Maharashtra act 035 of 2022 : The Maharashtra COEP Technological University Act, 2022.

Section 1.Short title and commencement.

(1) This Act may be called the Maharashtra COEP Technological University Act, 2022.

(2) It shall come into force on such date¹ as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

1. This Act came into force on 21st June 2022, vide G.N.,H & T.E.D, Sankirn- 1111/ (36/20) / TE-2., 21st June 2022, Maharashtra Government Gazette, Part IV B, dated 23rd June 2022.

Section 2.Definitions.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-

(1) "Academic Council" means the Academic Council of the University;

(2) "All India Council for Technical Education" means the All India Council for Technical Education established under the All India Council for Technical Education Act, 1987 (52 of 1987) ;

(3) "alumni" means former students of the University and includes former students of the Government College of Engineering, Pune ;

(4) "appointed date" means the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 1 ;

(5) "authorities" means the authorities of the University as specified by or under this Act ;

(6) "Board of Governance" means the Board of Governance of the University ;

(7) "centre" means a centre established, managed and maintained by the University as prescribed by the Statutes ;

(8) "Chancellor" or "Vice-Chancellor" means, respectively, the Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor of the University ;

(9) "choice based credit system" means the curricular system that offers multiple interdisciplinary choices for students to select from the courses (core, elective or minor or soft skill or skill enhancement courses, etc.) to accumulate credits as prescribed in the Statutes ;

(10) "collaboration" means collaborative academic activity of the University with other universities, academic institutions including local, regional, national or international institutions, research institutions and organizations in the field of science and technology, agriculture, industry, trade and commerce, sports, social, cultural, and any other field ;

(11) "Dean" means the Dean of the School of the University ;

(12) "De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis)" means tribes declared as such by the State Government, from time to time ;

(13) "department" means a department established by the University for teaching a particular subject or a group of subjects in the University ;

(14) "Economically Weaker Section" means any Economically Weaker Section as notified by the State Government, from time to time ;

(15) "existing college" means the Government College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) ;

(16) "fee" means tuition fees, other fees and charges, including developmental charges to be collected by the University ;

(17) "Head of the University Department" or "Head of the University Centre" means a Head of the University Department or Head of the University Centre ;

(18) "higher education" means the pursuit of knowledge beyond learning at the stage of higher secondary school education ;

(19) "hostel" means a place of residence for the students of the University, provided, established, maintained, by the University ;

(20) "inter-disciplinary studies" means the combined academic studies and research in different disciplines as prescribed by Statutes ;

(21) "Knowledge Resource Centre" means a library established by the University on the campus or sub-campuses of the University to hold in print, electronic and audio-video format material, monographs, reference volumes, texts and review books, all types of journals and any other material in various format useful for education, research, extension services or for similar purposes ;

(22) "multi-disciplinary studies" means the combined academic and research programs in different streams of a particular discipline as prescribed by the Statutes ;

(23) "Nomadic Tribes" means tribes wandering from place to place in search of their livelihood, as declared by the State Government, from time to time ;

(24) "non-vacation academic staff" means such staff as the Board of Governance may classify to be non-vacation academic staff and includes all such staff which is complimentary to academic staff but, shall not include the staff engaged purely in discharging administrative functions, provided that these shall not be in contravention of the State Government policies in this regard ;

(25) "Other Backward Classes" means any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens as declared by the State Government and includes Other Backward Classes declared by the Government of India in relation to the State of Maharashtra, from time to time ;

(26) "prescribed" means prescribed by Statutes or Ordinances or Regulations, as the case may be, made by or under this Act ;

(27) "Registrar" means the Registrar of the University ;

(28) "regulatory authorities" means the regulatory authority established by the Government of India, from time to time, in respect of professional education ;

(29) "Scheduled Castes" means such castes, races or tribes or parts of, or groups within, such castes, races or tribes as are deemed to be Scheduled Castes, in relation to the State of Maharashtra under article 341 of the Constitution of India ;

(30) "Scheduled Tribes" means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within, such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to the State of Maharashtra under article 342 of the Constitution of India residing in any part of the State of Maharashtra ;

(31) "School" means a school of studies maintained and managed by the University ;

(32) "Special Backward Category" means socially and educationally backward classes of citizens declared as a Special Backward Category by the State Government ;

(33) "State" means the State of Maharashtra ;

(34) "State Government" or "Government" means the Government of Maharashtra ;

(35) "Statutes", "Ordinances" and "Regulations" means, respectively, the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the University, made by or under this Act ;

(36) "student" means an individual who is admitted and registered for any academic programme of the University ;

(37) "sub-Campus" means a comprehensive inherent independent unit of the University for decentralization of academic, administrative, research and extension activities, with the objective of improving efficiency and effectiveness.

(38) "teacher" means full-time approved professor, associate professor, assistant professor, in any school, centre, department or sub-campus of the University.

(39) "University" means the COEP Technological University established under section 3 of this Act ;

(40) "University Grants Commission" means the University Grants Commission established under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956).

Section 3.Incorporation of University.

(1) With effect from the appointed date, the existing Government College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) shall, stand constituted as a non-affiliating unitary University, by the name of the "COEP Technological University".

(2) The University shall be a body corporate, by the name specified in sub-section (1) and shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall sue and be sued by the said name.

(3) In all suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleadings shall be signed and verified by the Registrar or any other person authorized in this behalf, and all process in suits and proceedings shall be issued to and served on the Registrar.

(4) The headquarter of the University shall be at Pune, Maharashtra.

(5) The jurisdiction of the University shall extend to the whole of the State of Maharashtra.

(6) The University shall be competent to acquire and hold property, both movable and immovable, to transfer by way of lease, sell, mortgage, leave and license, gift, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or otherwise or dispose of any movable or immovable property, which may vest in or be acquired by it for the purposes of the University, and to contract and do all other things necessary for the purposes of this Act :

Provided that, no such transfer by way of lease, sell, mortgage, leave and license, gift, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or otherwise or dispose of such property shall be made without the valuation made thereof by the approved valuer appointed by the University and without the prior permission of the State Government :

Provided further that, no prior permission of the State Government shall be required under the first proviso, where the transfer of immovable property is temporarily made for for the period upto ten years or ten years in aggregate for activities as may be required to fulfill in furtherance of the objects of the University and for renewal of such transfer beyond ten years, the prior permission of the State Government shall be necessary.

(7) On and from the appointed date,-

(a) the control and management of the existing college together with the control and management of all properties and assets including any cash balance held by the existing college or on its account, whether in deposit with any Bank or otherwise pertaining thereto, shall stand transferred to, and vest in, the University ;

(b) save as provided in this section, all rights, powers and privileges, duties, debts, liabilities and obligations of the existing college contractual or otherwise, arising or accrued or incurred in relation to the affairs of the existing college, shall stand transferred to, and vest in, the University ;

(c) any doubt or difference in regard to transfer of any asset or liability under foregoing clauses shall be referred to the Government, through Director of Technical Education, and the decision of the State Government thereon shall be final.

(8) The properties, assets and rights transferred to the University by virtue of sub-section (7), shall continue to be utilized for the purposes for which they were being utilized or were intended to be utilized immediately before the appointed date.

(9) On and with effect from the appointed date,-

(a) the existing college shall stand de-affiliated in a phased manner from the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune :

Provided that, the students who have taken the admission prior to the appointed date, shall continue with the privileges of the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, till the completion of their existing courses and get degrees or awards of the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune ;

(b) for the students of existing college, the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune shall make arrangement for conferment of the corresponding degree, diploma and other academic distinction, on the basis of the result of such examination.

Section 4.Objects of University.

The objects of the University, in general, shall be to disseminate, create and preserve knowledge and understanding by teaching, research and development, skill development, training and education, extension and service in engineering and technology in general, and in particular, the objects relating thereto shall be,-

(i) to promote education, research and training in engineering and technology, including information technology and its application, architecture, planning, management and applied sciences for the advancement of knowledge and for the betterment of society ;

(ii) to make provision for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, and generally to cultivate and promote the engineering and technology, pure and applied sciences, liberal arts, humanities and social sciences, finance and accounts managements, different forms of medicine, law, physical education and other branches of learning and culture and their multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas ;

(iii) to provide facilities and opportunities for graduate and postgraduate education, Ph.D. and research in the field of engineering and technology, including information technology and its application, architecture, planning, management and applied sciences and by instruction, training, research, development and extension and by such other means as the University may deem fit ;

(iv) to serve as a centre for fostering co-operation and interaction between the academic and research community on the one hand and industry on the other ;

(v) to organize exchange programmes with other institutions of repute in India and abroad with a view to keeping abreast of the latest developments in relevant areas of teaching and research ;

(vi) to create and administer a research fund for supporting and facilitating research initiatives and projects of faculty members and students ;

(vii) to define an enabling framework for researchers to obtain sponsorships for research projects and which makes the participating researchers responsible for the successful implementation of the project ;

(viii) to identify and establish linkages including Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) for long term relationships with national and international research organizations for widening the scope of research opportunities and funding options available to the teachers and students of the University ;

(ix) to identify and establish linkages including Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) for long term relationships with industry bodies and individual companies for creating opportunities for teachers and students of the University to involve themselves in real life research projects and obtaining sponsorships ;

(x) to utilize University resources for industrial manpower training ;

(xi) to provide assistance for improving employability including entrepreneurial training, specialized skilled training in soft skill requirement by industries ;

(xii) to carry out its responsibility of creation, preservation and dissemination of knowledge therefor ;

(xiii) to promote discipline and the spirit of intellectual inquiry and to dedicate itself as a fearless academic community to the sustained pursuit of excellence ;

(xiv) to encourage individuality and diversity within a climate of tolerance and mutual understanding ;

(xv) to promote freedom, secularism, equality and social justice enshrined in the Constitution of India, and to be catalyst in patriotic socio-economic transformation by promoting basic attitudes and values of essence to national development ;

(xvi) to extend the benefits of knowledge and skills for development of individuals and society by associating the University closely with local, regional and national problems of development ;

(xvii) to carry out social responsibility as an informed and objective critic, to identify and cultivate talent, to train the right kind of leadership in all walks of life and to help younger generation to develop right attitudes, interests and values ;

(xviii) to promote equitable distribution of teaching, learning, training and other support services facilities of higher education ;

(xix) to provide for efficient and responsive administration, scientific and technology management and develop organization of teaching, learning, training, research, consultancy, testing and extension ;

(xx) to devise motivational systems to ensure that individual cognitive abilities are not constrained but rather the innovative spirit and desire to make true contribution and realize selfachievement is nurtured ;

(xxi) to promote national integration, fraternity and preserve cultural heritage and inculcate respect towards different religions and diverse cultures of India through the study of different religions, literature, history, science, art, civilizations and cultures ;

(xxii) to build up financial self-sufficiency by undertaking academic teaching, training and allied programmes, research, development, consultancy and testing activities for public and private industries, Governmental organizations at local, regional, national and global level and resource generative services in a cost-effective manner ;

(xxiii) to promote better interaction and co-ordination among different universities and other universities in the State, in the region, in the nation and at global level by all such means generally to improve the governance of the University and facility it provides for higher education ;

(xxiv) to promote gender equality and sensitivity in society ;

(xxv) to emerge as a University par excellence known for its scientific and technological breakthroughs, collaborations, symbiotic associations, transforming research and innovations for the well-being of society and humanity, and demonstrating eternal human values ;

(xxvi) to promote and maintain transparency of highest order in matters of admission, appointments, evaluation, accreditation, administration and finance ;

(xxvii) to establish state-of-art facilities for education, skills training and entrepreneurship development including establishment of centres of excellence ;

(xxviii) to establish research park with industries or academia or research laboratories or alumni ;

(xxix) to provide flexible and modular learning pathways thereby enabling multi-entry and exit options ;

(xxx) to provide learning opportunities to wide range of learners representing diverse background age groups and socio-economic status and geographic location through a self-paced, self-styled, face to face and online learning environment ;

(xxxi) to establish links, to collaborate and engage in partnerships with colleges, universities, research institutions, profit and non-profit organizations, corporate, industry, industry associations, professional societies, in India and overseas to conceptualize, design, develop, and offer specific joint education and research programmes, training programmes, and exchange programmes and research, consultancy for faculty, students and others ;

(xxxii) to ensure the proper utilization of high-end modern equipment and facility with removal of obsolescence as and when needed ;

(xxxiii) to offer mechanism and facility of credit banking or transfer system to create options of multi-entry and exit and opportunities for movement across universities or domains or sectors ;

(xxxiv) to provide students an opportunity of life long and continuous training through the University courses offered through conventional or blended or distance or open or online education for different pedagogical approaches and system ;

(xxxv) to provide vertical mobility to students undergoing technical education by offering diploma, bachelors, masters and doctoral programme in high growth sectors and offer various specializations to prepare the youth towards gainful employment and entrepreneurship ;

(xxxvi) strive to promote competitive merit and excellence as the sole guiding criterion in all academic and other matters relating to students ;

(xxxvii) to undertake such other activities as may be required to fulfill and furtherance of the above objectives and education policy of the Central Government or any other regulatory authority.

Section 5.Powers and duties of University.

The University shall have the following powers and duties, namely :-

(i) to provide for instructions, extension, teaching, learning and training in such branches or subjects or disciplines and courses of study including a choice-based credit system and any other system that may emerge in future, as the University may, from time to time, determine ;

(iii) to organize, maintain and manage University schools, departments, centres, subcampuses, laboratories, Knowledge Resource Centres, learning resource centres, libraries, museums and equipment for teaching, learning, training, research and development or extension ;

(iv) to establish, maintain and manage hostels, health centres, auditoria and gymnasiums and sports facilities ;

(v) to provide for establishment on the University campus and sub-campuses, multiUniversity and inter-University centres, research laboratories, modern technology facilitation centres, centres of life-long learning, set up by the regulatory authorities, Central Government or the State Government, teaching or learning or training at local, regional, national and global level, which may be used by a University :

Provided that, in the case of any industry or any non-Government organization availing themselves of such facility of a University or such organizations providing the facility to a University, prior approval of the Board of Governance shall be obtained by the University :

Provided further that, these shall not be in contravention of State Government policies in this regard ;

(vi) to create posts of University teachers, non-vacation academic staff, non-teaching skilled, administrative, ministerial staff and other posts required by the University, from its funds and from the funds received from other funding agencies (excluding State Government), prescribe their qualifications, experience and pay-scales and make appointments thereto ;

(vii) to make appointments to the posts of University teachers, non-vacation academic staff, non-teaching skilled, administrative, ministerial staff and other posts created by the University and also on the vacant posts sanctioned by the State Government, as per the qualifications and experience specified by the State Government, the University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education and other regulatory authorities, from time to time ;

(viii) to appoint or recognize persons working in any other University, industry, research institutes or organization as adjunct professors, adjunct associate professors, adjunct assistant professors, professors of practice, emeritus professors, chair professors, distinguished professors, visiting professors of the University for specified periods ;

(ix) to nominate the eligible, performing and contributing individuals from within the University on various officers positions as prescribed by the statutes ;

(x) to prescribe the courses of instruction and studies, in conventional, contemporary and futuristic modes of delivery, in choice based credit system for the various examinations leading to specific degrees, diplomas or certificates in a stand-alone format or joint format with other State or national or global universities ;

(xi) to decide the criteria for eligibility of admissions to various programs of studies in the University and to supervise, control and regulate admission of students for various courses of study in the academic units of the University such as multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary schools, University departments, centres, including those on sub-campus ;

(xii) to institute degrees, and post-graduate diplomas, post-diplomas, and post-higher secondary diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions on the basis of examinations or by other to hold examinations or evaluations and confer degrees, post-graduate diplomas, postdiplomas, and award post-higher secondary diplomas and certificates and other academic distinctions on persons who,-

(a) unless exempted therefrom in the manner prescribed, have pursued approved courses of study in the University, school, department or centre and have passed the examinations and earned the required credits or marks or grades prescribed by the University ; or

(b) have pursued approved courses of study in the University, school or centre and have passed the examinations and earned the required credits or marks or grades prescribed by the University ; or

(xiii) to confer and award such degrees, diplomas and certificates to, and provide for such lectures, instructions and training for blended and distance education, open, online, blended and continuing education courses ;

(xiv) to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions as prescribed by the Statutes ;

(xv) to monitor and evaluate the academic performance of University schools, departments, centres and for periodical accreditations ;

(xvi) to hold and to manage trusts and endowments and to institute and award fellowship, travelling fellowship, scholarship, studentship, medals and prizes for teachers and students of the University ;

(xvii) to fix, demand and receive or recover such fees and other charges, as may be regulated by the Ordinances, from time to time ;

(xviii) to constitute a fee fixation committee ;

(xix) to supervise, control and regulate the conduct and discipline of the students of the University, schools, departments, centres and hostels ;

(xx) to provide for mobility of students from formal to non-formal stream and vice-versa, and also among the other universities in the State, outside the State and country ;

(xxi) to provide facilities for revision or in-service courses for teachers of the University ;

(xxii) to provide for the training and education in the domain of quality assurance, intensive workshops or learning exercises on enhancing quality and also mechanism for setting up of internal quality assurance for quality improvement of teachers and non-teaching employees ;

