statutes. 
18. (1) Subject to such conditions as may be provided by or under 
the provisions of this Act, the Court shall exercise the following powers 
and perform the following functions:— 
(i) to e,,_ablish University Departments, institutions, institutes, 
centres, libraries and museums for study and research; 
(ii) to create and institute, with the approval of the State 
Government, Professorships, Readerships, Lectureships, 
and such posts including posts of officers as may be 
necessary for the establishment of the University 
Departments, institutions, institutes, centres, libraries 
and museums referred to in clause (1); 
(iii to institute degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other 
academic distinctions; 
(iv) to institute fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, 
studentships, stipends, bursaries, exhibitions, medals and 
prizes to be awarded out of the University Fund; 
(v) to confer degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates and other 
academic distinctions on persons who— 
(a) have pursued prescribed courses of studies or have 
been exempted therefrom in the manner prescribed, 
and have passed such examinations as may be 
prescribed, or 
(b) have carried on research in accordance with such 
conditions as may be prescribed; 
(vi) to withdraw or to cancel degrees, titles, diplomas, certificates 
or other academic distinctions under such conditions as 
may be prescribed by Statutes and after giving the person 
affected a reasonable opportunity to present his case; 
(vii) to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions; 
(viii) to consider the Annual Statement of Accounts, the Audit 
Report in respect of the Annual Statement of Accounts, the 
Internal Audit Report and the Annual Budget approved by 
the Executive Council and to pass such resolutions relating 
thereto as may be considered necessary: 
Provided that for the purpose of passing a resolution 
adopting, modifying or rejecting the Annual Budget, it 
shall be necessary fora majority of the total membership of 
the Court to vote in favour of the resolution; 
Powers and 
functions of 
the Court. 
353 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter 111.—Authoriaes of the University.—Section 18.) 
(ix) to consider the Annual Report as prepared by the Executive 
Council and to pass such resolutions relating thereto as 
may be considered necessary; 
(x) to consider, and advise on, such other reports from the 
Executive Council orany other body as may be made to it; 
(xi) to consider, and advise on, proposals from the Executive 
Council for entering into agreement with the Government 
or, with the approval of the State Government, with any 
person, body or authority for the taking over by the 
University of the management of any affiliated or recognised 
college, institution or institute other than a Government 
College, including its assets and liabilities, or for any other 
purpose not repugnant to the provisions of this Act; 
(xii) to consider, and advise on, proposals from the Executive 
Council for co-operation with other universities, institutions 
and educational authorities in matters that relate to or 
further the educational objectives of the University; 
(xiii) to consider and suggest measures for the improvement of 
the administration and finances of the University, and 
generally for the furtherance of its objectives; 
(xiv) to make rules for the transaction of its own business; 
(xv) to exercise all other powers and perform all other functions 
conferred and imposed on the Court by or under this Act. 
(2) The Court shall not exercise the powers and perform the functions 
referred to in clauses (i) to (vii) of sub-section (1) except on the 
recommendation of the Executive Council, but may send proposals in 
respect thereof to the Executive Council for its recommendation. 
(3) The Court shall have the power to review the action of the 
Executive Council, save where .the Executive Council has acted in 
accordance with the powers conferred on it by or under this Act: 
Provided that if any question arises as to whether the Executive 
Council has acted in accordance with the powers conferred on it by or 
under this Act, the matter shall be decided by reference to the Chancellor 
whose decision shall be final. 
354 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 111—Authorities of the University.—Sections 19, 20.) 
19. (1) The Court shall meet at least thrice in a financial year, other 
than for convocation, on date to be fixed by the Vice-Chancellor. One of 
such meetings shall be held before March and shall be called the Annual 
Meeting. The Court may also meet at such other times as it may, from time 
to time, decide. 
(2) One-third of the total number of members of the Court plus one 
shall be a quorum for a meeting of the Court: 
Provided that such quorum shall not be required at a convocation. 
(3) The Vice-Chancellor may, whenever he thinks fit, and shall, upon 
a requisition in writing signed by not less than one-third of the total number 
of members of the Court, convene a meeting of the Court. A meeting on 
such requisition shall be held within fifteen days of the, receipt of the 
requisition by the Vice-Chancellor. 
20. (1) The Executive Council shall consist of the following 
members:— 
(a) ex officio members 
(i) the Vice-Chancellor; 
(ii) the Deans of the Faculty Councils; 
(iii) the Secretary, Education Department, Government of 
West Bengal; 
(iv) the Secretary, Finance Department, Government of 
West Bengal or his nominee not below the rank of 
Deputy Secretary to the Government of West Bengal; 
(v) the President, West Bengal Council of Higher 
Secondary Education; 
(vi) the Principal, Indian College of Arts and 
Draftsmanship, Calcutta; 
(vii) the Director, Indian Museum, Calcutta; 
(b) other members 
(viii) three Professors not belonging to the same Faculty 
Council elected jointly by the Professors of the Faculty 
Councils from amongst themselves; 
(ix) five post-graduate Teachers of the University, other 
than Professors, of whom at least one shall he from 
each of the Faculty Councils elected jointly by such 
Teachers as are members of the Faculty Councils 
from amongst themselves; 
(x) one Teacher of the University other than Professor 
elected by such Teachers other than Professors as are 
members of the Court from amongst themselves; 
Meeting of 
the Court. 
The 
Executive 
Council. 
355 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
Powers and 
functions of 
the 
Executive 
Council. 
(Chapter 111—Authorities of the University.—Section 21.) 
