The Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya Act, 1996 came into force on 8th January, 1997. The act was enacted to incorporate a teaching University for proliferation and growth of Hindi Language and literature through research. The act was enacted with a purpose to ensure growth of Hindi language and to help it achieve recognition nationally and internationally. University so established under the Act shall be known as Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidayalya with its headquarters at Wardha. University under the act shall be an independent body, having perpetual succession and common seal having power to sue and be sued in its own name.
The University shall work towards promotion and propagation of Hindi language. It shall do all that is required to achieve the purpose of its establishment. Inorder to promote and develop Hindi language, it shall provide for instructional and research facilities. It shall create atmosphere for development, advancement and dissemination of the language. It is mandated under section 4 of the act that university shall offer programmed on research, education and training in areas of translation, interpretation and linguistics for improvement of functional aspect of the language and also carry out distance learning programmes.
Section 5 of the Act lays down the powers of the university to make rules. Under the section University shall have wide powers to make rules for dissemination, promotion and providing recognition to Hindi Language and Literature. The University also has powers under the section to declare fellowships, scholarships, prizes, and medals. University under sub clause (xviii) shall have power to confer autonomous status on department to enable independent decision making in furtherance of dissemination of Hindi language and literature. Sub clause (xxvii) gives enormous powers to the University to do all that is necessary for achieving objectives laid under section 5 of the Act. The University shall have its jurisdiction throughout the territory of India.
The Act lay emphasis on promulgation of Hindi Language and literature thus there shall be no bar as to caste, creed, sex, religion, belief or profession while admission to students and appointment of teachers. The University shall make provisions for physically handicapped, backward classes and women under section 7 which is in consonance with Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. The President of India shall be a Visitor as laid down under section 9 of the Act. The visitor shall have power to inspect, appoint persons and review progress of the University. The University shall be headed by a Vice Chancellor, followed by Pro Vice Chancellor, Registrars, Dean of school, finance officer, librarian and other officials as appointed under the statute. Sections 11 to section 18 deal with appointments of University officials. The Chancellor, Vice Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor i.e. The President and all other officials shall be appointed in manner prescribed by the Statute. The first Vice Chancellor and pro vice chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years
For proper administration University is divided into court, executive council, academic council, board of studies, finance committee and such other authorities as declared under the Act. Sections 20 to 22 deal with the constitution, and power of Court, executive council and academic council, which shall be prescribed by the Statute. Section 26 deals with power to make statutes for matter pertaining to appointments, power and functions of authorities, appointments, conditions of service, procedure of arbitration in case of dispute, procedure for appeal to executive council, conferment of autonomous status to departments, conferment of powers, announcement of scholarships, conferment of honorary degrees and delegation of powers are a few important. Power to make statute is vested in hands of Executive Council, which shall come to force once assented by the Visitor. Apart from statutes the University under section 28 is vested with power to make ordinance in matters relating to academics, appointments, fees charged, conditions of service of teachers and all other matters of importance. The ordinance shall be made by Vice Chancellor in consensus with Central Government. The Statutes and Ordinances so made shall be published in official gazette after consented by both houses of parliament.
The University shall prepare an annual report and annual account under sections 30 and 31. Whenever dispute between University and students in matters relating to examination or disciplinary actions arises appeal shall lie to Executive Council under section 33. The appeal against authority and officers of University shall also lie to the Executive Council.
Thus the Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya Act, 1996 aims at promotion and broadcast of Hindi Language and literature.
by Vibhuti Nakta