(xxiii) to provide for periodical assessment of the performance of teachers and non-teaching employees in the University in accordance with the norms prescribed by the University Grants Commission or other regulatory authorities and the State Government, as the case may be ;

(xxiv) to regulate and provide for attendance of the teachers and non-teaching employees on the premises of the University during teaching hours and beyond teaching hours, as prescribed and to prohibit teachers from taking or conducting private tuitions or private coaching classes ;

(xxv) to enforce, conduct and discipline rules for teachers and nonteaching employees prescribed in the Statutes ;

(xxvi) to prescribe and enforce students charter ;

(xxvii) to establish, maintain and manage, whenever necessary,

(a) Knowledge Resource Centre ;

(b) University schools, departments, centres or cells ;

(d) training and placement cell and career guidance bureau ; and

(e) such other activities as may be necessary and possible to fulfill the objects of the University ;

(xxviii) to make provision for participation of students in,-

(a) the National Service Scheme ;

(b) the National Cadet Corps ;

(d) the national sports organization ;

(e) physical and military training ;

(f) extra-mural teaching and research ;

(g) programmes related to lifelong learning and extension ;

(h) any other programmes, services or activities directed towards cultural, economic and social betterment as may be necessary and possible, to fulfill the objects of the University ;

(xxix) to provide for special training or coaching for competitive examinations, for recruitment to the public services, public sector undertakings and other competitive employment opportunities ;

(xxx) to co-operate and collaborate with any other University, institution, industry, authority or organization, for research and advisory services and for such purposes to enter into appropriate arrangement with other universities, institutions, industry, authorities, or organizations to conduct certain courses as the situation may demand, to offer research solutions and consultancy ;

(xxxi) to transfer or receive transfers of any movable property on behalf of the University ;

(xxxii) to manage, regulate and administer the revenue, finance, accounts, investments, properties, business and all other administrative affairs of the University and for that purpose to appoint such agent or agents as it may deem fit ;

(xxxiii) to manage intellectual property rights, transfer technology, develop incubation centres, entrepreneurship centres and research parks ;

(xxxiv) to appoint in order to execute an instrument or transact any business of the University, any person as attorney of the University with such powers as it may deem fit ;

(xxxv) to explore the possibilities of augmenting the resources of the University by exploring or innovating activities such as research and development, consultancy and testing, training programmes and providing services for different clients from universities, research institutions, profit and non-profit organizations, industry, trade, professional associations, industry associations, other organizations in India or overseas or any other non-government organizations ;

(xxxvi) to undertake academic collaboration programmes, research and advisory services with universities and institutions abroad, with prior approval of the Board of Governance :

Provided that, these shall not be in contravention of State Government policies in this regard ;

(xxxvii) to receive funds for collaboration programmes from foreign agencies, within the rules and regulations of the Central Government and State Government in that regard ;

(xxxviii) to create development corpuses out of surplus that the University may generate through its teaching, learning, training, research and development, consultancy and testing, and any other academic and extension and outreach activities and to invest it in a professional manner and use the interest generated through it for the growth and development of academic, human resources, research and development, academic and physical infrastructure development and any other infrastructure ;

(xxxix) to lay down for University teachers, such instructions or directions as, in the opinion of the University, may be necessary in academic matters ;

(xl) to undertake development programmes in higher education, research, consultancy based projects and training programmes for outside agencies, by charging fees, so as to generate revenue and resources ;

(xli) to take appropriate measures in order to increase the gross enrolment ratio ;

(xlii) to promote by itself or in co-operation with other universities, the study of Marathi and the use of Marathi as a medium of instruction, study, research and examination, in adherence to the policies of the State Government ;

(xliii) to promote by itself, or in co-operation with other universities or organizations, the study of Indian, foreign languages in general and Asian languages in particular ;

(xliv) to evolve an operational scheme for ensuring accountability of teachers, non-vacation academic and non-teaching staff of the University ;

(xlv) to create knowledge and disseminate it and foster high quality research which is contemporary, globally competitive and locally as well as regionally and nationally relevant ;

(xlvi) to have a learner-centric approach and perform the role of being a knowledge creator ;

(xlvii) to develop products, services and technologies for industry and society and generate revenue and other resources for University ;

(xlviii) to create a comprehensive digital University framework for both, e-learning and e-administrative services to exploit the power of 'learning by collaboration' and 'participation' with use of information and communication technology ;

(xlix) to set-up research parks, technology incubators and other engagement entities to translate University research to commercial domain and co-ordinated projects involving multiple faculty groups from several disciplines that address some important issues before the State, country and society at large ;

(l) to identify skills to which students need to be exposed to, by taking into account the local needs, training facilities available, emerging needs and new employment opportunities ;

(li) to provide an environment for the all-round development of youth by exposing them to the rich cultural heritage of the country and creating opportunities for development of skills in technology ;

(lii) to ensure introduction of choice based credit system with transferable and receivable credit points from four streams, namely, the academic stream, the technology stream, the professional and social stream and the personality and cultural development stream ;

(liii) to facilitate mobility of teachers to collaborating institutions such as industries, research and development laboratories, professional associations, industry association, non-Government organizations, engaged in societal development, to enable translation of knowledge to viable real-life applications and in turn enrich University programmes ;

(liv) to comply with and carry out any directives issued by the State Government, from time to time, with reference to above powers, duties and responsibilities of the University ;

(lv) to conduct academic and administrative audit of University schools, departments, centres at regular intervals ;

(lvi) to establish sub-campuses, and centres outside the State and foreign countries with the respective permission of the Board of Governance, State and the Central Government ;

(lvii) to hire services of world class experts, trainers and agencies for specific assignment, with the recommendation of Academic Council ;

(lviii) to hire staff on contract (teaching, non-teaching, technical experts) for short term basis ;

(lix) to hire the outsourced services for the purpose of house-keeping, gardening, security and other such services as decided by the Board of Governance ;

(lx) to write-off and auction the un-serviceable equipment and utilities ;

(lxi) to appoint on contract or otherwise visiting professors, emeritus professors, consultants and such other persons who may contribute to the advancement of the objects of the University ;

(lxii) to do all such other acts and things as may be necessary for, or incidental or conducive to, the attainment of all or any of its objects.

Section 6.University open to all irrespective of sex, race, creed, class, caste, place of birth, religion or opinion.

(1) No citizen of India shall be excluded from any office of the University or from membership of any of its authorities, bodies or committees, or from appointment to any post, or from admission to any degree, diploma, certificate or other academic distinction or course of study on the ground only of sex, race, creed, class, caste, place of birth, religious belief or profession or political or other opinion.

(2) The University shall adopt Government policy and orders issued, from time to time, in regard to the reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis), Nomadic Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections for appointment to different posts of teachers and non-teaching employees and for the purpose of admission of students in University.

(3) The University shall adopt the general policy of the State Government in regard to the welfare of various categories of weaker sections of the society, minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, as directed by the State Government, from time to time.

Section 7.Control of State Government on University.

(1) Without prior permission of the State Government, the University shall not,-

(a) create new posts of teachers, officers or other employees, which will impose additional financial liability on the State Government exchequer;

(b) revise the pay, allowances, post-retirement benefits and other benefits of its teachers, officers and other employees, who are appointed and established on State Government sanctioned posts ;

(c) grant any special pay, allowance or other extra remuneration of any description whatsoever, including ex-gratia payment or other benefits having financial implications, to any of its teachers, officers or other employees of the University appointed on State Government sanctioned posts from the State Government funds ;

(d) divert any earmarked funds received from the State Government for any purpose other than that for which it was received ;

(e) incur expenditure on any development work from the funds received from the State Government for the purposes other than the purposes for which the funds are received.

(2) The University shall be competent to incur expenditure, in consonance with the policies and directives of the State Government issued from time to time, from the funds received from,-

(a) various funding agencies without any share or contribution from the State Government ;

(b) contributions received from individuals, industries, institutions, organizations or any person whosoever, to further the objectives of the University ;

(c) contributions or fees for academic or other services offered by the University for aided and self-supporting academic programmes ;

(d) charges received from sponsored research and consultancy and testing ;

(e) development fund or any other funds established by the University ; for the purposes of,-

(i) creation of posts in various cadres ;

(ii) granting pay, allowances and other benefits to the posts created through its own funds ;

(iii) starting any academic programmes on self-supporting basis ;

(iv) granting remunerations or incentives to its employees for performing any task assigned to them other than their regular duties and responsibilities ;

(v) incurring expenditure on any development work and on welfare activities of its students and employees :

Provided that, there is no financial liability, direct or indirect, immediate or in future, on the State Government.

(3) The State Government may, in accordance with the provisions contained in this Act, for the purpose of securing and maintaining uniform standards in the University, by notification in the Official Gazette, prescribe a Standard Code providing for the classification, manner and mode of selection, appointment, induction and advance training, field exposure, deputation and reservation of post in favor of members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis), Nomadic Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, duties, workload, pay, allowances, postretirement benefits, other benefits, conduct and disciplinary matters and other conditions of service of the officers, teachers and other employees of the University and the teachers where such Code is prescribed, the provisions made in the Code shall prevail, and the provisions made in the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations made under this Act, for matters included in the Code shall, to the extent to which they are inconsistent with the provisions of the Code, be invalid.

(4) (a) Qualifications and experience for the purpose of appointment of teaching employees in the University shall be, accordance with the norms laid down by the University Grants Commission, All India Council of Technical Education or any other regulatory authority as the case may be.

(b) Qualifications and experience for the purpose of appointment of nonteaching employees in the University shall be such as may be prescribed in the Statutes, in accordance with the norms laid down by the State Government.

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if the circumstances so require and the State Government considers it necessary to do so, it may appoint, on deputation, a suitable person possessing the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of the Registrar, Finance and Accounts Officer and Director-Board of Examinations and Evaluation, for a period of not more than one year at a time and not more than two years in the aggregate.

(6) In case of failure of the University to exercise powers or perform duties specified in section 5, or where the University has not exercised such powers or performed such duties adequately, or where there has been a failure to comply with any order issued by the State Government, or under any other circumstances as the State Government may deem fit, the State Government may issue a directive to the University for proper exercise of such powers or performance of such duties or comply with the order within such period as specified by the State Government ; and it shall be the duty of the University to comply with such direction. In case the University fails to comply with the directives, the State Government shall call upon the University to give reasons in writing, within such period as specified by the State Government, as to why the directives were not complied with. If the university fails to give the reasons within the period specified by the State Government or the State Government is not satisfied with the explanation, it may refer the matter to the Chancellor for taking necessary action under sub-section (3) of section 8.

(7) The State Government shall carry out test audit or full audit of the accounts of the University regularly at such intervals as it may deem fit.

Section 8.Chancellor and his powers.

(1) The Governor of Maharashtra shall be the Chancellor of every University and the Chancellor, by virtue of his office, shall be the Head of the University.

(2) The Chancellor, when present, shall preside over the convocation of the University and may issue directions to the Vice-Chancellor to convene the meeting of any authority of the University for specific purposes, whenever necessary, and the Vice-Chancellor shall submit the minutes of such meeting to the Chancellor for his perusal and necessary action.

(3) The Chancellor,-

(a) shall, on receiving a reference from the State Government under the provision of subsection (6) of section 7 in such matter ; or

(b) may, in any matter suo motu or otherwise, call for a report or an explanation or such information and record relating to such matter or any matter or affairs of the University, within such period as may be specified by the Chancellor and shall, after considering such report or explanation or information or record, issue such orders including imposition of penalty for its non-compliance thereupon as may be deemed fit in the interest of the University or students or larger interest of the public, and his orders shall be final and binding and shall be complied with by the University forthwith.

(4) The Chancellor may, after taking report in writing from the Vice-Chancellor, suspend or modify any resolution, order or proceeding of any authority, body, committee or officer which in his opinion, is not in conformity with this Act, Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations made thereunder, or is not in the interest of the University and the University, authority, body, committee and officer, shall comply with the same :

Provided that, before making any such order, the Chancellor shall call upon the University, authority, body, committee or, as the case may be, officer to show cause why such an order should not be made, and if any cause is shown, within the time specified by the Chancellor, he shall consider the same and wherever he deems it necessary, after consulting the State Government, decide the action to be taken in the matter, and his decision thereon shall be final.

(5) Where, in the opinion of the Chancellor, the conduct of any nominated or appointed member is detrimental to the smooth functioning of University or any authority or body or committee, he may, after giving such member an opportunity to offer his explanation in writing and after considering such explanation, if any, and satisfying himself that it is necessary so to do, disqualify such member or suspend him for such period, as he may deem fit.

(6) The Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred upon or vested in him by or under this Act.

Section 9.Chairman of the Board of Governance, his appointment and powers and duties.

(1) The Chairman of the Board of Governance shall be nominated by the State Government for a period of five years and shall be eligible for reappointment for one more term.

(2) The Chairman of the Board of Governance shall be an eminent academician or scientist or engineer of international repute, belonging to the domain of engineering or technology, having a fellowship of at least two academies or professional organizations in India or abroad, having earned a great reputation as a scholar or researcher, measured in terms of appropriate academic or professional or industrial standards and parameters or he should be an accomplished industrialist or entrepreneur or corporate leader, belonging to the domain of engineering or technology, and of national or international repute.

(3) The position of the Chairman shall be honorary in nature and thus non-remunerative.

(4) The Chairman shall preside, in the absence of the Chancellor, at any convocation for conferring degrees and he shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Governance and it shall be the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to implement the decisions taken by the Board of Governance and action taken report shall be placed before the ensuing meeting of the Board of Governance.

(5) The Chairman shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the State Government or by the Chancellor, from time to time.

(6) The provisions of sub-sections (13) and (14) of section 11 shall apply mutatis mutandis in respect of Chairman with the modification therein that for the word "Vice-Chancellor" the words "Chairman of Board of Governance" and for the word "Chancellor" the words "State Government" shall be substituted.

(7) When the post of the Chairman is vacant, the Vice-Chancellor shall act as a Chairman of Board of Governance.

Section 10.Other officers of University.

The following shall be the other officers of the University, namely :-

(1) the Vice-Chancellor ;

(2) the Registrar ;

(3) Deans of Schools ;

(4) Director-Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;

(5) Director-Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages ;

(6) Director-Board of Students Development ;

(7) Director- Knowledge Resource Centre ;

(8) the Finance and Accounts Officer ;

(9) such other officers in the service of the University as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

Section 11.Vice-Chancellor and his appointment.

(1) There shall be a Vice-Chancellor who shall be the principal academic and executive officer of the University and ex-officio Chairperson of the Academic Council, Board of Examinations and Evaluation, Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages, Board of Students Development and Finance and Accounts Committee and he shall preside, in the absence of the Chancellor and the Chairman, Board of Governance, at any convocation for conferring degrees.

(2) Save as otherwise provided, pay and allowances, terms and conditions of service of the Vice-Chancellor shall be such as may be determined by the State Government, from time to time.

(3) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor in the manner stated hereunder :-

(a) There shall be a search-cum-selection committee consisting of the following members to recommend suitable names to the Chancellor for appointment of Vice-Chancellor, namely :-

¹[(i) a member nominated by the Chancellor, who shall be a person of eminence in the sphere of higher education and shall be either an eminent scholar of national repute or a recipient of Padma Award in the field of education;]

(ii) the Principal Secretary of Higher and Technical Education Department or any officer not below the rank of Principal Secretary to Government nominated by the State Government ;

(iii) the Director or Head of an institute or organization in engineering or technology discipline of national repute established by an Act of Parliament, nominated by the Board of Governance and the Academic Council, jointly;

²[(iv) a member nominated by the Chairman, University Grants Commission.]

(b) The member nominated by the Chancellor shall be the Chairman of the committee.

⁴[(d) The members nominated on the committee shall be persons who are not connected in any manner with the university or any college or any recognised institution of the university;]

(e) The committee shall recommend a panel of three suitable persons for the consideration of the Chancellor for being appointed as the Vice-Chancellor. The names of the persons so recommended shall be in alphabetical order without any preference being indicated. The report shall be accompanied by a detailed write-up on suitability of each person included in the panel.

(f) A person recommended by the committee for appointment as Vice-Chancellor shall,-

⁵[(i-1) be a person possessing highest level of competence, integrity, morals and institutional commitment;]br

(i) be an distinguished academician in the field of engineering and technology with minimum ten years of experience as a Professor in a University or ten years of experience in a reputed research or academic administrative organization in the field of engineering and technology with proof of having demonstrated academic leadership ;

(ii) be able to provide leadership by his own example ; and

(iii) be able to provide vision ; and have ability to translate the same into reality in the interest of students and society ;

(iv) possess such ⁶[additional educational qualifications] and experience in the field of engineering and technology as may be specified by the State Government, by an order published in the Official Gazette, in consultation with the Chancellor :

Provided that the ⁷[additional educational qualifications] and experience shall be in consonance with the norms prescribed by University Grants Commission or any other regulatory authority, as the case may be.

(g) The eligibility conditions and the process for recommendation of names for appointment as Vice-Chancellor shall be given wide publicity to ensure the recommendation of most suitable candidates.

