THE KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY ACT, 2010

ACT 3 OF 2011 THE KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY ACT, 2010* an act to establish and incorporate a University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in the State of Kerala and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Preamble.—WHEREAS, it is expedient to establish and incorporate a University for the development of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and for the purpose of ensuring proper and systematic instruction, teaching, training and research and extension exclusively in Veterinary and Animal Sciences in the State of Kerala and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto; BE it enacted in the Sixty-first Year of the Republic of India as follows:— CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title and Commencement.—(1) This Act may be called the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Act, 2010. (2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 14th day of June, 2010. 2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) “Academic Council” means the academic council of the University; (b) “Authority” means any authority of the University specified in section 20; (c) “Animal or livestock" means all domesticated animals and wild animals, birds, reptiles and all other animal life forms, except the human beings; (d) “Animal Sciences” means the study of all aspects of farm animals, companion animals and wild animals, their biology and welfare with a view to augment animal production, Dairy Science and Technology or to help disease diagnosis; (e) “Board of Management” means the board of management of the University; (f) “Board of Studies” means the board of studies of the University; * Received the assent of the Governor on the 22nd day of January, 2011 and published in the Kerala Gazette Extraordinary No. 171 on 24th January, 2011. 2 (g) “Chancellor” means the Chancellor of the University; (h) “College” means an institution imparting education in Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Dairy Science and Technology, owned and managed by the University or other institutions affiliated to the University situated in the State of Kerala; (i) “Constituent College” means a college owned and managed by the University; (j) “Dean” means chief academic and administrative head of a college; (k) “Government” means the Government of Kerala; (l) “Hostel" means a unit of residence for students of the University maintained or recognized hy the University in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (m) “Management Council” means the management council of the University; (n) “Prescribed” means prescribed by the Statutes, Ordinances or regulations made by or under this Act; (o) “Pro-Chancellor” means Pro-Chancellor of the University; (p) “Scheduled castes” means such castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within castes, races or tribes as are deemed to be scheduled castes in relation to the State of Kerala under article 341 of the Constitution of India; (q) “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 Kerala under article 342 of the Constitution of India; (r) “Specified date" means the date specified by notification by Government for the purposes of this Act; (s) "State" means State of Kerala; (t) “Statutes”, “Ordinances” and “Regulations” mean respectively the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the University; (u) “University” means the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University established under section 3 of this Act; (v) “University Grants Commission” means the Commission established under section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (Central Act 3 of 1956). 3 (w) “Vice-Chancellor” means the Vice-Chancellor of the University. CHAPTER II THE UNIVERSITY 3. The University.—(1) With effect on and from the date of commencement of this Act, there shall be established a University by name “the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University” which shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall by the said name sue and be sued. (2) The Chancellor, the Pro Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, and the members of the Management Council, Board of Management, Academic Council, other authorities and officers and staff shall constitute the University. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the territorial jurisdiction of the University shall extend to the whole of the State of Kerala. Provided that, this shall not prevent the University from operating distance learning courses across the country or abroad and admitting students or recruiting teachers who are not domiciled in the State. (4) The headquarters of the University shall be at Pookode in Wayanad district. (5) In all suits and other legal proceedings by or against the University, the pleadings shall be signed and verified by the Registrar and all the processes in such suits and proceedings shall be issued to and served on the Registrar. 4. Establishment of new colleges and recognition of institutions by the University. —(1) On and from the date of establishment of the University, no new college imparting education in Veterinary and Animal Sciences and Dairy Science shall be established except as a constituent or affiliated college of the University. (2) No institution affiliated to or associated with or maintained by any other University whether within or outside the State of Kerala shall be recognized by the University for any purpose except with the prior approval of the University concerned. 