The legislation enacted with the view to establish and incorporate a University for the advancement of learning and prosecution of research in the Agricultural and allied sciences in the North- Eastern region, is named and titled as ‘the Central Agricultural University Act, 1992’ (Act no. 40 of 1992). The Act being Central Government’s enactment was passed by the Union Parliament in the 43rd year of republic of India and was assented by the President of India on 26th day of December, 1992. And the provisions herein were brought into operation on 26th day of January, 1993, i.e. the then republic day of India, by the Central Government’s notification published by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education- DARE, Government of India published in the Official Gazette.
Amongst the provisions of this Act, the preliminary provisions provide for short titling and commencement of the Act along with certain definitions to the terms. While, in other provisions the Act sought to first establish the University with the name and title as ‘Central Agricultural University’. And the University as established under this Act, was located at Iroisemba, Imphal in the Indian State of Manipur. And to compose this University, the first Chancellor, Vice- Chancellor and Members of the Board, Academic Council, etc. and all persons who will assume such office thereafter, should be to constitute a body corporate with the name of such University. And, imparting education in the branches of agricultural and allied sciences, advancing learning and prosecution of research in agricultural and allied sciences, undertaking programmes for extending education in the States within jurisdiction and also undertaking other necessary and determined activities are the objects of the University so established. And for the powers of the University the section 5 of the Act makes provisions, where number of such powers of the university are enlisted, which can be seen so much resembling with the objects of the University. And for the extension of the jurisdiction and responsibility of the University in teaching, research and programmes of extending education, the area of the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura, were specified. Notably, the provisions of the Act make it very clear that irrespective of anyone’s caste, creed, religion, race, sex, etc. the University should be open and adopting any test, etc. of religious belief or profession in relation to appointments or admissions in the University is prohibited. However, University is not obstructed under this provision to make any special provision for certain recognized categories of persons like, women, handicapped, Scheduled tribes or Scheduled castes, etc.
Moreover, the President of India is given authority under this Act to play the role of Visitor of the University, and will also be empowered to cause any enquiry to be done by its directed persons of the University, its buildings, etc. and will also consider the matters arising therefrom. Besides visitor, there will be certain Officers of the University, namely, the Chancellor, Vice- Chancellor, Deans, Directors, Registrar, Comptroller and other specified Officers. And the provisions relating to their appointments, and other related aspects are also specified in the Act. Further, for the authorities of the University, as per the given list the Board, Academic Council, Finance Committee, Research Programme Committee, Extension Education Advisory Committee, Board of Studies and other specified authorities were constituted under this Act.
Further, the Act Statutes of the University so established, which are to provide for the matters contained in the clauses of the section 25 and for making, amending, correcting, repealing such Statute the Board of the University is made entitle, however the assent from the President being Visitor will be necessary. Similarly, Act provides for making of Ordinances which should be subjected to the provisions of present Act and Statutes. There are provided certain matters on which such Ordinances to make provisions. It is also made clear that the first Statute is clearly mentioned in the Schedule to this Act and for the making of first Ordinances the Vice- Chancellor is empowered, however, previous approval from the Central Government will be necessary. And for repealing and amending such Ordinances the Board is empowered in the manner contained in the Statute. And also there will be Regulations, which should be consistent with this Act, Statutes and Ordinances. And such Regulations are to be provided by the University for dealing with conduct of their own business and also of the committees. Further provisions dealing with annual reporting, accounting, auditing, etc.
The protection is given to the Board and other authority and officer, employees of the University against the legal action which may be taken against their actions taken in good faith or were intended by them to take under this Act’s provisions. The Central Government is empowered to publish necessary order for removing difficulties which if will arise while giving effect to the provisions of this Act and such orders should consistent with the provisions of this Act. However, for 3 year from the date of enforcement of the provisions of this Act, the said order can be published by the Central Government. It is also made clear by the Act that whatever Statutes, orders, Ordinances and regulations made under this Act should be first tables before Parliament and also should also be published in the Official Gazette. As such the entire Act is dealing with the provisions as were necessary for establishment and administering the agricultural University.
Download & Read the Bare Act: The Central Agricultural University Act, 1992-pdf