(4) The Chancellor may appoint one of the persons included in the panel recommended by the committee to be the Vice-Chancellor :

⁸[Provided that, if a person selected by the Chancellor does not take over the charge of the post of Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor may select another suitable person from the remaining persons from a panel or he may call for a fresh panel either from the same committee or after constitution of a new committee for the purpose, from such new committee:]

⁹[Provided further that], if the Chancellor does not approve any of the persons so recommended, he may call for a fresh panel either from the same committee or after constitution of a new committee for the purpose, from such new committee.

(5) The process of preparing the panel of the suitable persons for being appointed as the Vice-Chancellor, shall begin at least six months before the probable date of occurrence of the vacancy of the Vice-Chancellor, and the process of appointment of the Vice-Chancellor shall be completed at least one month before the probable date of occurrence of the vacancy of the Vice-Chancellor.

(6) The person appointed as the Vice-Chancellor shall, subject to the terms and conditions of contract of service, hold office for a period of five years from the date on which he takes charge of his office or till he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier and he shall not be eligible for re-appointment.

(7) The person appointed as the Vice-Chancellor shall hold a lien, if any, on the substantive post held by him prior to the appointment.

(8) In any of the following circumstances, the exigency whereof shall solely be judged by the Chancellor, namely :-

(i) where the committee appointed under clause (a) of sub-section (3) is unable to recommend any name within the time limit specified by the Chancellor ;

(ii) where the vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor because of death, resignation or otherwise, and it cannot be conveniently and expeditiously filled in, in accordance with the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4) ;

(iii) where the vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chancellor occurs temporarily because of leave, illness or other causes ; or

(iv) where there is any other emergency, the Chancellor may appoint any suitable person not below the rank of Professor, to act as the Vice-Chancellor for a term not exceeding six months, in the aggregate, as may be specified in his order :

Provided that, the person so appointed shall cease to hold such office on the date on which the person appointed as the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4), assumes office or the Vice-Chancellor resumes office.

(9) The Vice-Chancellor shall be a full-time salaried officer of the University and shall receive pay and allowances, and other facilities as determined by the State Government. In addition, he shall be entitled to free furnished residence, a motor car including its maintenance, repairs and fuel required therefor, with the service of a chauffeur, free of charge.

(10) Such sumptuary allowance shall be placed at the disposal of the Vice-Chancellor, as the State Government may approve.

(11) If a person receiving an honorarium from the Consolidated Fund of the State, or a University teacher is appointed as Vice-Chancellor, his terms and conditions of service shall not be altered to his disadvantage during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

(12) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections, the person referred to in sub-section (7) shall stand retired from his original post in accordance with the terms and conditions of service of that post.

(13) The Vice-Chancellor may, by writing under his signature addressed to the Chancellor, after giving one month's notice, resign from his office and shall cease to hold his office on the acceptance of his resignation by the Chancellor or from the date of expiry of the said notice period, whichever is earlier.br

(14) The Vice-Chancellor may be removed from his office if the Chancellor is satisfied that the incumbent,-

(a) has become insane and stands so declared by a competent court ; or

(b) has been convicted by a court for any offence involving moral turpitude ; or

(d) has been physically unfit and incapable of discharging functions due to protracted illness or physical disability ; or

(e) has willfully omitted or refused to carry out the provisions of this Act or has committed breach of any of the terms and conditions of the service or any other conditions, prescribed by the State Government under sub-section (2), or has abused the powers vested in him or if the continuance of the Vice-Chancellor in the office is detrimental to the interests of the University ; or

(f) is a member of, or is otherwise associated with, any political party or any organization which takes part in politics, or is taking part in, or subscribing in aid of, any political movement or activity.

Explanation.-For the purposes of this sub-clause, whether any party is a political party, or whether any organization takes part in politics or whether any movement or activity falls within the scope of this sub-clause, the decision of the Chancellor thereon shall be final :

Provided that, the Vice-Chancellor shall be given a reasonable opportunity to show cause by the Chancellor before taking recourse for his removal under sub-clauses (d), (e) and (f).

1. Sub-clause (i) was substituted by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (1) (a) (i).

2. Sub-clause (iv) was inserted by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (1) (a) (ii).

3. The word "three" was deleted by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (1) (b).

4. Clause (d) was substituted by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (1) (c).

5. Sub-clause (i-1) was inserted by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (1) (d) (i).

6. These words were substituted for the words "educational qualification", by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (1) (d) (ii) (I).

7. These words were substituted for the words "educational qualification", by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (1) (d) (ii) (II).

8. This proviso was inserted by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (2) (a).

9. These words were substituted for the words "Provided that", by Mah. 16 of 2023, s.3 (2) (@i/i@).

Section 12.Powers and duties of Vice-Chancellor.
(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal academic and executive officer of the University responsible for the development of academic programmes of the University. He shall oversee and monitor the administration of the academic programmes and general administration of the University to ensure efficiency and good order of the University.
(2) He shall be entitled to be present, with the right to speak, at any meeting of any other authority or body or committee of the University, but shall not be entitled to vote thereat, unless he is the Chairperson or member of that authority or body.
(3) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene meetings of any of the authorities, bodies or committees, as and when he considers it necessary to do so.
(4) The Vice-Chancellor shall ensure that directions issued by the Chancellor and State Government are strictly complied with or, as the case may be, implemented.
(5) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that the directives of the Board of Governance, if any, and the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations are strictly observed and that the decisions of the authorities, bodies and committees which are not inconsistent with this Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations are properly implemented.
(6) The Vice-Chancellor may defer implementation of a decision taken or a resolution passed by any authority, body or committee of the University if, he is of the opinion that the same is not consistent with the directives of the Board of Governance or with the provisions of the Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations or that such decision or resolution is not in the interest of the University and at the earliest opportunity refer it back to the authority, body or committee concerned, for reconsideration in its next meeting with reasons to be recorded in writing. If differences persist, he shall within a week, giving reasons submit it to the Chancellor for decision and inform about having done so to the members of the authority, body or committee concerned. After receipt of the decision of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor shall take action as directed by the Chancellor and inform the authority, body or committee concerned, accordingly.
(7) If there are reasonable grounds for the Vice-Chancellor to believe that there is an emergency which requires immediate action to be taken, or if any action is required to be taken in the interest of the University, he shall take such action, as he thinks necessary, and shall at the earliest opportunity, report in writing the grounds for his belief that there was an emergency, and the action taken by him, to such authority or body as shall, in the ordinary course, have dealt with the matter. In the event of a difference arising between the Vice-Chancellor and the authority or body whether there was in fact an emergency, or on the action taken, where such action does not affect any person in the service of the University, or on both, the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor whose decision shall be final :
Provided that, where any such action taken by the Vice-Chancellor affects any person in the service of the University, such person shall be entitled to prefer, within thirty days from the date on which he receives notice of such action, an appeal to the Board of Governance.
Explanation.-For the purposes of this sub-section, action taken by the Vice-Chancellor shall not include disciplinary action taken against any employee of the University.
(8) Where any matter is required to be regulated by the Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations, but no Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations are made in that behalf or where there is an exigency to amend Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations, the Vice-Chancellor may, for the time being, regulate the matter by issuing such directions as he thinks necessary, and shall, at the earliest opportunity thereafter, place them before the Board of Governance or other authority or body concerned for approval. He shall, at the same time, place before such authority or body for consideration the draft of the Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations, as the case may be, required to be made in that behalf :
Provided that, such direction shall have to be converted into Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations as the case may be, within six months of issuing of such direction failing which such direction shall automatically lapse.
(9) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the appointing and disciplinary authority for the University teachers.
(10) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the appointing and disciplinary authority for officers of the University of the rank of Assistant Registrar and of the rank equivalent thereto and above excluding the post of Finance and Accounts Officer.
(11) As the Chairperson of the authorities or bodies or committees except the Board of Governance of the University, the Vice-Chancellor shall be empowered to suspend member from the meeting of the authority, body or committee for persisting to obstruct or stall the proceedings or for indulging in behavior unbecoming of a member, and shall report the matter accordingly, to the Chancellor.
(12) The Vice-Chancellor shall place before the Board of Governance and the State Government, a report of the work of the University periodically as provided under the Ordinances.
(13) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to approve the recommended panel of referees for thesis or dissertations for awarding postgraduate, doctorate and higher degrees.
(14) The Vice-Chancellor shall have right to cause inspection to be made by such person or persons or body of persons as he may direct, of the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, museums, workshops and equipment and of halls or hostel maintained or recognized by the University, and of the examinations, teachings and other work conducted by or on behalf of the University, and to cause an inquiry to be made in a like manner regarding any matter connected with the administration or finance of the University.
(15) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred upon him by or under this Act.

Section 13.Registrar and his powers and duties.
(1) The Registrar shall be a full time officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Board of Governance.
(2) The qualifications and experience for the purpose of selection of the Registrar for appointment under sub-section (1) shall be such as laid down by the University Grants Commission and approved by State Government from time to time. The Registrar shall be appointed by the Board of Governance on the recommendation of a selection committee constituted for the purpose as prescribed by the Statutes.
(3) The Registrar shall work directly under the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice-Chancellor.
(4) Appointment of the Registrar shall be for a term of five years or till he attains the age of superannuation whichever is earlier and he shall not be eligible for re- appointment.
(5) When the office of the Registrar falls vacant or the Registrar is, by reason of illness or absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office for a period not exceeding three months, the Vice-Chancellor shall appoint a suitable person to officiate temporarily as the Registrar until the new Registrar assumes duty or the Registrar resumes duty, as the case may be.
(6) The Registrar shall,-
(a) act as a Member-Secretary of the Board of Governance, Academic Council and such other authorities, bodies and committees, as prescribed by or under this Act ;
(b) be the appointing and the disciplinary authority of the employees of the University other than the teachers, non-vacation academic staff and officers below the rank of Assistant Registrar and other officers holding posts equivalent thereto. An appeal by a person aggrieved by the decision of the Registrar may be preferred within thirty days from the date of communication of such decision, to the Vice-Chancellor ;
(c) be the custodian of the records, the common seal and such other property of the University as the Board of Governance may, commit to his charge ;
(d) prepare and update the Handbook of the Statutes and Regulations approved by the authorities, bodies or committees, from time to time, and make them available to all members of the authorities and officers of the University ;
(e) receive complaints and suggestions in regard to the improvement of administration and consider them for appropriate action ;
(f) render necessary assistance for inspection of the University, its buildings, class rooms, laboratories, libraries, Knowledge Resource Centre, museums, workshops and equipments which is made by such person or persons or body of persons, as directed by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(g) organize training and orientation of non-teaching employees in the University ;
(h) have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University, subject to the decision of the authorities of the University ;
(i) place before the Board of Governance, a report of the development activities of the University every six months ;
(j) have the power to seek information in regard to any matter of the University, from the Deans, Finance and Accounts Officer and any other officer of the University for submission to the State Government and other external agencies ;
(k) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties, as prescribed by or under this Act or assigned to him, by the Vice-Chancellor, from time to time.

Section 14.Dean of school.
(1) The University shall constitute such number of schools as may be prescribed by the Statutes from time to time and each of such school shall, subject to control of Academic Council, be responsible for the co-ordination of study and research in the branches coming under its purview.
(2) There shall be a Dean for each school, who shall be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, Dean of each school shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
(4) The Dean of each school shall be responsible for the due observance of the Statutes, Regulations, Ordinances and Rules in guiding the research activities of faculty.
(5) The Dean of school shall hold office for a term of three years.

Section 15.Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation and his powers and duties.
(1) The Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall be full-time salaried officer and shall work directly under the directions and control of the Vice-Chancellor. He shall discharge his function under the superintendence, direction and control of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation, and shall be concerned with the implementation of the policies and directives given by the Board of Examinations and Evaluation.
(2) The Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor from amongst faculty member of University on the recommendation of a selection committee constituted for the purpose as prescribed in the Statutes.
(3) The term of Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall be five years or till he attains the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier :
Provided that, in case vacancy occurs because of death, resignation or otherwise, the Vice-Chancellor shall appoint officiating Director till the new Director is appointed.
(4) The Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall,-
(a) be the principal officer-in-charge of the conduct of University examinations, tests and evaluation, and declaration of their results ;
(b) be the Member-Secretary of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(c) be responsible for making all arrangements necessary for holding examinations, tests and evaluation, and for timely declaration of results ;
(d) evolve and implement in consultation with the Examinations and Evaluation Cell, processes for proper and smooth conduct of examinations and evaluation ;
(e) prepare and announce in advance the programme of examinations, after seeking approval of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(f) arrange for auto-generated questions papers from scientifically developed question banks by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, both for offline and online examinations ;
(g) postpone or cancel examinations, in part or in whole, in the event of malpractices or if the circumstances so warrant, and take disciplinary action or initiate any civil or criminal proceedings against any person or a group of persons alleged to have committed malpractices, with approval of the Vice-Chancellor ;
(h) take disciplinary action where necessary against the candidates, paper setters, examiners, moderators, or any other persons connected with examinations and evaluation, found guilty of malpractices in relation to the examinations and evaluation ;
(i) review, from time to time, the results of University examinations and evaluation, and forward reports thereon to the Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(j) strive to declare the results of every examination and evaluation conducted by the University within fifteen days from the last date of the examination for that particular course and shall in any case declare the results as provided in section 53 and in case of delay, prepare a detailed report outlining the reasons ;
(k) take all steps for implementation of all academic and administrative decisions taken by the Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(l) implement decisions taken by the various University authorities, connected with the examination and evaluation process ;
(m) implement all policy and operative decisions with reference to the choice based credit system, both at the under-graduate, postgraduate levels and in other teaching programmes ;
(n) organize workshops for teachers in the subjects concerned, in order to acquaint them with new trends in the assessment processes, such as cognitive and summative assessment, creation and use of repository of questions, use of technology in paper setting and conduct of examinations, tests and evaluation ;
(o) ensure innovative and effective use of information and communication technology in the entire process of the conduct of examinations and evaluation ;
(p) arrange for proper assessment of performance of candidates at the examinations and process the results ;
(q) ensure that answer books for all examinations are assessed through a mechanism and system as prescribed in the Ordinances ;
(r) ensure that every teacher and non-teaching employee in the University, renders necessary assistance and service in respect of examinations of the University and in evaluation process ;
(s) carry out all other duties and functions assigned to him by the Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(t) undertake any other task assigned to him by the University authorities to carry out the objectives of Board of Examinations and Evaluation, and to ensure that the objects of the University are accomplished ;
(u) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by or under this Act or assigned to him by the Vice Chancellor from time to time.

Section 16.Director Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages and his powers and duties.
(1) The Director of Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages shall be responsible for creation and cultivation of an enabling environment to propagate the cutting edge research and concept of innovation, for converting innovative ideas into working models through a process of incubation which shall finally lead to creation of an enterprise and to cultivate, establish, maintain and strengthen the link of the University with premier national and international universities and institutions.
(2) The Director, Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages shall be a full-time salaried officer and shall work directly under the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice-Chancellor. He shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor from amongst the faculty members of the University on the recommendation of a selection committee constituted for the purpose as prescribed in the Statutes.
(3) The term of Director, Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages shall be five years or till he attains the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier.
(4) The Director of Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages shall,-
(a) be the principal officer who shall lead and provide vision to the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Enterprise with his dynamism and enterprise ;
(b) spearhead the awareness and training programmes for imparting education on intellectual property rights and aspects associated therewith ;
(c) organize training programmes for creating awareness on the importance of entrepreneurship ;
(d) organize and create support system for cultivation and incubation of good ideas into a scalable mode that would eventually culminate into the establishment of small, medium and large industry ;
(e) work towards creating a liaison with national and international bodies and agencies involved in creating and developing entrepreneurial skills in students ;
(f) take all steps to facilitate and establish linkages with knowledge based and other types of industries ;
(g) conduct training programmes to guide the young entrepreneurs in operational aspects, legal aspects, intellectual property rights, patent related issues, business model creation and financial aspects ;
(h) implement the policies and strategies for promotion of international linkages with premier national and international universities and institutions, as envisaged by the Board ;
(i) process applications for visits of teachers and students from University departments to national and international universities or institutions and assist them on logistic support for such visits ;
(j) oversee and monitor administration of Foreign Students Assistance Cell of the University which gives facility of a Single Window Operation to the foreign students ;
(k) process the applications received from foreign students of the University for their visits to other parts of India ;
(l) supervise the working of the Migrant Indian Students‘ Cell of the University established for providing Single Window Operation for students coming from other parts of the country ;
(m) undertake any other task that may be assigned to him by the Board ;
(n) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties, as prescribed by or under this Act or assigned to him by the Vice-Chancellors, from time to time.