4 5. Objects of the University.—The University shall have the following objectives, namely:— (i) to advance and disseminate learning and knowledge in Veterinary and Animal Sciences and allied fields by fostering and promoting veterinary research; (ii) to decide new courses and curricula based on the advances in the field of veterinary and animal science such as,— (a) develop more appropriate livestock production and processing technologies, packages and systems that will be cost effective and profitable for the farmer; (b) establish more efficient and cost effective animal disease control prevention and surveillance measures that will maintain a high standard of animal health; (c) research on nutritional values of the various pastures and fodders according to establishment, preservation and ecological zones; (d) prescribe standard for feeds and fodder and their nutritive values for suitable feeding packages for farmers; (e) develop breeds and crosses of milch animals, small ruminants, poultry, pigs that are suited for Kerala's condition in terms of productivity, resistance and tolerance and to advise on suitable gene pools to be protected and preserved; (f) conduct necessary tests and trials on the suitability and acceptability of new technologies like biotechnology, embryo transfer technology etc. and advise on its adoption or adaptation to local conditions etc.; (iii) to undertake extension activities; (iv) to collaborate and co-operate with regional, national and international research institutions and exchange any information that may be advantageous to livestock development in the State; and (v) to act as the primary consulting and advisory body of the Government and various other agencies of policy making and implementing in the area of veterinary and Animal Sciences and Dairy Science and shall be competent to advice other State Government and national bodies in its area of expertise: and (vi) such other purposes as the University may, from time to time determine. 5 6. Powers and Functions of the University.—The powers and functions of the University shall be the following, namely:— (i) to provide facilities for instruction and training in such branches of learning related to veterinary and animal sciences as the University may, deem fit; (ii) to make provisions for study, research and for advancement and dissemination of knowledge in Veterinary Science and Allied Sciences; (iii) to institute and award degrees, diplomas, fellowships, certificates and other academic distinctions; (iv) to hold examinations and to confer degrees, diplomas, Certificates and other academic distinctions for persons who shall have pursued approved courses of study in a University, college or an affiliated or recognised college or institution unless exempted therefrom in the manner prescribed and shall have passed the prescribed examination of the University or shall have carried on research satisfactorily under conditions as may be prescribed and which has been duly evaluated; (v) to prescribe conditions under which the award of any degree, title, diploma and other academic distinctions may be withheld; (vi) to withdraw or cancel degree, title, diploma, certificates or other distinctions under conditions that may be prescribed by the statutes after giving the persons affected a reasonable opportunity to present their case; (vii) to establish, maintain and administer colleges, centres, hospitals, dispensaries, laboratories and libraries or other institutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the University; (viii) to prescribe the terms and conditions for recognition of institutions for conducting research or other programmes of the University and to grant recognition to such institutions satisfying the conditions and to withdraw such recognitions; (ix) to establish, maintain and administer hostels and to recognize hostels not managed by the University and to suspend or withdraw such recognition; (x) to provide for establishment of campus for serving a group of affiliated colleges and also to provide for and maintain common resource centres in such campuses in the form of farms, libraries, laboratories, computer centres and the like centres of learning; 6 (xi) to establish centres for conducting research programme and to create research posts and appoint suitable persons to these posts; (xii) to create posts of Directors, Deans of faculties, teachers and other Non- Vocation Academic posts required by the University and to prescribe by the Statutes, the scales of pay for such posts with the prior approval of the Government, and to prescribe their qualifications, methods of appointment and to make appointments thereto; (xiii) to appoint or recognise teachers working in any other University or organisation as teachers of the University for specified period; (xiv) to create non-teaching, skilled, administrative, ministerial and other posts for a period and prescribe pay scales for such posts, with prior approval of the Government and to fix the method of appointment and to make appointments thereto: Provided that, the University shall be competent to create temporary/ contractual posts for a period not exceeding three years for executing projects aided by funding agencies without permanent commitment to the University or Government: Provided further that the recruitment to the non-teaching staff other than the officers of the University mentioned in clause 11 shall be through the Kerala