The Haryana and Punjab Agricultural Universities Act, 1970 came into force on 2 February 1970 enacted in the 21st year of Republic of India. The Act aims at the expansion of agriculture in the two states of Haryana and Punjab and also for the establishment of Universities autonomously.
Definitions like Academic Council, Agriculture, Appropriate Government, Board, College, Corresponding University, Existing University, Library, Prescribed, Statutes, Regulations, Transferred Territories, Vice-Chancellor are stated under Section 2 of the Act.
All the previous existing University are dissolved by passing of this Act and two different universities like Haryana Agricultural University and Punjab Agricultural University are established. They will have their own common seal with power to acquire, hold the property in their names. There shall be a Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the university. Each university shall have their own territorial limits under which they have to function. But Punjab University will cease to function in Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh once a university is established in Himachal Pradesh all assets and liabilities of Punjab University shall be transferred to such University. Headquarters of Haryana Agricultural University is Hissar and Punjab Agricultural University is Ludhiana.
Each university shall make provisions to impart education in different branches particularly agriculture. ST and SC and women have certain seats reserved for them in the University. Each university is given certain powers like to provide instructions for graduate and post-graduate in agriculture and allied sciences. To supervise and control accommodation and regulate discipline of students of University, to receive fees etc.
Section 10 of the Act states that Chancellor of the University can inspect the building, laboratories, equipment that are maintained by the University. Results of the inspection can be addressed to the Board and then Board can direct Chancellor to take actions as needed. Different authorities who work in the university are Academic Council, Board,Board of Studies, Chancellor, Vice-chancellor, Dean, Director of Research, Director of Students Welfare, Registrar, Comptroller, Estate Officer, Librarian.
Constitution of the board and powers and duties of it in the University is also explained in detail under the Act. Main duties of the Board are to approve the budget, hold properties and funds of University, transfer any property on behalf of University, administer funds, monies received by University are to be investigated, appointing teachers and other employees, appoint vice-chancellor etc. Governor of the said state will be the Chancellor of each University. He should preside at the convocation of the University.
Appointment of Registrars his powers and duties are also explained under the Act. Comptroller of the University will also form part of the University. For welfare of the Students Director of Student Welfare is appointed under the Act. Dean of the College will be responsible to Vice-Chancellor.
Chapter 4 of the Act states about the colleges that should be under Haryana and Punjab Agricultural University. Chapter 5 of the Act explains about different services like retirement and conditions of service. Provident Fund and Gratuity payment to the employees of University.
Statutes and regulations under this Act are to be followed by the Universities particularly with regard to university authorities’ constitution, powers and their duties. Their election, appointment and filling of vacancies at the University. Constitution of Gratuity or Provident Fund, degrees and diplomas conferment of honorary degrees, establishing hostels, scholarships, medals and prizes, maintaining graduates register etc.
Chapter 7 of the Act explains that a general fund shall be formed by the University and all income from fees, endowments and grants received, contributions from the government, donations and benefactions will be credited to the fund. University will have a Finance Committee with Vice-Chancellor, Comptroller, Boards official member and non-official member. Powers and duties of the finance committee has also been explained in detail under the Act.
Chapter 8 of the Act explains about the division of the assets and liabilities between Haryana Agricultural Universities and Punjab Agricultural Universities. Section 36 explains about the legal proceedings where in if any suit is pending against the university the same will not abate by reason of dissolution of University but will continue.
Section 39 of the Act explains that there shall be an annual meeting and Board shall send a copy of the annual report to appropriate Government. Vice-Chancellor shall resolve all the disputes arising by dissolution of the university and if he fails to do so Secretary of Government of India will decide on it and his decision shall be final.
When giving effect to provisions of the Act if any difficulty arose then President has the power to decide and take necessary action. But such power cannot be exercised after 2 years has expired from commencement of this Act.
Section 45 of the Act states about repeals and savings under this Act. The Punjab Agricultural University Act 1961, Haryana and Punjab Agricultural University Ordinance 1970 is repealed. General Clause Act 1897 of the said Act has also been repealed.
by Sushma Javare