Section 17.Director, Board of Students' Development and his powers and duties.
(1) The Director of Board of Students' Development shall work directly under the superintendence, directions and control of the Vice Chancellor.
(2) The Director, Board of Students' Development shall be a full-time salaried officer. He shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor from amongst the teachers having minimum teaching experience of ten years and desirable exposure in the field of extracurricular and extension activities on the recommendation of a selection committee constituted for the purpose as prescribed in the Statutes.
(3) The term of Director, Board of Students' Development shall be five years or till he attains the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier.
(4) The Director Board of Students' Development shall,-
(a) work towards promotion of cultural, recreational and welfare activities of students of University ;
(b) conduct leadership training programmes for students ;
(c) ensure that there are mentors and counselling cells for the young students in University ;
(d) organize anti-ragging committees and squads and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent ragging in the University ;
(e) look into the grievances and general welfare of the students ;
(f) help in building-up the all-round personality of students and to groom them to be future leaders and confident adults ;
(g) organize cultural and recreational activities jointly with regional, national and international bodies ;
(h) promote the interest of the youth and develop their skills for appreciation of the fine and performing arts, pure arts and literary skills ;
(i) organize University, state, national and international level competitions, skills development workshops and interactive programmes in various fields for the students ;
(j) train the students for state, national and international level competitions in various cultural activities ;
(k) conduct elections to the University Students Council ;
(l) to prepare the report of the Board of Students' Development to be submitted before the Board of Governance ;
(m) undertake any other task assigned to him by the University authorities to carry out objectives of the Board of Students Development ;
(n) work towards promotion, co-ordination and conduct of different activities under National Service Scheme ;
(o) organize University, state, national and international level workshops, seminars, camps, competitions for National Service Scheme volunteers ;
(p) train the students for state, national and international competitions relating to National Service Scheme activities ;
(q) undertake any other task assigned to him by the State National Service Scheme coordinator to carry out the objectives of National Service Scheme ;
(r) train students for regional, national and international competitions in various sports ;
(s) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by or under this Act or assigned to him by the Vice-Chancellor, from time to time.

Section 18.Director of Knowledge Resource Centre and his powers and duties.
(1) The Director of Knowledge Resource Centre shall be a full time salaried officer of the University and shall be in-charge of the Knowledge Resource Centre in the University. He shall work directly under the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice-Chancellor.
(2) The qualifications, experience, and terms and conditions of service of the Director, Knowledge Resource Centre shall be as recommended by the University Grants Commission, in the case of University librarian and adopted by the State Government.
(3) The appointment of the Director Knowledge Resource Centre shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the selection committee constituted for the purpose as prescribed in the Statutes.
(4) The Director, Knowledge Resource Centre shall,-
(a) be a Member-Secretary of the Knowledge Resource Centre Committee and shall ensure proper implementation of the decisions taken by the Knowledge Resource Centre Committee ;
(b) be the custodian of all books, periodicals, manuscripts, journals in print, audio and digital format, and equipment in the Knowledge Resource Centre ;
(c) evolve and implement such processes and procedures to ensure that the books, periodical, manuscripts, journals and equipment in the Knowledge Resource Centre are not lost or damaged, and no irregularities take place in the Knowledge Resource Centre ;
(d) cause periodical verification of stock, prepare appropriate report that includes losses, and place it before the Knowledge Resource Centre Committee ;
(e) be responsible for the development, modernization, up keeping and management of University Knowledge Resource Centre ;
(f) render assistance and guidance to the concerned officer at Knowledge Resource Centre of the University ;
(g) conduct training programmes and workshops to update the skills and knowledge of librarians working in other engineering and technology universities in the State ;
(h) create awareness among the students of various departments of the University regarding the availability of resources, information, search techniques and databases through the information literacy programme ;
(i) undertake any other task assigned to him by the University authorities to ensure that the objectives of Knowledge Resource Centre are accomplished ;
(j) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by or under this Act or assigned to him by the Vice-Chancellor, from time to time.

Section 19.Finance and Accounts Officer and his powers and duties.
(1) The Finance and Accounts Officer shall be the principal finance, accounts and audit officer of the University. He shall be a full-time salaried officer and shall work directly under the superintendence, direction and control of the Vice Chancellor.
(2) The Finance and Accounts Officer shall be appointed by Board of Governance on the recommendation of the selection committee constituted for the purpose as mentioned in sub-section (2) of section 66, who shall be a chartered accountant or a cost accountant, with professional experience of not less than five years.
(3) The appointment of the Finance and Accounts Officer shall be for a term of five years or till the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier.
(4) The Finance and Accounts Officer shall,-
(a) exercise general supervision over the funds of the University and advise the Vice-Chancellor as regards the finances of the University ;
(b) hold and manage the funds, property and investments, including trust and endowed property, for furthering the objects of the University with the approval of Vice-Chancellor.
(c) ensure that the limits fixed by the University for recurring and non-recurring expenditure for a year are not exceeded, and that all allocations are expended for the purposes for which they are granted or allotted ;
(d) keep watch on the state of the cash and bank balances and investments ;
(e) ensure effective revenue management by keeping watch on the process and progress of collection of revenue, and advise the Vice-Chancellor on the methods to be employed in this regard ;
(f) perform the duties under clauses (a) to (e) as per the Maharashtra Universities Account Code ;
(g) get the accounts of the University audited, regularly ;
(h) ensure that the registers of buildings, land, equipment, machinery and other assets are maintained up-to-date and that the physical verification and reconciliation of these assets and other consumable material in all offices, workshops and stores of the University are conducted regularly ;
(i) propose to the Vice-Chancellor that explanation be called for unauthorized expenditure or other financial irregularities from any academic member or non-vacation academic staff or an officer of the University of the rank of Assistant Registrar or equivalent and above ;
(j) propose to the Registrar that explanation be called from any non-academic member of the University, other than the teacher, non-vacation academic staff and an officer of the University below the rank of Assistant Registrar or equivalent, for unauthorized expenditure or irregularities in any particular case, and recommend disciplinary action against the persons in default ;
(k) call for, from any office, centre, laboratory, department of the University, any information and returns that he thinks necessary for the proper discharge of his financial responsibilities ;
(l) maintain the minutes of the meetings of the Finance and Accounts Committee ;
(m) be responsible for preparation and maintenance of accounts either by following double entry accounting system, on accrual basis, presenting the annual financial estimates (budget), statement of accounts and audit reports, to the Finance and Accounts Committee and to the Board of Governance ;
(n) prepare financial reports as required by the various authorities or bodies of the University, the State Government, the Central Government, University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education and any such body providing funds to the University ;
(o) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by or under this Act or assigned to him by the Vice-Chancellor, from time to time.

Section 20.Officers, members of authorities, committees, bodies and employees of University to be public servants.
All salaried officers, members of the authorities, committees or bodies, teachers of the University and other employees of the University, shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

Section 21.Lien of other officers appointed on tenure post and their retirement.
The person appointed on the tenure post shall hold a lien, if any, on the substantive post held by him prior to the appointment and such person shall stand retired from his original post in accordance with terms and conditions of service of that post.
Explanation.- For the purpose of this section, "tenure post" shall means the post which an individual may not hold for more than a limited period as specified by or under the Act.

Section 22.Authorities of University.
The following shall be the authorities of the University, namely :-
(1) the Board of Governance ;
(2) the Academic Council ;
(3) the School Council ;
(4) Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(5) Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages ;
(6) Board of Students‘ Development ;
(7) such other bodies of the University as are designated by the Statutes, to be the authorities of the University.

Section 23.Board of Governance.
(1) The Board of Governance shall be the principal policy making and executive authority of the University and shall be responsible for administering the affairs of the University and carrying out such duties, which are not specifically assigned to any other authority.
(2) There shall be not less than four meetings of the Board of Governance in a year.
(3) The procedure for conduct of business to be followed at a meeting including the quorum at the meeting and such other matters in relation to meetings as may be necessary, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
(4) The Board of Governance shall consist of following members, namely:-
(a) the Chairman -Board of Governance ;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor ;
(c) Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) or his nominee ;
(d) the Joint Secretary or Deputy Secretary of the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra ;
(e) Director, Technical Education or his nominee ;
(f) one Dean of the Schools, one Professor and one Associate Professor nominated by the Vice-Chancellor by rotation and seniority, for a tenure of three years ;
(g) Director, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune or his nominee ;
(h) Director of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune or his nominee, or Director, Vishvesaraiya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur or his nominee, to be nominated by Vice-Chancellor ;
(i) one representative of industry, not below the rank of Chief Executive officer or Chief Technical Officer or Chief Operations Officer, which shall be from core technology domain, to be nominated by the Chancellor ;
(j) one representative of corporate, not below the rank of Chief Executive Officer or Chief Technical Officer or Chief Operations Officer, which shall be from Information Communication Technology (ICT) domain to be nominated by the Chairman of the Board of Governance ;
(k) one illustrious alumnus, to be nominated by all the Alumni Associations of the University (including Alumni of existing college) ;
(l) the Registrar-Member-Secretary ;
(m) the Director Board of Examinations and Evaluation and Finance and Accounts Officer shall be the permanent invitees.
(5) The term of members mentioned in clauses (h), (i),(j) and (k) shall be five years from the date of appointment and members mentioned in clauses (i), (j) and (k) shall not be eligible for re-nomination.
(6) There shall be invitees for the meetings of the Board of Governance, as may be decided by the Chairman of the Board of Governance.

Section 24.Powers and duties of the Board of Governance.
The Board of Governance shall have the following powers and duties, namely :-
(a) to review and deliberate on short and long term reforms in academic, research and development activities, finances, management and governance that are taking place at the national and global level with a view to allow them to percolate into the University ;
(b) to study and decide upon the operative mechanism for the reforms in all the domains of the University ;
(c) to make such provisions, as may enable the University to undertake specialized studies and courses, and where necessary or desirable, organize and make provision for common laboratories, libraries, museums and equipment for teaching and research ;
(d) to establish schools, departments, centres, cells for research and specialized studies, on the recommendation of the Academic Council ;
(e) to approve the draft of Statutes or amendment or repeal of Statutes and submit, through the Vice-Chancellor to the Chancellor for his assent ;
(f) to make, amend or repeal Ordinances and Regulations ;
(g) to control and arrange for administration of assets and properties of the University ;
(h) to discuss and approve with modifications, if any, the annual financial estimates or budget, that is to say the fund which may be received from State Government, University funds and other funding agencies separately, as received from the Finance and Accounts Committee ;
(i) to consider proposals to enter into, amend, carry out and cancel contracts on behalf of the University ;
(j) to determine the form of common seal for the University and provide for its use ;
(k) to accept, on behalf of the University the transfer of any trusts, bequests, donations and transfer of any movable, immovable and intellectual property to the University ;
(l) to create immovable assets in the form of land, building and other infrastructure out of reserve funds, for its campus and sub-campuses ;
(m) to borrow, lend or invest funds on behalf of the University as recommended by the Finance and Accounts Committee ;
(n) to lay down policy for administering funds at the disposal of the University for specific purposes ;
(o) to provide buildings, premises, furniture, equipment and other resources needed for the conduct of the work of the University ;
(p) to approve the conferment of honorary degrees and academic distinctions, as recommended by Academic Council ;
(q) to institute and confer such degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions as recommended by the Academic Council and arrange for convocation for conferment of the same, as provided by the Ordinances ;
(r) to institute fellowship, travelling fellowship, scholarship, studentship, exhibitions, awards, medals and prizes and prescribe Regulations for their award ;
(s) to make Regulations for collaborations with other universities, institutions and organizations for mutually beneficial academic programs recommended by the Academic Council ;
(t) to create posts of University teachers and non-vacation academic staff from the funds of the University and from the funds received from other funding agencies (excluding State Government), on the recommendation of the Academic Council, as and when required, and prescribe their qualifications, experience and pay-scales and to approve the selection and appointments made by the University through the selection process as prescribed by the Statutes ;
(u) to create posts of officers, non-teaching skilled, administrative, ministerial staff and other posts from the funds of the University and from the funds received from other funding agencies (excluding State Government), as and when required, and prescribe their qualifications, experience and pay-scales and to approve the selection and appointments made by the University through the selection process as prescribed by the Statutes ;
(v) to prescribe honoraria, remunerations, fees and travelling and other allowances for paper-setters and other examination staff, visiting faculty, and fees or charges for any other services rendered to the University ;
(w) to receive and consider report of the development activities of the University from the Registrar every six months ;
(x) to assess and approve proposals for academic programmes received from the Academic Council ;
(y) to consider and approve the annual report, annual accounts and audit report in respect of State Government funds, University funds and funds received from other agencies separately ;
(z) to delegate any of its powers, except the power to make, amend or repeal Statutes and Ordinances, to the Vice-Chancellor or such officer or authority of the University or a committee appointed by it, as it thinks fit ;
(za) to define the functions, duties , powers and responsibilities of non-teaching employees in the University, in respect of the posts created from the funds of the University and from the funds received from other funding agencies ;
(zb) to approve the various fees recommended by the Fee Fixation Committee ;
(zc) to accept donations, gifts and other forms of financial support from alumni, philanthropists, industries and other stakeholders and prescribe the procedure to be followed by the University for accepting such donations, gifts, etc ;
(zd) to develop and adopt students' charter ;
(ze) to appoint statutory auditor for annual audits of the University.

Section 25.Academic Council.
(1) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic authority of the University and shall be responsible for regulating and maintaining the standards of teaching, research and evaluation in the University. It shall also be responsible for laying down the academic policies in regard to maintenance and improvement of standards of teaching, research, extension, collaboration programmes in academic matters and evaluation of workload of the teachers.
(2) The Academic Council shall meet not less than four times in a year.
(3) The Academic Council shall consist of the following members, namely:-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor, Chairperson ;
(b) all Deans of Schools ;
(c) all heads of the University departments and the University centres ;
(d) the Vice-Chancellor shall, with the approval of Chancellor, nominate six teachers of which two Professors, two Associate Professors and two Assistant Professors who are not the members of the School Council :
Provided that out of six teachers to be nominated, one shall be woman and one shall be a person belonging Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) or Nomadic Tribes or Other Backward Class, by rotation ;
(e) not less than six eminent experts from the institutes or organizations of national repute, such as Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Indian Institute of Management, Indian Space Research Organization, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Indian Council for Social Research, Industrial Associations, Professional Societies, Indian Olympic Association and allied fields and as much as possible representing all the faculties and industry nominated by the Chairman of the Board of Governance ;
(f) the Director of Technical Education or his nominee, not below the rank of the Joint Director, Technical Education ;
(g) Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(h) Director, Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages ;
(i) Registrar-Member– Secretary.

Section 26.Powers and duties of Academic Council.
(1) The Academic Council shall have the following powers and duties, namely:-
(a) to ensure that the University becomes a vibrant hub for promotion of research and development, interactions and linkages with industries, cultivation of intellectual property rights and entrepreneurship and incubation of knowledge linked industries ;
(b) to consider and approve with modifications, if any, the matters referred to it by the School Council ;
(c) to ensure that there are choice based credit systems for all certificates, diplomas, degrees, post-graduate programmes and other academic distinctions ;
(d) to ensure that the spirit of research and entrepreneurship percolates to all schools and departments of the University ;
(e) to recommend to the Board of Governance the fees, other fees and charges as recommended by the Deans of Schools through the fee fixation committee ;
(f) to recommend to the Board of Governance, the institution of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions ;
(g) to propose draft of Ordinances relating to the academic matter to the Board of Governance ;
(h) to make, amend or repeal Ordinances and Regulations relating to academic matters ;
(i) to allocate subjects to the faculties ;
(j) to prescribe qualifications and norms for appointment of paper-setters, examiners, moderators and others, concerned with the conduct of examinations and evaluation ;
(k) to consider and make recommendations to the Board of Governance for creation of posts of University teachers and non-vacation academic staff, required by the University from the funds of the University and from the funds received from other funding agencies (excluding State Government) and prescribe their qualifications, experience and pay-scales;
(l) to appoint a Research and Recognition Committee for each School;
(m) to recommend to the Board of Governance, the comprehensive perspective plan as prepared by the Academic Council ;
(n) to approve new courses, inter-disciplinary courses and short term training programmes referred to it ;
(o) to approve the course syllabi, paper-setters, examiners and moderators and evaluation schemes of various courses recommended by the school concerned ;
(p) to advise the University on all academic matters and submit to the Board of Governance feasibility reports on academic programmes ;
(q) to create policy, procedure and practice for choice-based credit system for all academic programmes ;
(r) to create policy for mobility of students among various universities of the country and also lay down the policy for giving flexibility to choose and learn different course modules among different departments, school, centres in a University or other universities in the country ;
(s) to work out the procedures, policies and practices to introduce more flexible approach to education and of 'adaptive pace of learning' with minimum and maximum duration for completion of a degree and other academic programmes ;
(t) to introduce more flexible approach to education and of 'adaptive pace of learning' with minimum and maximum duration for completion of a degree and other academic programmes ;
(u) to ensure that the research projects are an integral part of choice based modules for post-graduate programmes ;
(v) to prepare academic calendar of the University for the subsequent academic year as per the guidelines from the regulatory authorities, three months before the expiry of the current academic year ;
(w) to recommend to the Board of Governance establishment of departments, schools, centres, research and specialized studies ;
(x) to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or imposed on it by or under this Act, the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations.
(2) The Academic Council shall refer all matters or decisions involving financial implications to the Board of Governance through Finance and Accounts Committee for its approval.