Public Service Commission. (xv) to facilitate mobility of teachers and students within the University and to other Universities if necessary; (xvi) to make provision wherever feasible in the University departments, affiliated colleges, recognised institutions, centres for survey and collection of statistics, data and other particulars relevant to various developmental activities including evaluation of the developmental schemes under the State and Central Plans with participation of the students as a part of their curricular activities; (xvii) to control and regulate admission of students for various courses of study in University departments, affiliated colleges, institutions, centres and recognised institutions; (xviii) to designate a department of the University, an affiliated college, institution or centre as an autonomous University department or institution, as the case may be, in accordance with the guidelines, if any, laid down by the University Grants Commission or Government or other Central Council; 7 (xix) to monitor and evaluate the academic performance of affiliated colleges and recognised institutions for granting continuation of affiliation and periodical accreditation; (xx) to inspect affiliated colleges and recognised institutions through suitable machinery established for the purpose, and take measures to ensure that proper standards of instruction, teaching and training are maintained by them and adequate library, laboratory, hospital, faculty and other academic facilities are provided for; (xxi) to institute awards, fellowships, travelling fellowships, scholarships, studentship, medals and prizes for teachers and students of the University and affiliated colleges; (xxii) to make arrangements for promoting welfare of the employees of the University; (xxiii) to provide for the training and quality improvement of teachers and non- teaching employees; (xxiv) to provide for periodical assessment of the performance of teachers and non-teaching employees of the colleges, institutions, centres and University departments in accordance with the Statutes; (xxv) to regulate attendance of the teachers in the premises of the University or college or institutions during teaching hours and beyond teaching hours, as may be prescribed and to prohibit teachers from taking or conducting private tuition or private coaching classes or doing private clinical practice; (xxvi) to prescribe by Statutes conduct and discipline rules for teaching and non-teaching staff and to ensure the enforcement thereof; (xxvii) to prescribe a code of conduct for managements of affiliated or recognised colleges or institutions; (xxviii) to establish, maintain and manage, whenever necessary,— (a) a Printing and Publication Department; (b) University Extension Boards; (c) Information Bureaus; 8 (d) Employment guidance bureaus and such other activities as may be necessary and possible to fulfill the objectives of the University; (xxix) to co-operate or collaborate with any other University, institution, authority or organisation for research and advisory services and to enter into appropriate arrangement with other Universities, institutions, authorities, or organisations to conduct courses and for such purposes as the situation may demand; (xxx) to cancel affiliation granted to the colleges in violation of Statutes of the University; (xxxi) to explore the possibilities of augmenting the resources of the University by exploring or innovating activities such as research and development, consultancy, training programmes and providing services to clients from industry, trade or any other non-government organisations in India or abroad; (xxxii) to recommend to the Government to take over, in the public interest, the management of an affiliated college, institution or autonomous college in case where irregularities or commissions or omissions of criminal nature by the management of such college or institution are prima-facie evident to the committee of enquiry appointed by the University; (xxxiii) to receive funds for collaboration programmes from foreign agencies subject to rules and regulations of the Central Government and State Government in that behalf; (xxxiv) to lay down for teachers of affiliated colleges and University teachers, service conditions including code of conduct, work load, students' feed back, norms of performance appraisal, and such other instructions or directions, as in the opinion of the University, may be necessary in academic matters; (xxxv) to exercise control over the students of the University, to secure their health, well being and discipline and to exercise through the affiliated colleges control for similar purposes over the students of affiliated colleges; (xxxvi) to accept, hold and manage any endowments, donations or funds which may become vested in it for the purposes of the University by grant, testamentary disposition or otherwise, and to invest such endowments, donations or funds in any manner that the University may deem fit and to institute scholarships, medals etc., from such funds subject to the condition that any donation from a foreign country, 9 foreign foundation or any person in such country or foundation shall be accepted by the University only in accordance with the rules and guidance of the Central Government and State Government; (xxxvii) to borrow money with or without security for such purpose, as may be approved by the Government, from the Central Government, the University Grants Commission or other incorporated bodies subject to the provisions