The Manipur University Act, 2005 came into force on 28th December 2005. Manipur University was established on 5th June 1980, under Manipur University Act, 1980. On 13th October 2005 it was converted into Central University after receiving assent of the President on 28th December, 2005. It is a teaching cum affiliating university situated in Imphal. University established under the Act is a body corporate having perpetual succession and common seal having jurisdiction all over the State. Object of University under the Act shall be to disseminate and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities.
After establishment of University all the contracts shall be signed on behalf of Manipur University established under this act. All properties movable or immovable properties along with rights and liabilities previously vested Manipur University shall be transferred to Manipur University under the Act. Under section 4 sub clause (e) the Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor of the previous Manipur University shall serve as Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Manipur University established under the Act for a period of three months, thereafter new shall be appointed as per the provisions of section 47 of the Act. All the colleges, schools, departments affiliated to Manipur University shall now be affiliated to Manipur University established under the Act of 2005.
University under section 6 of the Act is granted wide powers to carry out work of knowledge dissemination. University has power to appoint employees, create positions for lecturers, readers, professors, grant degrees, diplomas, confer honorary degrees, establish colleges, institution halls, awards, fellowships, look into administration, develop environment conducive for students and make any such rules in furtherance of attainment of objectives laid under the Act. The university shall function as per the principles of Article 14 of the constitution and shall not discriminate any person however the University shall make provisions for persons falling into special category whenever required.
The President of India shall act as visitor and shall have powers to inspect, call for record and make such rules as deemed necessary. Apart from visitor the Governor shall act as Chief Rector. The university under the Act shall be headed by Vice Chancellor followed by pro vice chancellor, dean of schools, registrar, finance officer, controller of examination, librarian and other officials. The vice chancellor shall be appointed by Visitor; he shall have an overall control over the administration of the University. The other officials shall be appointed in manner prescribed under the provisions of the Act. Sections 14 to 20 deal with appointment and powers of the officials. Apart from this there shall be other authorities the court, executive council, academic council, college development council, board of studies, finance committees and such other bodies that shall be appointed under the provisions of the Act. Sections 24 to 28 deals with powers and functions these committees and these shall act in consonance with provisions of the Act. Section 29 confers power to make statutes on subjects relating to administration, rights of students, development of the university, procedures, and administration. Statutes shall be made by Executive Council and shall come into force once approved by the President. Section 31 lays provision for making ordinance and first ordinance shall be made by Vice Chancellor with previous approval of Central government. Ordinance shall ordinarily be made on matters concerning students and management of the University.
The University every year shall prepare an annual report and annual accounts under the directions of Executive council. The copy of such reports shall be submitted to Visitor. Copy of annual account along with audit report shall be presented to Central Government. The audited annual accounts shall be laid before both houses of Parliament. Incase a student is debarred form giving examination he shall have a right to appeal before the Executive council. Incase of disputes arising the aggrieved students and employees can file an appeal to Executive Council under section 38 of the Act. However section 43 provides that where an action is taken in good faith no suit or legal proceedings shall be instituted.
The Manipur University under The Manipur University Act, 2005 is an autonomous body. It has wide powers and functions similar to that of State as enshrined under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution.
by Vibhuti Nakta.