Section 27.School Councils.
(1) There shall be a School Council for every school as prescribed. The School Council shall be the primary academic body of the University.
(2) The School Council shall consist of following members, namely :-
(a) Dean of the School-Chairperson ;
(b) heads of departments and centres from amongst the departments, centres of the school ;
(c) one teacher from each department and centre of the school to be nominated by head of the department, centre, who has minimum ten years teaching and research experience by rotation ;
(d) one Professor from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) or National Institute of Technology (NIT) or Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) or Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) or Public University, in the relevant subject of the school, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(e) five experts, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, in consultation with the Dean of the respective School, as under :-
(i) one research scientist from Research and Development (R&D), not below the rank of associate professor, working in national laboratories ;
(ii) one eminent scholar in the subject, who is fellow of professional body or association ;
(iii) one eminent person from the subject-related industries ;
(iv) one person having at least ten years working or ownership or advisory or consultancy experience in the field relevant to the subject ;
(v) one distinguished alumnus ;
(f) rankers of the final year graduate and final year post graduate examination of immediately previous year, from amongst all departments of the school, as invitee members for discussions on framing or revision of syllabus of that subject or group of subjects for subsequent one year.

Section 28.Functions and duties of School Councils.
The School Council shall have the following powers and duties, namely:-
(a) to recommend to the Board of Governance through the Academic Council, the introduction of new academic programs of diplomas, degrees, research, etc. ;
(b) to recommend to the Board of Governance through the Academic Council, the discontinuation of diplomas, degrees and other academic programs which have become irrelevant ;
(c) to recommend to the Academic Council concerned, the course syllabi, course structures and evaluation schemes of various courses ;
(d) to recommend the reference books or supplementary reading books and such other material useful for study of the course ;
(e) to recommend to the Academic Council, modifications in respect of addition or deletion or updating of courses ;
(f) to prepare the panels of paper-setters, examiners and moderators for the University examinations and evaluation, based on the criteria laid down by the Academic Council and recommend them to the Board of Examination and Evaluation ;
(g) to suggest to the Dean of the school concerned, organization of orientation and refresher courses in the subject in the summer or winter vacations ;
(h) to prepare the requirements with regard to library, laboratory, equipment in respect of courses concerned ;
(i) to suggest extension programs with respect to the courses introduced ;
(j) to understand the requirements of industry or corporate or society at large and to incorporate them into the syllabi to make the teaching-learning process relevant to the needs of the time ;
(k) to encourage learning by collaboration and participation by using information and communication technology tools ;
(l) to design curricula, add vocational content for every discipline and to prescribe the minimum period to pursue skill development program and the level of proficiency expected ;
(m) to report the quality control parameters to the Academic Council.

Section 29.Board of Examinations and Evaluation.
(1) The Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall be the authority to deal with all matters relating to examinations and evaluation. The Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall also oversee the conduct of examinations in the University departments.
(2) The Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall meet at least twice in an academic year or as and when required. The quorum for the meeting shall be six members.
(3) The Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor - Chairperson ;
(b) Deans of all schools ;
(c) two heads of the University departments or centres nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(d) one Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation from other University or Dean Academics of other higher learning institutes of repute, to be nominated by the Board of Governance ;
(e) one teacher each from schools, other than Deans of the schools or head of the department to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(f) one evaluation expert nominated by the Vice- Chancellor ;
(g) one expert of Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(h) Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation - Member - Secretary.

Section 30.Functions and duties of Board of Examinations and Evaluation.
(1) The Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall have the following functions and duties, namely :-
(a) to devise policy, mechanism and operational strategies to do the tasks relating to assessment of performance of students efficiently and in a time bound manner ;
(b) to ensure proper organization of examinations and tests of the University, including moderation, tabulation, evaluation and timely declaration of results;
(c) to prepare the financial estimates relating to examinations and evaluation for incorporation in the annual financial estimates (budget) of the University and shall submit the same to the Finance and Accounts Committee ;
(d) to arrange for strict vigilance during the conduct of examinations so as to avoid use of unfair means by the students, teachers, invigilators, supervisors, etc. ;
(e) to establish procedures and devise operative mechanism for credit assessment in the modular structure by the teachers and use computer technology for the entire process of assessment and evaluation including creating and effectively using a repository of question banks ;
(f) to ensure that the assessment of answer books shall be done centrally through central assessment system by following system of masking and de-masking of answer books or by onscreen assessment for ensuring the objective of secrecy ;
(g) to undertake examination and evaluation reforms to bring objectivity and transparency in the examination and evaluation system ;
(h) to appoint paper-setters, examiners and moderators from amongst the persons included in the panels prepared by the respective School Councils and where necessary, having regard to the recommendations made by the committee under clause (b) of sub-section (5), remove them or debar them ;
(i) to approve detailed programme of examinations and evaluation as prepared by the Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(j) to consider the reports of review of results of University examinations forwarded by the Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation ;
(k) to hear and decide the complaints relating to conduct of examinations and evaluation ;
(l) to exercise such other powers in relation to examinations and evaluation as may be assigned to it by or under this Act.
(2) In case of any emergency requiring immediate action to be taken, the Director of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation or any other officer or person authorized by him in that behalf, shall take such action as he thinks fit and necessary, and shall report the action taken by him at the next meeting of the Board of Governance.
(3) (a) In order to appoint paper-setters, examiners and moderators, the Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall constitute committees for every faculty consisting of,-
(i) Chairperson- Dean of concerned school,
(ii) the Heads of the Departments,
(iii) the Director of Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall act as a Secretary of such committee.
(b) No member of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation or the committees constituted under this section shall be appointed as a paper-setter, examiner, moderator or referee :
Provided that a course teacher shall set the question paper of the course instructed by him in the academic term :
Provided further that, the Vice-Chancellor shall have power to appoint a member of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation or the committees constituted under this section, as a paper-setter, examiner, moderator or referee where no teacher relating to such subject who is not a member of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation or the committees is available.
(4) It shall be obligatory on every teacher and on the non-teaching employee of the University, to render necessary assistance and service in respect of examinations of the University and evaluation of students as prescribed by Statutes. If any teacher or non-teaching employee fails to comply with the order of the University, in this respect, it shall be treated as misconduct and the employee shall be liable for disciplinary action. In case of failure on the part of the teacher or non- teaching employee of University, to comply with the order of the University in this respect, the Vice-Chancellor shall have power to take an appropriate action against them, which may include imposing penalties including suspension of approval to the appointment of a teacher, as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
(5) (a) In order to investigate and take disciplinary action for failure to comply with the order of the University for rendering assistance or service in respect of examinations by or on behalf of the University or evaluation of students or formal practices and lapses on the part of candidates, papersetters, examiners, moderators, referees, teachers or any other persons connected with the conduct of examinations including the pre-examination stage and the post-examination stage or at any stage whatsoever, the Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall constitute a committee of not more than five persons of whom one shall be the Chairperson.
(b) Such committee shall submit its report and recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor, who may direct the Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation, the disciplinary action to be taken against the person or persons involved in the malpractices, directly or indirectly, and the Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall proceed to implement the decision of the Vice-Chancellor.

Section 31.Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages.
(1) There shall be a Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages for creation and cultivation of an enabling environment to propagate the concept of innovation and to convert the innovative ideas into working models through a process of incubation which shall finally lead to the creation of enterprise.
(2) The University shall establish an independent Centre for Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages to carry out the objectives of the Board of Innovation, Incubation and Linkages. The centre shall exercise the powers and perform the duties as may be assigned to it by the Board of Governance, from time to time.
(3) The Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor - Chairperson ;
(b) all Deans of schools ;
(c) not less than five eminent industrialists, senior industry personnel, nominated by the Board of Governance from manufacturing, information and communication technology, biosciences and technology, environmental sciences, agro-industries, management, service industries, science and technology parks, research parks and incubation centres and others ;
(d) one Chief Finance officer or equivalent officer from the industry, corporate or bank to be nominated by the Chairman of the Board of Governance ;
(e) two teachers from University departments, centres, who are active in, research and development and innovation, to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(f) two persons from Research and Development Organizations, to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(g) two illustrious alumni who are successful entrepreneurs, to be nominated by the Chairman of the Board of Governance ;
(h) Commissioner, Directorate of Skill Development, Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Maharashtra or his nominee ;
(i) Director, Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages – Member-Secretary.
(4) There shall not be less than four meetings of the Board to be conducted in the year.

Section 32.Functions and duties of Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages.
The Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages shall have the following functions and duties, namely :-
(a) to work on long-term policy and strategy for promotion of research culture in the University ;
(b) to advise and encourage the teachers to take up research in emerging areas at individual and group level ;
(c) to promote inter-disciplinary research programmes by coordinating amongst teachers and also to make and articulate policies for sharing of research and development infrastructure ;
(d) to encourage the University departments, centres, to hold research seminars in all disciplines for the research students ;
(e) to publish research journals, monographs for different disciplines ;
(f) to decide upon policy for maintenance of standards of research for Ph.D. degrees, in consonance with the norms of the University Grants Commission and other regulatory bodies ;
(g) to work on creation of research and development data base for work done in University departments and schools, in a stand-alone mode or as group activity or in collaboration with industries and other research and development laboratories ;
(h) to work out and initiate research in delivery of education, pedagogy of face-to-face and e-learning, impact of e-learning and virtual classrooms on learning and understanding of students, open distance or online learning and conventional education ;
(i) to make efforts and also assist the teachers of University schools, departments, centres to raise the funds for research activities ;
(j) to work out the budget for research activities of the University ;
(k) to mobilize money from the industry for enhancing research activities ;
(l) to identify problems and issues within the jurisdiction of the University and to take special initiative to address such issues through systematic research ;
(m) to work on long-term policies and strategies for creating synergy between researchers and industries resulting into promotion of knowledge and technology transfer and productive conversion of research ;
(n) to encourage industries to promote, adopt and participate in the basic and applied research projects ;
(o) to establish central research laboratories with the help of participation of national and international industries ;
(p) to undertake any other task as may be assigned by the University authorities so as to carry out objectives of the Board ;
(q) to liaise and establish with industry support incubation centre, research park at the University or its sub-campus ;
(r) to create synergy at policy and operative level mechanism for co-existence and cooperation between various research and development activities in University schools or departments, and various industries in the State and in other States ;
(s) to create synergy through operative policy mechanism and support system for incubation of good ideas such as product, process, service and innovation, into a scalable mode so as to establish small, medium and large industries ;
(t) to establish a system to support protection of intellectual property rights at national and global level ;
(u) to establish a system so as to guide and help young entrepreneurs in operational, legal, business model creation and financial support ;
(v) to prepare and implement annual programmes of activities of the Centre for Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages and review the same periodically ;
(w) to prepare the annual budget of the Centre for Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages ;
(x) to oversee and monitor the activities of the Centre for Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages ;
(y) to submit an annual report of working of Centre for Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages to the Board of Governance ;
(z) to undertake any other task as may be assigned by the University authorities to carry out the objectives of the Board of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages ;
(za) to put up to the Board of Governance for its approval the research and development, testing and consultancy criteria.

Section 33.Board of Students' Development.
(1) There shall be a Board of Students' Development to plan and oversee the various cultural, welfare, sports and extension activities of the students in the University departments. The activities of the Board of Student's Development shall be carried out by the Director of Board of Students' Development.
(2) The Board of Students' Development shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor - Chairperson ;
(b) one professional each, to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, in the fields of Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Sports and National Service Scheme (NSS) ;
(c) one teacher each, to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, who are involved in cultural, welfare, sports, National Service Scheme (NSS) activities out of whom two shall be women ;
(d) not more than two office bearers of University Students Council, to be nominated by the Director- Board of Students' Development ;
(e) National Service Scheme (NSS) co-ordinator of the University ;
(f) Director, Board of Students' Development- Member-Secretary.

Section 34.Functions and duties of Board of Students' Development.
The Board of Students Development shall have the following powers and duties, namely :-
(a) to take necessary steps for promotion of culture, sports, extension and other students development activities in University ;
(b) to take up activities University to promote interest and skills for appreciation in the field of performing arts, pure art and painting skills, sports and other extension activities ;
(c) to hold University level competitions, skills development workshops, interactive activities in order to bring the society closer to the University ;
(d) to establish rapport with groups (excluding political parties), societies and other professional bodies so as to involve them in the activities of Board of Students Development ;
(e) to devise, develop and implement innovative schemes of students development including Earn and Learn Scheme, Education Loan, Directors Aid Fund, Endowment Schemes, Student Exchange Schemes, etc ;
(f) to devise a mechanism of grievance redressal of student and prevention of sexual harassment and ragging of students and to prepare and submit the report of annual activities related to the Students' Development, National Service Scheme (NSS), and Sports to the Board of Governance for its approval ;
(g) to take necessary measures to ensure participation of well-trained teams in various regional, national and international level competitions, and cultural, recreational, sports and other activities ;
(h) to devise, develop and implement schemes of career counselling, psychological counselling and rehabilitation and upliftment of differently-abled students ;
(i) to co-ordinate activities of National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) in University ;
(j) to recommend to competent authority to make alternative arrangements regarding examinations for students participating in the inter-university or national or international sports, cultural competitions or National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) events during the relevant schedules of examinations as prescribed by Ordinances ;
(k) to undertake any other task as may be assigned by the University authorities so as to carry out objectives of the Board ;
(l) to take up activities in the University departments to promote interest and also skills in various sports as per the policy of the University and also national policies in the field of sports ;
(m) to assist students on the issues and difficulties in various facets related to their day to day life and other aspects connected with their academic world, personality development and healthy campus life ;
(n) to advise the Students Grievance Redressal Cell at the University to resolve the Grievances of Students and to suggest to the higher authorities different ways and means to minimize and prevent such grievances.

Section 35.Powers, functions and duties of authorities.
The constitution, powers, functions and duties of the authorities of the University, not laid down under any of the provisions of this Act shall be as prescribed by the Statutes.

Section 36.Term of office of members of authority.
(1) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the term of other than ex-officio member of every authority constituted under this Act shall be five years from the date on which he enters the office.
(2) The process of nomination shall be commenced at least six months before expiry of the term of other than ex-officio member of the authority.

Section 37.Cessation of membership.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the Statutes made thereunder, where a person, nominated or appointed, as the case may be, as an officer of University or a member of any of the authority or bodies of the University by virtue of his being eligible to be so nominated or appointed as such an officer or a member under any of the categories of officers or members specified by or under the relevant provisions of this Act in relation to such office, authority or body, he shall cease to be such an officer of the University or a member of such an authority or a body as soon as he ceases to belong to such category and shall be deemed to have vacated his office as such officer or member.

Section 38.Disqualification for membership of authority.
A person shall be disqualified for being a member of any of the authorities, bodies and committees of University and voting to the authorities, bodies and committees, if he,-
(a) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court ; or
(b) is an un-discharged insolvent and stands so declared by a competent court ; or
(c) has been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude ; or
(d) is conducting or engaging himself in private tuitions or private coaching classes ; or
(e) has been punished for indulging in or promoting unfair practices in the conduct of any examination and evaluation, in any form, anywhere ; or
(f) has willfully omitted or refused to carry out the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations or has acted in any manner detrimental to the interests of the University ; or
(g) has been punished in any form, by the competent authority for committing a misconduct; or
(h) discloses or causes to disclose to the public, in any manner whatsoever, any confidential matter, in relation to the examination and evaluation, the knowledge of which he has come to be in possession, due to his official position :
Provided that, the right of voting of the person in respect of clauses (e) and (g) shall remain suspended during the term of punishment under the said clauses.

Section 39.Conclusiveness of decision of authority.
Save as otherwise provided by or under the provisions of this Act, each authority of the University while acting and exercising its powers and discharging functions or duties assigned to it by or under the provisions of this Act, shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to deal with and decide the matters assigned to it and discharging functions or duties assigned to it by or under the provisions of this Act.

Section 40.Resignation of membership.
(1) A member, other than an ex-officio member, may resign by writing under his signature. A nominee of the Chancellor may resign by addressing to the Chancellor, and any other member may resign by addressing to the Chairman of the Board of Governance or the Vice-Chancellor. The person shall cease to be a member upon his resignation being accepted by the Chancellor, or the Chairman of the Board of Governance or the Vice-Chancellor, as the case may be, or upon expiry of thirty days from the date of resignation, whichever is earlier.
(2) If a person nominated or appointed to any authority or body remains absent without prior permission of the authority or body for three consecutive meetings, he shall be deemed to have vacated his membership and he shall cease to be a member from the date of the third such meeting in which he has remained absent.

Section 41.Meetings of authorities.
(1) Save as otherwise provided by this Act, all matters with regard to the conduct of meetings of the authorities, bodies or committees, if any, constituted by the University, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
(2) A meeting of an authority or body shall be convened on the date determined by the Chairperson by a notice issued by its Secretary.
(3) Except as otherwise provided, the quorum for a meeting shall ordinarily be one-third of the number of the sitting members. If there is no quorum, the meeting shall be adjourned by the Chairperson to a specific time on the same day, or on a later date and no quorum shall be necessary for such adjourned meeting. No quorum shall be necessary on the following day of the continued meeting.
(4) Where no provision is made by or under the Statutes for a Chairperson to preside over a meeting of any authority or body of the University or when the Chairperson so provided for is absent and no provision is made for any other person to preside, the members present shall elect a person from amongst themselves to preside at the meeting.
(5) Save as otherwise provided, all items, questions, matters or proposals on the agenda shall be decided by a majority of votes of members present. The Chairperson shall have a vote. In case of equality of votes, the Chairperson shall have the casting vote. The secretary, if not a member, shall have the right to participate in the deliberations but shall not have the right to vote.