(xi) one person other than a Teacher or a student or a 
member of the non-teaching staff or an officer, elected 
by the members of the Court from amongst themselves; 
(x ii) (a) one post-gi aduate student elected by such students 
as are members of the Court from amongst 
themselves; 
(b) one non-teaching staff of the University elected 
jointly by such non-teaching staff of the University 
and the affiliated college as are members of the 
Court from amongst themselves; 
(c) one registered graduate of the University elected 
by such registered graduates as are members of 
the Court from amongst themselves; 
(xiii) two persons nominated by the Chancellor of whom 
one shall be a representative of the Rabindra Bharati 
Society. 
(2) All elections to the Executive Council shall be held in the manner 
prescribed by Statutes. 
(3) One-third of the total number of members of the Executive 
Council plus one shall be a quorum for a meeting of the Executive 
Council. 
21. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Executive Council shall 
exercise the following powers and perform the following functions:— 
(i) to initiate proposals for the making of Statutes and 
Ordinances including proposals for amendment orrepeal 
thereof, in the manner hereinafter provided; 
(ii) to recommend to the Court, after consulting the respective 
Faculty Councils, the establishment of University 
Departments, institutions, institutes, centres, libraries 
and museums for study and research; 
(iii) to maintain University Departments, University 
Institutions, University libraries and University 
museums; 
(iv) to establish, maintain, manage and recognize halls and 
hostels; 
(v) to direct the inspection of University libraries, University 
museums, halls and hostels; 
(vi) to recommend to the Court, after consulting the respective 
Faculty Councils, the institution of fellowships, 
356 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 111.—Authorities of the University.—Section 21.) 
travelling fellowships, scholarships, studentships, 
bursaries, exhibitions, medals and prizes, the expenses 
of which shall be met from the University Fund, and to 
award the same after institution thereof by the University; 
(vii) to recommend to the Court, after consulting the respective 
Faculty Councils, the creation and institution of 
Professorships, Readerships, Lectureships and such 
posts as may be necessary for the establishment of the 
University Departments, institutions, institutes, centres, 
libraries and museums referred to in clause (i) of sub-
section (1) of section 18; 
(viii) to create, with the approval of the State Government, 
posts of officers, Teachers and other employees of the 
University or to recommend to the Court for creation of 
posts of officers and Teachers of the University; 
(ix) to prescribe the minimum qualifications for posts of 
officers, Teachers and other employees of the University; 
(x) to appoint Teachers, officers and other employees of the 
University and to fix their emoluments and define their 
duties and other terms and conditions of service in 
accordance with the Statutes and the Ordinances and to 
suspend, discharge or otherwise punish in accordance 
With the Statutes and the Ordinances such Teachers, 
officers and other employees; 
(xi) to pass appropriate orders after considering the 
recommendation of the respective Faculty Council 
regarding affiliation of a college, institution, institute or 
centre in one or more subjects or withdrawal of affiliation 
or recognition of a college, institution, institute or 
centre or temporary take over of the management of an 
affiliated or a recognized college, institution, institute 
or centre; 
(xii) to make draft of Statutes, on the recommendation of the 
respective Faculty Council, for colleges, other than 
Government Colleges, prescribing the constitution, 
powers and functions of their Governing Bodies; 
(xi ii) to determine, with the approval of the State Government, 
the terms and conditions of service of Librarians and 
non-teaching staff; 
357 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Chapter 111.—Authorities of the University.—Section 21.) 
(xiv) to make rules for Teachers' Councils for colleges and, 
with the approval of the State Government, rules for 
provident fund for colleges; 
(xv ) to prescribe and collect fees or charges for the registration 
of students and their admission to courses of studies 
organised by the University, for holding examinations, 
for the grant of degrees, diplomas and certificates, and 
for other like purposes; 
(xvi) to recommend to the Court, after consulting the respective 
Faculty Councils, the institution of degrees, titles, 
diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions; 
(xvii) to recommend to the Court, on the advice of the 
appropriate body, the conferment of degrees, titles, 
diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions 
on persons who have pursued the prescribed courses of 
studies or have been exempted therefrom in the 
prescribed manner, and have passed such examinations, 
or have carried on research under such conditions, as 
may be prescribed; 
(xviii) to recommend to the Court the conferment of honorary 
degrees and other academic distinctions; 
(xix) to approve the constitution or reconstitution of the 
respective department of teaching in the University on 
the recommendation of the respective Faculty Council; 
(xx) to make regulations regarding the courses of studies and 
the division of subjects after obtaining and considering 
the recommendation of the Faculty Councils in this 
regard; 
(xxi) to make regulations regarding the examinations which 
shall be recognized as the equivalent examinations held 
by the University; 
(xxii) to make regulations regarding the conduct of 
examinations held by the University and the conditions 
under which students may be admitted to the different 
courses of studies of and the examinations held by the 
University; 
(xxiii) to make regulations regarding all other matters which 
may be or are required to be prescribed or provided for 
by regulations; 
358 
The Rabindra Bharati Act, 1981. 
XXXVI of 1981.] 
(Chapter 111.—Authoraies of the University.—Section 21.) 
(xxiv) to provide for co-operation and reciprocity among 
colleges, institutions, and centres and the University so 
as to foster the development of academic life and to 
ensure the fullest utilisation of the teaching resources 
available on the recommendation of the respective 
Faculty Council; 
(xxv) to give directions regarding the form, custody and use of 
the common seal of the University; 
(xxvi) to acquire, hold and dispose of property, movable and

Excerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.

‹ Prev All West Bengal acts Next ›