Section 42.Filling of vacancy.
When any vacancy occurs in the office of a member, other than an ex-officio member the vacancy shall be filled, within a period of three months, from the same category.

Section 43.Statutes and their subject matters.
Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely :-
(a) conferment of honorary degrees and academic distinctions ;
(b) establishment and maintenance of the sub-campuses, University departments, schools and hostels ;
(c) constitution, powers, duties and functions of authorities and bodies of the University not laid down under any of the provisions of this Act ;
(d) abolition of the University schools, departments or centres ;
(e) rules of procedure for conduct of business at the meetings of authorities of the University ;
(f) appropriation of funds of the University for furtherance of the objects of the University ;
(g) acceptance and management of trusts, bequests, donations, endowments and grants from individuals or organizations ;
(h) disciplinary action against defaulting teachers, officers and other employees of the University ;
(i) conditions of residence, conduct and discipline of the students of the University, and the action to be taken against them for breach of discipline or misconduct, including the following :-
(i) use of unfair means in an examination, or abetment thereof;
(ii) refusal to appear or give evidence in any authorized inquiry by an officer in charge of an evaluation and examination, or by any officer or authority of the University ; or
(iii) disorderly or otherwise objectionable conduct, whether within or outside the University ;
(j) mechanism and procedure for redressal of grievances of the students;
(k) functions and duties of Students Council in the University ;
(l) norms and procedure to be followed while nominating members on authorities, boards and committees by the Vice-Chancellor under this Act ;
(m) qualifications, recruitment, code of conduct, terms of office, duties and conditions of service including periodic training and advance training, field exposure, deputation, assessment of teachers, officers and other employees of the University, retirement benefits and the manner of termination of their services as approved by the Board of Governance which shall not be in contravention of the State Government policies in this regard ;
(n) procedure to be followed for purchases under sub-section (6) of section 60 ;
(o) any matter which is to be prescribed by Statutes or which is necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act.

Section 44.Making of Statutes.
(1) The Board of Governance may, from time to time, make new or additional Statutes or may amend or repeal the Statutes in the manner hereinafter provided :
Provided that, the first Statutes shall be made within one year from the appointed date.
(2) The Statute Committee shall be constituted by the Board of Governance as under :-
(a) Vice-Chancellor-Chairperson,
(b) Dean of each School of university,
(c) one Professor of University,
(d) Registrar of the University, as Member-Secretary,
(e) one legal advisor, or counsel appointed by the Board of Governance,
(f) Registrar of any Indian Institute of Technology or any Indian Institute of Information Technology or any Indian Institute of Science and Research or any Indian Institute of Management, nominated by Vice-Chancellor.
(3) The Statute Committee shall prepare and propose draft Statutes concerning the matters referred to in the last preceding section and shall present to the Board of Governance.
(4) Every Statute passed by the Board of Governance shall be submitted to the Chancellor who may give or withhold his assent thereto or send it back to the Board of Governance for reconsideration. The Chancellor may send the draft Statutes to the State Government for its views, if there are implications, financial or otherwise, on the part of the State Government in the implementation of such Statutes.
(5) No Statute passed by the Board of Governance shall be valid or shall come into force until assented to by the Chancellor.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections, the Chancellor, either suo moto or on the advice of the State Government, may, direct the University to make provisions in the Statutes in respect of any matter specified by him and if the Board of Governance fails to initiate to adopt the direction within thirty days of its receipt, the Chancellor may, after considering the reasons, if any, communicated by the Board of Governance for its inability to comply with such direction, make or amend the Statutes in that respect, suitably.
(7) The Board of Governance may take into consideration the draft of a Statute either of its own motion or on a proposal by the Statutes Committee. In the case of a draft which is not proposed by the Statutes Committee, the Board of Governance, before considering the same, shall obtain the opinion of the Statutes Committee :
Provided that, if the Statutes Committee fails to submit its opinion within three months from the date on which it receives the draft, the Board of Governance may proceed to take the draft into consideration.
(8) The Board of Governance if it thinks necessary may also obtain the opinion of any officer, authority or body of the University in regard to any draft Statute which is before it for consideration :
Provided that, if any such draft Statute pertains to academic matters, the Board of Governance shall obtain the opinion of the Academic Council before considering the same.
(9) The Board of Governance, shall pass the statutes and shall submit to the Chancellor for his assent.

Section 45.Ordinances and their subject matters.
Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Ordinances may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely :-
(a) conditions under which students shall be admitted to courses of study for degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions ;
(b) norms and process of fixation of fees, other fees and charges for courses and programs to be adopted by the fee fixation committee under this Act ;
(c) conditions governing the appointment and duties of examiners ;
(d) conduct of examinations, other tests and evaluation, and the manner in which the candidates may be assessed or examined by the examiners ;
(e) the constitution, powers, duties and functions of the Equal Opportunity Cell including provisions for establishing a Cell in accordance with the provision of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016) and the guidelines and directives of the University Grants Commission issued from time to time ;
(f) mechanism for prevention of ragging of students of University ;
(g) mechanism for prevention of sexual harassment of teachers, employees, students of University and redressal of grievances relating to sexual harassment and incidences related thereto and penalty for those who indulge in sexual harassment, in accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (14 of 2013) ;
(h) any academic matter which, by or under this Act or the Statutes is to be prescribed by the Ordinance or which is necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act.

Section 46.Ordinances and their making.
(1) The Board of Governance may, from time to time, make new or additional Ordinances or may amend or repeal the Ordinances in the manner hereinafter provided.
(2) No Ordinances concerning academic matters shall be made, amended or repealed by the Board of Governance unless a draft thereof has been proposed by the Academic Council.
(3) All Ordinances made by the Board of Governance shall have effect from the date of the meeting or from such date as it may direct, but every Ordinances so made shall be submitted to the Chancellor within two weeks from the date of the Board of Governance meeting. The Chancellor shall have the power to direct the Board of Governance, within four weeks of the receipt of the Ordinances, to suspend its operation, and he shall, as soon as possible, inform the Board of Governance of his objection to it. He may, after receiving the comments of the Board of Governance either withdraw the order suspending the Ordinances or disallow the Ordinances, and his decision thereon shall be final.

Section 47.Regulations.
(1) Subject to the provisions prescribed by or under this Act, Board of Governance may make Regulations consistent with this Act, Statutes and Ordinances, for,-
(a) institution of fellowship, travelling fellowship, scholarship, studentship, medals and prizes and for their award ;
(b) collaborations with other universities, institutions and organizations for mutually beneficial academic programmes ;
(c) preservation of record of the University ;
(d) providing for all or any of the matters which, by or under this Act, Statutes or Ordinances, are to be or may be provided by Regulations ;
(e) all non-academic matters for which provision is, in the opinion of the Board of Governance, necessary for the purposes of this Act, Statutes or Ordinances.
(2) Subject to the provisions prescribed by or under this Act, the Academic Council may make Regulations relating to the academic matters, consistent with this Act, Statutes and Ordinances.
(3) The Deans of schools shall draft and place for approval of the Board of Governance or the Academic Council, as the case may be, the Regulations, providing for the matters referred to in subsections (1) and (2) and for all or any of the matters which, by or under this Act, Statutes or Ordinances, are to be or may be provided by Regulations.

Section 48.Grievances Redressal Committee.
(1) There shall be a Grievances Redressal Committee in the University to deal with all types of grievances ; except grievances against the State Government including its officials, teachers and other employees of the University, which are not within the jurisdiction of University and College Tribunal and Students Grievances Redressal Cell of the University.
(2) The University shall establish a Grievances Redressal Cell headed by the officer of the University not below the rank of the Assistant Registrar, for providing administrative assistance to the Grievances Redressal Committee.
(3) The Grievances Redressal Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) retired Judge not below the rank of the District Judge, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor-Chairperson ;
(b) one Dean of School, nominated by the Vice- Chancellor ;
(c) one member of the Board of Governance, nominated by its Chairman ;
(d) Registrar-Member-Secretary ;
(e) one teacher belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) or Nomadic Tribes or Other Backward Classes and one non-teaching employee of the University nominated by the Board of Governance ;
(f) one legal advisor, or counsel appointed by the Board of Governance :
Provided that, one member shall be a woman.
(4) The nomination of a retired Judge as the Chairperson and a Dean of a School as the member of the Grievances Redressal Committee, shall be for such period, not exceeding three years in aggregate, as the Vice-Chancellor may, from time to time, in each case decide.
(5) The Chairperson of the Grievances Redressal Committee shall be entitled for remuneration and conveyance charges, as may be determined by the University.
(6) The Grievances Redressal Committee shall hear, settle and decide grievances as per the law, as far as may be practicable, within three months, from the date of filing of the complaint.
(7) It shall be lawful for the Grievances Redressal Committee to entertain and decide grievances or complaints relating to service of the employees, which are not within the jurisdiction of the University and College Tribunal, after giving reasonable opportunity of being heard to both the parties.
(8) There shall be a Students Grievance Redressal Cell at the University to resolve the grievances of students and to suggest to the higher authorities different ways and means to minimize and prevent such grievances. The functional mechanism of working of Students Grievance Redressal Cell shall be as prescribed by Statutes, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the University Grants Commission (Grievance Redressal) Regulations, 2012, or any other regulations for the time being in force.

Section 49.University and College Tribunal.
(1) The Tribunal established for the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, shall be the Tribunal for the purposes of this Act, for adjudication of disputes between the employees of the University and University.
(2) Sections 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 85 of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 (Mah. VI of 2017) shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the University.

Section 50.Admissions.
Subject to all the reservation policies of the State Government for the admission in educational institutions, the admissions to all courses in the University, schools, departments, centres and sub-campuses shall be made by the University, on the basis of competitive merit, in accordance with notifications, orders or rules made or issued by the State Government, from time to time, and the same shall be published by the University before the commencement of the academic session :
Provided that, having regard to the maintenance of discipline, the authority concerned shall have the power to refuse admission to a student, except at the entry point of any academic program.

Section 51.Disputes relating to admissions.
All the disputes relating to admissions to the University schools, departments and centres including sub-campuses, shall be adjudicated by the Students Grievance Redressal Cell as per sub-section (8) of section 48.

Section 52.Examination and evaluation.
Before the end of each academic year, the Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall prepare and publish a schedule of examinations for the next academic year and choice based credit system of evaluations for each and every course wherever applicable, conducted by the University and shall strictly adhere to the schedule. Failing which the concerned authority or officer of the University shall have to make a reasoned report to the Board of Governance within thirty days and the directions or decisions of the Board of Governance in this regard shall be final and binding :
Provided that, in case the University is unable to follow the said schedule due to reasons and circumstances beyond its control it shall, as soon as practicable, submit a report to the Chancellor and to the State Government incorporating the detailed reasons for making a deviation from the published schedule.
Explanation.-"schedule of examinations" means a table giving details about the time, day and date of the commencement of each paper which is a part of a scheme of examinations and shall also include the details about the practical examinations.

Section 53.Declaration of results.
The University shall strive to declare the results of every examination conducted by it within fifteen days from the last date of the examination for that particular course and shall in any case declare the results latest within thirty days thereof :
Provided that, if for any reasons whatsoever, the University is unable to finally declare the results of any examination and evaluation within the aforesaid period of thirty days, Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation shall prepare a detailed report incorporating the reasons for such delay and submit the same through Vice-Chancellor to the Chancellor and to the Board of Governance and the direction of the Chancellor in this regard shall be final and binding.

Section 54.Examinations and evaluation not invalid for non-compliance with schedule.
No examination or evaluation or the results of an examination or evaluation shall be held invalid only for the reasons that the University has not followed the schedule as stipulated in Section 52 or 53, as the case may be.

Section 55.Sports and extracurricular activities.
The authorities of the University shall frame appropriate Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations to ensure that the students selected to represent their classes, as the case may be, for sports, culture and all other extra-curricular activities are selected entirely on the basis of merit, through open merit competition alone and on no other basis.

Section 56.Councils and Committees.
The following shall be the Committees and Councils constituted under this Act, namely :-
(i) Students' Council ;
(ii) Finance and Accounts Committee ;
(iii) Buildings and Works Committee ;
(iv) Purchase and Sales Committee ;
(v) Knowledge Resource Committee ;
(vi) Fee Fixation Committee ;
(vii) Selection and Appointment Committee ;
(viii) Internal Quality Assurance Committee.

Section 57.Students' Council.
(1) There shall be a Students' Council to look after the welfare of the students and to promote and co-ordinate the extra-curricular activities of different student's associations for better corporate life. The Students' Council shall not engage in political activities.
(2) The Students' Council shall consist of the following by the members, namely :-
(a) Director, Board of Students' Development - Chairperson ;
(b) General Secretary, elected by the members of Students' Council from amongst themselves, as prescribed - Member-Secretary ;
(c) Gymkhana Secretary, nominated by the Vice- Chancellor ;
(d) one lady student representative, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor;
(e) one student representative belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or Denotified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) or Nomadic Tribes or Other Backward Classes or Special Backward Category, by rotation, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of Director, Board of Students' Development, National Service Scheme (NSS) and Sports, as prescribed ;
(f) one student each from (i) National Service Scheme (NSS) or National Cadet Corps (NCC), (ii) Sports and (iii) cultural activities, nominated by the Director, Board of Students' Development, from amongst the students of the University departments who are engaged in National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps, Sports and cultural activities respectively, as prescribed.
(3) The first meeting of the Students' Council shall be presided over by the Vice-Chancellor and shall be attended by such other officers as he may deem fit.
(4) A student shall be eligible to be, or continue to be, a member of the Students' Council, only if he is enrolled as a full time student.
(5) The budget, frequency of meeting of the Students' Council shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
(6) The nomination or election, as the case may be, of the student members of the Students' Council shall be made every year, as soon as possible, after the commencement of the academic year, on a date as may be prescribed. The term of office of the student members shall begin with effect from the date of nomination or election and shall extend up to the last day of the academic year, unless they have, in the meantime, incurred any of the disqualifications specified by or under the Act, and shall then expire.
(7) One third of the members of the Students' Council shall constitute the quorum. The procedure for conduct of business of the meetings and such other matters shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. The Students Council shall meet at least once in every three months.
(8) The procedure for nomination or election, the powers and duties, authority for the conduct of election, mechanism for conduct of such elections, code of conduct for the candidates and election of administrators and grievances redressal mechanism in respect of such election, shall be such as may be specified by the Board of Governance, by order.
(9) The provisions of this section shall come into effect from such date after issuing the order under sub-section (8), as specified by the Board of Governance in such order.

Section 58.Finance and Accounts Committee.
(1) There shall be a Finance and Accounts Committee to plan, coordinate and oversee the financial operations of the University. It shall examine the accounts, the progress of expenditure and all new proposals involving fresh expenditure in the light of the provisions available.
(2) The Finance and Accounts Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor-Chairperson ;
(b) the Director of Accounts and Treasuries or his representative, not below the rank of Joint Director of Accounts and Treasuries ;
(c) the Chancellor's nominee from the Board of Governance ;
(d) one person from the Academic Council, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(e) two experts nominated by the Board of Governance, one of whom shall be a Chartered Accountant who is an expert in the field of accounting and auditing and the other shall be an expert in the area of finance ;
(f) Registrar ;
(g) Finance and Accounts Officer - Member-Secretary.
(3) The quorum for a meeting of the committee shall be five.
(4) All members of the committee other than ex-officio members shall hold office for a term of five years and shall not be eligible for re-nomination.
(5) The committee shall meet at least four times in a year.
(6) The Finance and Accounts Committee shall,-
(a) examine and consider Annual Statement of Accounts, audited final statement of accounts and Audit Report and its compliance report, and the annual financial estimates to be presented by the Finance and Accounts Officer and recommend the same to the Board of Governance for its approval ;
(b) examine the progress of expenditure and all new proposals involving fresh expenditure in the light of the provisions available ;
(c) recommend to the Board of Governance, the limits for the total recurring and nonrecurring expenditure for the year, based on the income and resources of the University, including the proceeds of loans for productive work ;
(d) recommend to the Board of Governance productive investment and management of University assets and resources ;
(e) explore the possibilities of, augmenting further the resources for the development of the University ;
(f) take necessary steps to have the University accounts audited by auditors appointed by the Board of Governance ;
(g) advise the Board of Governance on matters related to the administration of the property and the funds of the University ;
(h) ensure proper implementation of the orders issued by the State Government, from time to time, in respect of funds, assets, and other resources received from the State Government ;
(i) advise on financial matters referred to it by the Board of Governance, Academic Council or any other authority, body or committee or any officer of the University ;
(j) report to the Vice-Chancellor any lapse or irregularity in financial matter which comes to its notice so that he may take suitable prompt actions after assessing the seriousness of the matter or refer it to the Board of Governance ;
(k) ensure that the annual accounts of the University, is open for audit by the auditors appointed by the Board of Governance and the statutory audits of the State Government ;
(l) study various reforms for management of financial resources, maintenance of accounts and use of modern technologies to enhance the efficiency in accounts maintenance and audit procedures ;
(m) carry out any other functions and tasks relating to finance and account as may be assigned by the University authorities.

Section 59.Buildings and Works Committee.
(1) There shall be a Buildings and Works Committee to carry out minor and major infrastructure development activities of the University efficiently and in a time bound manner.
(2) The Buildings and Works Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor - Chairperson ;
(b) Chancellors nominee from the Board of Governance ;
(c) Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, in-charge of the region in which the University is situated, or his nominee not below the rank of Executive Engineer from that region ;
(d) one eminent engineer, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from the private sector ;
(e) an eminent Architect, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from the private sector ;
(f) Head of the Planning and Architecture Department, if any ;
(g) Registrar ;
(h) Finance and Accounts Officer ;
(i) Head of the Department of Civil Engineering or in absence of Head of Civil Engineering Department, then faculty member of Civil Engineering, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor - Member-Secretary.
(3) All members of the committee, other than ex-officio members shall hold office for a term of three years and shall not be eligible for renomination.
(4) If any vacancy occurs in the office of a member, the same shall be filled within one month, by the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor, as the case may be.
(5) The Buildings and Works Committee shall,-
(a) under the direction and overall superintendence of the Board of Governance, be responsible for the execution of all types of works, including major works to be executed through the private agency or contractor or the Public Works Department ;
(b) accord administrative approval and financial sanction, subject to availability of funds in the budget, to the maintenance work ;
(c) recommend and obtain administrative approval and expenditure sanction of the Board of Governance in respect of all minor and major works ;
(d) recommend to the Board of Governance through the Finance and Accounts Committee, a 'Programme of Works' to be executed in the ensuing year, specifying maintenance works, minor works and major works, separately ;
(e) prepare a panel of three Architects and other specialized consultants of proven experience and merit, for the University works and get the same approved by the Board of Governance ;
(f) on getting administrative approval and expenditure sanction of the Board of Governance to minor and major works, to get the plans and estimates of such works prepared from the Head of the Civil Engineering Department of the University or the Architect selected for a project, borne on the panel of approved Architects of the University ;
(g) maintain a list of approved contractors on the basis of their technical experience and financial capability for execution of maintenance works and minor works ;
(h) be responsible for making technical scrutiny as may be considered necessary by it ;
(i) be responsible, after careful scrutiny, for the acceptance of tenders received for maintenance works and major works ;
(j) exercise general supervision over the work of the technical staff of the University, and in particular, ensure that essential records and data are maintained up-to-date and that the rejected tenders are retained for a reasonable period ;
(k) ensure that the Head of the Civil Engineering Department of the University or in his absence, faculty member of Civil Engineering certifies the completion of works in accordance with the designs finally approved by the architect, if appointed, in respect of maintenance works and minor works ;
(l) associate and deliberate with the consulting Architects, as and when necessary ;
(m) settle rates not covered by the tender and settle claims and disputes with contractors in respect of approved major works, minor works and maintenance works :
Provided that, if any claims or disputes are likely to cause excess over the approved estimated cost of the works, prior sanction of the Board of Governance shall be obtained to such an excess amount ;
(n) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred upon it by the Statutes.
(6) The Chairperson of the committee shall, in respect of major works, minor works and maintenance works, have the power to sanction the payment of monthly Running Account Bills of a work, subject to such bills having been examined by the Architect, where appointed, and certified as 'fit for payment' by the Head of the Civil Engineering Department of the University or in his absence, faculty member of Civil Engineering. The bills so paid shall be put up for approval of the committee at its ensuing next meeting.
(7) If there are reasonable grounds for the Chairperson of the committee to believe that there is an emergency which requires immediate action to be taken, he may exercise the powers of the committee. Such cases shall be reported by the Chairperson at the ensuing next meeting of the committee.
(8) Procedure for the execution of all types of works in the University and procedure for conduct of business at the meetings of the committee shall be as prescribed by the Statutes.

Section 60.Purchase Committee.
(1) There shall be a Purchase Committee for dealing with all matters pertaining to all purchases of the University, in respect of such items where individual cost of each item exceeds rupees ten lakh at a time.
(2) The Purchase Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor - Chairperson ;
(b) Chancellor's nominee from the Board of Governance ;
(c) one Dean of the Schools and one Head of University departments nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(d) one expert, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor preferably in the area of Materials Management from the Industry or Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) ;
(e) Registrar ;
(f) Finance and Accounts Officer-Member-Secretary.
(3) During the absence of the Finance and Accounts Officer, the Registrar shall act as the Secretary of the Purchase Committee.
(4) The Purchase Committee shall invite the Head of the Department or Head of the Centre for which the purchases are to be made.
(5) All members of the committee, other than ex-officio members shall hold office for a term of three years and shall not be eligible for a second consecutive term in the University.
(6) All matters pertaining to all purchases of the University in respect of such item where individual cost of each item is not more than rupees ten lakh at a time, shall be as prescribed by the Statutes.
(7) The powers and duties of the Purchase Committee and the procedure for its meetings shall be as prescribed by the Statutes.
(8) If any vacancy occurs in the office of a member, the same shall be filled within one month by the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor, as the case may be.

Section 61.Knowledge Resource Committee.
(1) There shall be a Knowledge Resource Committee for administering, organizing and maintaining the Knowledge Resource Centre, print and electronic material and related services of the University.
(2) The Knowledge Resource Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor - Chairperson ;
(b) all Deans and Directors ;
(c) one Head of the Department nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(d) two members nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, of whom one shall be from industry and the other shall be Librarian from a national level organization ;
(e) Registrar ;
(f) Finance and Accounts Officer ;
(g) Director, Knowledge Resource Centre-Member-Secretary.
(3) All nominated members of the Knowledge Resource Committee, other than the ex-officio members, shall hold office for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for re-nomination.
(4) The Knowledge Resource Committee shall meet at least three times in a year.
(5) The Knowledge Resource Committee shall,-
(a) provide for proper organization and support for the functioning of the Knowledge Resource Centre, documentation services and maintenance of records in analogue and digital form ;
(b) provide the approach and operational plan for modernization and improvement of Knowledge Resource Centre and documentation services in both analogue and digital format ;
(c) recommend to the Academic Council fees and other charges for the services and use of the Knowledge Resource Centre by students and others ;
(d) prepare the annual budget and proposal for development of the Knowledge Resource Centre for approval of the Board of Governance through the Finance and Accounts Committee ;
(e) submit the annual report on the functioning of the Knowledge Resource Centre to the Board of Governance through Vice-Chancellor ;
(f) establish a network with regional, national and international libraries and information centres ;
(g) hold the information pertaining to all administrative, governance, academic and other documents and information and data pertaining to the working of University schools, departments and administrative offices of the University and related to assessment and accreditation of the University ;
(h) undertake any other task as may be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor and University authorities so as to carry out objectives of the Knowledge Resource Centre.
(6) If any vacancy occurs in the office of a member, the same shall be filled within one month by the Vice-Chancellor.

Section 62.Fee Fixation Committee.
(1) There shall be a Fee Fixation Committee to work out the real cost of delivery of each and every under-graduate and post-graduate courses or programmes run by the University.
(2) The Fee Fixation Committee shall decide the tuition fees, development fees, other fees and charges for various courses or programmes as recommended by the Academic Council, and recommend it to the Board of Governance for approval.
(3) The Fee Fixation Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) A retired Vice-Chancellor or an eminent educationist having wide experience in the field of education, who shall not be connected with the University-Chairperson ;
(b) all Deans of schools and Directors ;
(c) Chancellors nominee from the Board of Governance ;
(d) one finance expert nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, preferably a Chartered Accountant, not connected with the University ;
(e) one legal advisor, not connected with the University and appointed by the Board of Governance ;
(f) Registrar Member-Secretary.
(4) The quorum for a meeting of the committee shall be seven.
(5) All members of the committee, other than ex-officio members shall hold office for a term of five years and shall not be eligible for re-nomination.
(6) The tuition fees, development fees, other fees, and charges for various courses or programmes as recommended by fee fixation committee and finally approved by the Board of Governance shall be applicable in general :
Provided that these fees shall not be in contravention of the State Government policies in this regard.
(7) The committee shall meet at least twice a year to examine and consider the fee fixation proposals on the basis of the norms as prescribed in Ordinances and shall hold as many meetings as needed. The committee shall decide tuition fees, development fees, other fees and charges for various courses or programmes, at least six months before the commencement of academic year.
(8) If any vacancy occurs in the office of a member, the same shall be filled within one month by the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor, as the case may be.

Section 63.Selection and appointment committee for appointment of University teachers.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, Statutes and Ordinances, the Vice-Chancellor shall appoint according to the order of merit and recommendations made by the selection committee, a University teacher and Director of the Knowledge Resource Centre.
(2) The selection committee for making recommendations, for appointment of the University teachers and Director of Knowledge Resource Centre shall consist of the following members, namely:-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor-Chairperson ;
(b) one person, not below the rank of professor, nominated by the Chancellor ;
(c) the Dean of the school concerned as a Member-Secretary;
(d) the Head of the concerned University department, centre, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(e) not less than three experts nominated by the Board of Governance out of a panel of not less than six names of experts not connected with the University recommended by the Academic Council, who have special knowledge of the subject for which the teacher is to be selected ;
(f) one person not below the rank of Professor belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) or Nomadic Tribes or Other Backward Classes, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(g) one nominee of the Board of Governance not below the rank of Professor ;
(h) one nominee of the Government not below the rank of the Joint Director, Technical Education:
Provided that, a Head referred to in clause (d), who is an Associate Professor shall be a member of the selection committee for the selection to the rank below Associate Professor :
Provided further that, one of the person to be nominated as a member of selection committee shall be a woman.
(3) Every vacant post of a University teacher, University created and Government approved, to be filled by selection, shall be duly and widely advertised, according to the draft approved by the Vice-Chancellor, together with particulars of the minimum and additional qualifications, as prescribed by Statutes, the emoluments and number of posts to be filled, the number of posts which are reserved for the members of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) or Nomadic Tribes or Other Backward Classes, to be determined by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the Board of Governance, and reasonable time shall be allowed within which the applicants may, in response to the advertisement, submit their applications.
(4) The date of the meeting of every selection committee shall be so fixed as to allow a notice of at least fifteen days of such meeting, be given to each member ; and the particulars of each candidate shall be sent to each member of the selection committee so as to reach him at least seven days before the date of meeting.
(5) The quorum to constitute a meeting of every selection committee shall be seven members, of whom at least two shall be persons nominated under clause (e) of sub-section (2).
(6) If, on petition by any person directly affected, or suo motu, the Chancellor, after making or having made such inquiries or obtaining or having obtained such explanations, including explanations from the teachers whose appointments are likely to be affected, as may be or may have been necessary, made by any authority or officer of the University at any time was not in accordance with the law at that time in force, the Chancellor, may, by order, notwithstanding anything contained in the contract relating to the conditions of service of such teacher, direct the Vice-Chancellor to terminate his appointment after giving him one month's notice or one months salary in lieu of such notice, and the Vice-Chancellor shall forthwith comply and take steps for a fresh selection to be made. The person whose appointment has been so terminated shall not be eligible to apply again for the same post.
(7) Any order made by the Chancellor, under the last preceding subsection shall be final and a copy of the order shall be served on the teacher concerned by the Vice-Chancellor within three days from its receipts.
(8) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor, to ensure that no payment whatsoever is made to any person, by way of salary or allowance, from the funds of the University, for any period after the termination of his services, and any authority or officer authorizing or making any such payment shall be liable to reimburse the amount so paid to the University.

Section 64.Internal Quality Assurance Committee.
(1) There shall be an Internal Quality Assurance Committee (IQAC) in the University to plan, guide and monitor quality assurance and quality enhancement in all the academic and administrative activities of the University.
(2) The Internal Quality Assurance Committee in the University shall be constituted and function as prescribed by the Statutes and in accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission, accrediting agencies, State Government and any regulating authority, from time to time.
(3) The Annual Quality Assurance Report shall be prepared by the Internal Quality Assurance Committee (IQAC) and shall be placed before the Board of Governance for its approval and follow-up actions and for the necessary quality enhancement measures. The University shall regularly submit the Annual Quality Assurance Report to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council or other accreditation bodies.
(4) The Internal Quality Assurance Committee shall closely work with State level Quality Assurance bodies, if any.

Section 65.Filling temporary vacancies of University teachers.
Where an appointment is to be made on a temporary vacancy of teacher of the University because of resignation, leave or any reason, whatsoever, the appointment shall be made, if the vacancy is for a period of more than one year, on the recommendation of the selection committee in accordance with the provisions of section 63. The quorum for the selection committee shall be seven.

Section 66.Selection committees for officers and employees of University.
(1) For the purposes of sub-section (2) of section 13 and sub-section (2) of section 19, there shall be a selection committee for making recommendations of suitable candidates for appointment to the posts of the Registrar and the Finance and Accounts officer.
(2) The selection committee shall consist of,-
(a) the Vice-Chancellor, Chairperson ;
(b) the Chancellor's nominee from the Board of Governance;
(c) two experts having special knowledge in the field related to the post to be filled, who are not connected with the University, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor ;
(d) one person belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis) or Nomadic Tribes, or Other Backward Classes, not below the rank of Principal or Professor nominated by the Vice-Chancellor;
(e) one woman representative not below the rank of Professor, nominated by the ViceChancellor ;
(f) the Director of Technical Education or his nominee, not below the rank of the Joint Director of Technical Education ;
(g) the Registrar, Member-Secretary.
(3) All posts mentioned in sub-section (1) shall be duly and widely advertised.
(4) The date of the meeting of every selection committee shall be so fixed as to allow a notice of at least fifteen days of such meeting, being given to each member ; and the particulars of each candidate shall be sent to each member of the selection committee so as to reach him at least seven days before the date of meeting.
(5) In case of appointment to the post referred to in sub-section (1), if, on petition by any person directly affected, or suo motu, the Chancellor, after making or having made such inquiries or obtaining or having obtained such explanations, including explanations from the persons whose appointments are likely to be affected, as may be or may have been necessary, made by any authority or officer of the University at any time was not in accordance with the law at that time in force, the Chancellor, may, by order, notwithstanding anything contained in the contract relating to the conditions of service of such person, direct the Vice-Chancellor to terminate his appointment after giving him one month's notice or one month's salary in lieu of such notice, and the Vice-Chancellor shall forthwith comply and take steps for a fresh selection to be made. The person whose appointment has been so terminated shall be eligible to apply again for the same post.
(6) Any order made by the Chancellor, under the last preceding sub-section shall be final and a copy of the order shall be served on the person concerned by the Vice-Chancellor within three days from its receipts.
(7) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor, to ensure that no payment whatsoever is made to any person, by way of salary or allowance, from the funds of the University, for any period after the termination of his services, and any authority or officer authorizing or making any such payment shall be liable to reimburse the amount so paid to the University.
(8) The selection committee and mode of appointments and nominations of other officers of the University shall be as prescribed in the Statutes.

Section 67.Other Committees.
In addition to the committees constituted under this Act, the authorities of the University may appoint committee with suitable terms and reference for any specific task, and such committee shall consist of members of the same authority constituting such a committee and also of such other persons as that authority may nominate.

Section 68.Teaching and research.
All instruction, teaching, training, research, research collaborations and partnerships, shall normally be conducted within the University in such manner as may be prescribed by Statutes.

Section 69.Enrolment of students.
A person to be enrolled as student of the University shall possess such qualifications and fulfill such conditions as may be prescribed by the Ordinances.

Section 70.Disciplinary powers and discipline amongst students.
(1) All powers relating to discipline and disciplinary action in relation to the students of the University schools and departments, shall vest in the Vice-Chancellor.
(2) The Vice-Chancellor may, by an order, delegate all or any of his powers under sub-section (1), as he deems fit, to such other officer as he may nominate in that behalf.
(3) The Vice-Chancellor may, in the exercise of his powers, by an order, direct that any student or students be expelled or rusticated for a specified period, or be not admitted to a course or courses of study in the University for a specified period, or be punished with fine, as prescribed by Statutes by the University, or be debarred from taking an examination or evaluation conducted by the University, for a specified period not exceeding five years or that the result of the student or students concerned in the examination or evaluation in which he or they have appeared, be cancelled :
Provided that, the Vice-Chancellor shall give reasonable opportunity of being heard to the student concerned, if expulsion is for a period exceeding one year.
(4) Without prejudice to the powers of the Vice-Chancellor and the heads of departments, centres of the University shall have authority to exercise all such powers over the student in their respective charge as may be necessary for the maintenance of proper discipline.
(5) Provisions as regards discipline and proper conduct for students of the University and the action to be taken against them for breach of discipline or misconduct, shall be as may be prescribed by the Statutes, which shall apply to the students of the University.
(6) Statutes relating to discipline and proper conduct for students, and the action to be taken against them for breach of discipline or misconduct, shall also be published in the prospectus and the website of the University and every student shall be informed accordingly.
(7) At the time of admission, every student shall sign a declaration to the effect that he submits himself to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Vice-Chancellor and the other officers and authorities or bodies of the University and shall observe and abide by the Statutes made in that behalf.

Section 71.Degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions.
(1) The Board of Governance may institute and confer such degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions as may be recommended by the Academic Council.
(2) The Board of Governance may institute and confer post-doctoral degrees such as Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) and Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) by Research, as may be recommended by Academic Council.
(3) The Chancellor may, on the recommendation of the Board of Governance and the Academic Council, supported by a majority of not less than two-third members of each such authority, present at its meeting, such majority comprising not less than one-half of the members of each such authority, withdraw the degree or diploma or certificate or any other academic distinction permanently or for such period as the Chancellor thinks fit, if such a person is convicted by a court of law for any offence involving moral turpitude or has been found to have sought admission to any degree or diploma or certificate course by fraudulent means or has been found to have obtained such degree or diploma or certificate or any other academic distinction by fraudulent means. No such action under this section shall be taken unless the person concerned is given an opportunity to defend himself.

Section 72.Honorary degree.
The Academic Council may consider and recommend to the Board of Governance the conferment of an honorary degree or other academic distinction on any person, without requiring him to undergo any test or examination or evaluation, on the ground solely that he, by reason of his eminent position or attainments in any field relating to Engineering, Industry or Technology, is a fit and proper person to receive such degree or other academic distinction, and such recommendation shall be deemed to have been duly passed if supported by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present at the meeting of the Board of Governance, being not less than one-half of its total membership :
Provided that, such degree or other academic distinction shall not be conferred without the Vice-Chancellor having obtained the previous approval of the Chancellor.

Section 73.Convocation.
The convocation of the University shall be held at least once during an academic year in the manner prescribed by the Statutes for conferring degrees, post-diplomas, postgraduate diplomas or for any other purpose.

Section 74.Annual financial estimate.
(1) The annual financial estimate (budget) of the University for ensuing financial year shall be prepared by the Finance and Accounts Officer under the direction of the Finance and Accounts Committee, at least two months before the commencement of the financial year.
(2) The Finance and Accounts Officer shall thereafter forward copies of annual financial estimate (budget) to the Board of Governance for its approval and then shall send to the Chancellor and the State Government.
(3) The financial year of the University shall be the same as that of the State Government.

Section 75.University funds.
(1) The University shall establish the following funds, namely :-
(a) general fund ;
(b) salary fund, for all teaching and non-teaching posts created and approved by the State Government ;
(c) salary fund for all teaching and non-teaching posts, created by the University separately ;
(d) trust fund ;
(e) development and programme fund ;
(f) contingency fund ;
(g) any other fund which, in the opinion of the University, is deemed necessary to establish.
(2) The following shall form part of, or be paid into, the general fund:-
(a) non-salary contribution or grants, received from the State Government or Central Government or University Grants Commission or any other Central or State authority or Central or State body ;
(b) all incomes of the University from any source whatsoever, including income from fees, other fees and charges ;
(c) any sums borrowed from the banks or any other agency, with the permission of the Board of Governance ;
(d) sums received from any other source or agency.
(3) The salary fund mentioned in clause (b) of sub-section (1) shall consist of all amounts received from the State Government for all of its sanctioned posts of both teaching and non-teaching staff, Central Government or University Grants Commission, or any other Central or State authority or Central or State body, towards full or part payment of the salary and allowances. The amount from this fund shall be utilized only for the purpose mentioned in clause (b) of sub-section (1).
(4) The salary fund mentioned in clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall consist of all amounts, appropriated by the University from its own resources towards full or part payment of the salary and allowances for all teaching and non-teaching posts, created by the University separately. The amount from this fund shall be utilized only for the purpose mentioned in clause (c) of sub-section (1).
(5) All contributions, income or moneys from trusts, societies, bequests, donations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), endowments, subventions and similar grants shall form part of the trust fund.
(6) (a) The development and programme fund of the University shall consist of all infrastructure development grants received from the State Government, all contributions made by the University Grants Commission for development and research grants received from other funding agencies of the Central Government, United Nations and its affiliates, other international agencies, industry, banks and financial institutions or any person or institution ;
(b) no amount from this fund shall be appropriated to any other fund of the University or expended for any other purpose ;
(c) the development and programme fund shall be utilized in the manner consistent with the object of the programme and as per guidelines of the funding agency on expenditure and audit, to be granted and approved by the Board of Governance.
(7) The University shall have and maintain a contingency fund under a separate head of the University accounts which shall be used only for the purpose of meeting any unforeseen expenditure.
(8) The surplus money at the credit of these funds, including accruals thereto, which cannot immediately or at any early date be applied for the purposes aforesaid shall, from time to time, be deposited in the Nationalized Banks.

Section 76.Annual accounts and audit.
(1) The accounts of the University shall be maintained on the basis and principles of double entry accounting system, and the method of accounting to be followed shall be the mercantile system by following the Account Code as prescribed by State Government.
(2) The accounts of the University shall be audited at least once every year and in any case within four months of the close of the financial year by the auditors appointed by the Board of Governance from amongst the firms of Chartered Accountants whose partners have no interest in any of the authorities or affairs of the University. The University shall comply with the remarks and discrepancies as shown in the audit report in any case within one month of the receipt of such audit report.
(3) The audited accounts shall be published by the University and a copy thereof, together with the copy of the auditor's report and compliance report shall be submitted to the Chancellor and the State Government and shall be submitted for approval before the Board of Governance in any case within six months from the close of the financial year.
(4) The State Government shall cause the audited annual accounts of the University, received by it, to be laid before each House of the State Legislature.
(5) The State Government shall provide for conduct of the test audit or full audit of the accounts of the University at regular intervals by the auditors appointed by the State Government, which shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Maharashtra Local Fund Audit Act (XXV of 1930), and the authorities of the University shall be bound to facilitate the same, failing which, provisions of section 7 of that Act shall apply.

Section 77.Annual report.
(1) The Academic Council shall prepare the annual report, with the help of Deans, containing the administrative, academic, research and development and other activities of the University, for each academic year and submit it to the Board of Governance for its approval. Such report as approved by the Board of Governance shall be submitted to the Chancellor and the State Government, within one year from the conclusion of the academic year.
(2) The State Government shall cause the annual report to be laid before each House of the State Legislature as soon as may be received by it.

Section 78.Authorities and officers responsible for damages.
(1) It shall be the duty of every authority or body and officer of the University including the employees thereof to ensure that the interests of the University are duly safeguarded.
(2) If it is found that a damage or loss has been caused to the University by any action on the part of any authority or body or officer of the University including the employees thereof, not in conformity with the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations, except when done in good faith, or any failure so as to act in conformity thereof, by willful neglect or default on its or his part, such damages or loss shall be liable to be recovered from the authority or body or the concerned members thereof, jointly or severally, or from the officer concerned, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the Statutes.

Section 79.Teacher or a non-teaching employee of University not to be disqualified.
(1) A teacher or a non-teaching employee of a University shall not be disqualified for continuing as such teacher or a non-teaching employee merely on the ground that he has been elected or nominated as a member of the Legislative Assembly or of the Legislative Council of the State or of the Parliament.
(2) A teacher or a non-teaching employee of a University elected or nominated as a member of the Legislative Assembly or of the Legislative Council of the State, or of the Parliament shall be entitled to treat the period of his membership of the Legislative Assembly or of the Legislative Council or of the Parliament as on leave without salary and allowances.
(3) A teacher or a non-teaching employee referred to in sub-section (2) shall also be entitled to count the period of his membership of the Legislative Assembly or of the Legislative Council or of the Parliament for the purposes of pension, seniority and increments.

Section 80.Questions regarding interpretation and disputes regarding constitution of University authority or body, etc.
If any question arises regarding the interpretation of any provision of this Act, or of any Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations or Rules, or whether a person has been duly elected or appointed or nominated or co-opted as a member or is entitled to be a member of any authority or body of the University, the matter may, be referred, on petition by any person or body directly affected or suo motu by the Vice-Chancellor through the Board of Governance to the Chancellor, who shall after taking such advice as he thinks necessary, decide the question, and his decision shall be final :
Provided that, such reference shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor upon a requisition signed by not less than one fourth members of the Board of Governance.

Section 81.Protection of acts and orders.
All acts and orders done or passed in good faith by the University or any of its officers, authorities or bodies, shall subject to the other provisions of this Act, be final ; and accordingly, no suit or other legal proceedings shall be instituted against, or maintained, or damages claimed from the University or its officers, authorities or bodies for anything done or passed, or purporting to have been done or passed in good faith and in pursuance of the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations.

Section 82.Delegation of powers.
Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, any officer or authority of the University may, by order, delegate his or its powers, except the power to make Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations, to any other officer or authority under his or its control, and subject to the condition that the ultimate responsibility for the exercise of the powers so delegated shall continue to vest in the officer or authority delegating them.

Section 83.Acts and proceedings not invalid merely on ground of defect in constitution, vacancies, irregularity in procedure, etc.
No act or proceeding of the Board of Governance or the Academic Council or any other authority or body or committee of the University, including a committee appointed by the Chancellor for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor, shall be deemed to be invalid at any time merely on the ground that,-
(a) any of the members of any such authority, body or committee are not elected, appointed or nominated or for any other reason are not available to take office at the time of the constitution or to attend any meeting thereof or any person is a member in more than one capacity or there is any other defect in the constitution thereof or there are one or more vacancies in the offices of members thereof ;
(b) there is any irregularity in the procedure of any such authority, body or committee not affecting the merits of the matter under consideration, and the validity of such act or proceeding shall not be questioned in any court or before any authority or officer merely on any such ground.

Section 84.Appointment of Commission.
(1) The Government may, at any time, and shall, on the expiry of five years from the commencement of this Act and thereafter at the expiration of every five years, by an order published in the Official Gazette, constitute a Commission which shall consist of a Chairman and such other members not exceeding five, as the Government may appoint, and such order shall define the procedure to be followed by the Commission.
(2) The Commission constituted under sub-section (1) shall inquire into, and make a report on,-
(a) the working of the University with special reference to quality and relevance of courses of studies and instructions ;
(b) the financial position of the University ;
(c) the suitability of the provisions of this Act or the Statutes, Regulations, Ordinances and Rules, with a view to bringing about improvements in the affairs of the University ; and
(d) such other matters as may be referred to it by the Government, and make such recommendations to the Government as it thinks fit.
(3) On receipt of the report and the recommendations of the Commission under sub-section (2), the Government shall forthwith refer such report and recommendations to the Board of Governance for consideration and report.

Section 85.Provisions for existing employees in other Government Engineering College and College of Engineering Pune.
(1) Subject to the fulfillment of qualifications and experience, the teaching and non-teaching employees working in other Government Engineering Colleges as on the appointed date shall be given preference by the University while filling up vacancies of Government sanctioned teaching and non-teaching posts arising in the University.
If any such employee is selected to serve as University employee, he shall become employee of the University and shall hold office or service therein for the same tenure, at the same remuneration and with the same rights and privileges as to pension, family pension, gratuity, provident fund, group insurance, leave encashment, medical reimbursement, and other matters as he would have had prior to the date of appointment in the University, and shall continue to do so unless and until his employment under the University is terminated or until such tenure, remuneration and terms and conditions are duly altered by the Statutes:
Provided that the tenure, remuneration and terms and conditions of services of any such person shall not be altered to his disadvantage.
(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, every teacher duly selected and appointed in accordance with the law applicable therefor serving in existing college on the date immediately before the appointed date shall become teacher of the University and shall hold his post for the same tenure and upon the same terms and conditions of service and with the same rights as to retirement benefits or other matters as he would have held if this Act had not been enacted until his tenure, remuneration or other terms and conditions of service are duly altered in accordance with this Act or Statutes made thereunder :
Provided that the tenure, remuneration and terms and conditions of services of any such person shall not be altered to his disadvantage :
Provided further that, nothing contained in this section shall apply to any such teacher appointed by the Government on the Government sanctioned post in existing college and serving the date immediately preceding before the appointed date on such post, who has by notice in writing given to the Government, within a period of thirty days from the appointed date intimated his intention of not becoming a teacher of the University ; and the service of such teachers who are serving in the college shall, till the expiry of the period allowed for exercising the option, be treated as on deputation without any deputation allowance:
Provided also that, if any such teacher is not willing to serve under the University, he may be transferred to equivalent post in any other Government college or institute and his services will be treated as on deputation from the expiry of notice period till he is posted elsewhere.
(3) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, every employee other than teachers, duly selected and appointed in accordance with the law applicable therefor, in connection with the affairs of the existing college and serving therein, as such immediately before the appointed date, shall hold the position as notified in this regard in the University by the same tenure, at the same remuneration and upon the same terms and conditions and with the same rights and privileges as to pension, leave, gratuity, provident fund and other matters as he would have held if this Act had not been enacted, and shall continue to do so unless and until his employment under the University is terminated or until such tenure, remuneration and terms and conditions are duly altered by the Statutes :
Provided that the tenure, remuneration and terms and conditions of services of any such person shall not be altered to his disadvantage :
Provided further that, nothing contained in this section shall apply to any such non-teaching employee appointed by the Government on the Government sanctioned post in such college or institution and serving immediately before the appointed date on such post, who has by notice in writing given to the Government, within a period of thirty days from the appointed date intimated his intention of not becoming a non-teaching employee of the University ; and the service of such nonteaching employee who are serving in the college shall, till the expiry of the period allowed for exercising the option, be treated as on deputation without any deputation allowance :
Provided also that, if any such non-teaching employee is not willing to serve under the University, he shall be transferred to other Government college or institute and his services will be treated as on deputation from the expiry of notice period till he is posted elsewhere.

Section 86.Provisions relating to continuance of officers and constitution of authorities.
(1) Save as otherwise provided by or under this Act, the present Board managing the existing college shall continue to function as Board of Governance of the University for a period of one year or until the new Board of Governance is established under this Act, whichever is earlier, and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as are conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2) Save as otherwise provided by or under this Act, the present Chairman of the Board of Governors of existing college shall be the First Chairman of the Board of Governance of the University, for a period of one year, or until regular Chairman of Board of Governance is appointed by the State Government, whichever is earlier.
(3) Save as otherwise provided by or under this Act, the first Vice-Chancellor of the University shall be appointed by the State Government, from amongst the persons possessing the requisite qualifications and experience therefor, for the period of one year or regular Vice-Chancellor is appointed by the Chancellor, whichever is earlier.
(4) If on the date of commencement of this Act, any authority or body cannot be constituted in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the Vice-Chancellor may, after approval of the Chancellor take such measures for interim constitution of such authority or body.
(5) The term of such authority or body constituted under sub-section (4) shall be for a period of one year from its constitution or till such authority or body is duly constituted under this Act, whichever is earlier.
(6) For the removal of doubt, it is hereby declared that on expiry of a period of one year of the interim constitution of such authority or body, such authority or body shall cease to function.

Section 87.Savings.
(1) All property, movable or immovable and all rights, interest of whatsoever kind, powers and privileges vested in the existing college on the appointed date, shall stand transferred to and shall, without further assurance, vest in, the University and be applied to the objects and purposes for which the University is constituted.
(2) All proceedings relating to students of the existing college pending before the Grievance Committee of the parent University on the appointed date shall stand transferred to the Grievance Committee under this Act for disposal.
(3) All benefactions accepted or received by the existing college, and held by it immediately before the commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to have been accepted or received or held by the University under this Act, and all the conditions on which such benefactions were accepted or received or held shall be deemed to be valid under this Act, notwithstanding that such conditions may be inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act.
(4) All debts, liabilities and obligations incurred before the commencement of this Act, and lawfully subsisting against the existing college, shall be discharged and satisfied by the University.
(5) Any will, deed or other document made before the commencement of this Act, which contains any bequest, gift, term or trust in favor of the existing college, shall be deemed to have been made thereunder and for the purposes of this Act in favor of the University.
(6) All references in any enactment or other instruments issued under any enactment to the existing college before the commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to have been construed under and for the purposes of this Act.
(7) All notices and orders made or issued by any authority under the Maharashtra Public University Act, 2016 (Mah. VI of 2017) or by the State Government shall, in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, continue to be in force and be deemed to have been made or issued by that authority or by the State Government until they are superseded or modified under this Act.
(8) All Statutes, Ordinances and regulations made under the Maharashtra Public University Act, 2016 (Mah. VI of 2017) in respect of the parent University of the existing college shall, in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, continue to be in force and be deemed to have been made under this Act in respect of that University, until they are superseded or modified by the Statutes or Ordinances, as the case may be, made under this Act.
(9) A standard code, if any, prescribed under the Maharashtra Public University Act, 2016 (Mah. VI of 2017) in respect of the parent University of the existing college shall be deemed to have been prescribed under this Act and shall, save as otherwise provided by or under this Act, continue to remain in force, until it is superseded in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(10) In all suits and legal proceedings pending before any court or authority on the appointed day, to which the existing college was a party, the successor university of the existing college shall be deemed to have been substituted therefor.

Section 88.Removal of difficulties.
(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may, as occasion arises, by an order published in the Official Gazette, do anything, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty :
Provided that, no such order shall be made after the expiry of the period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act.
(2) Every order made under sub-section (1) shall be laid, as soon as may be, after it is made, before each House of the State Legislature.