of this Act; (xxxviii) to fix fees and to demand and collect such fees in the manner as may be prescribed; (xxxix) to undertake publication of works of merit and research pertaining to Veterinary and Animal Sciences; (xL) to institute and provide funds wherever necessary for the maintenance of, — (a) a Students' Advisory Bureau; (b) an Employment Bureau; (c) a University Students Union; (d) University Athletic Clubs; (e) the National Cadet Corps; (f) the National Service Scheme; (g) University Extension Boards; (h) Students' Cultural and Debating Societies; (i) University Nature Club; (j) a Publication Bureau; (k) Co-operative societies and other similar institutions for promoting the welfare of students and employees of the University; and (l) Extension agencies like Krishi Vijnan Kendras. (xLi) to establish companies under Companies Act, 1956 (Central Act 1 of 1956) for developing and propagating Veterinary and Animal Sciences related to research products and services beneficial to the development of the sector; and (xLii) to do all such other acts and things or make such other provisions as may be deemed necessary or desirable to further the objects of the University. 10 CHAPTER III ADMISSIONS AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO STUDENTS 7. Admission to the University.—(1) The University shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and Statutes, be open to all. (2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall require the University,— (a) to admit to any course of study any person who does not possess the prescribed academic qualification or standard; or (b) to retain on the roles of the University any student whose academic record is below the minimum standard required for the award of a degree, diploma certificate or other academic distinction; or (c) to admit any person or retain any student whose conduct is prejudicial to the interests of the University or the rights and privileges of other students and employees; or (d) to admit to any course of study students larger in number than those prescribed. (3) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2), the Government may direct that the University shall reserve in colleges seats for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward classes as may be notified from time to time and candidates from other States and Union Territories in India: Provided that no such person shall be entitled to be admitted to the University unless he or she meets the standards laid down by the University in respect of such candidates. 8. Inspection and Control.—(1) The Chancellor shall, if so requested by the Government and may suo-motu cause an inspection to be made by such person or persons as he may direct, of the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, museums, hostels, workshops, hospitals and equipments of any institution maintained, administered, reeognized or approved by the University and also of the examinations, teaching and other work conducted or done by the University, and to cause an inspection or an inquiry to be made in like manner in respect of any matter connected with the University. 11 (2) The person or persons directed to make an inspection or inquiry under sub- section (1) shall have access for that purpose to the concerned institutions and premises and to such accounts or other records as may be necessary. (3) Such person or persons shall submit a report on the inspection or inquiry to the Chancellor and shall forward a copy thereof to the Government. (4) The Government shall address the Vice-Chancellor with reference to any matter referred to it in the report indicating its observations and the Vice-Chancellor shall communicate it to the action taken report of the Management Council for taking necessary action. (5) The Management Council shall communicate to the Government, through the Vice Chancellor such action, if any, as it has taken or proposes to take. (6) Where the Management Council does not within a reasonable time, take action to the satisfaction of the Government, or fails to take any action, the Government may, require the Vice-Chancellor or issue such directions as are necessary and the Management Council shall be bound to comply with the same. (7) The Management Council shall furnish through the Vice-Chancellor returns, statements, accounts or other particulars relating to the administration of the University as the Government may, from time to time, require. (8) Not withstanding anything in the preceding sub-sections, the Government, may, by order published in the Official Gazette, annul any proceedings of the University, which, in its opinion is not in conformity with this Act and the Statutes: Provided that before making any such order the Government shall call upon the University to show cause why such an order should not be made and if any cause is shown within a reasonable time, shall consider the same. (9) Every order passed under sub-section (8) shall, be laid before the State Legislature with the statement explaining the circumstances leading to such orders. CHAPTER IV THE CHANCELLOR, PRO-CHANCELLOR AND OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY 12 9. The Chancellor.—(1) The Governor of Kerala shall, by virtue of his office, be the Chancellor of the University. (2) The Chancellor shall be the Head of the University and shall, when present, 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 wherever necessary and the Vice Chancellor shall submit the minutes of such meeting to the Chancellor for perusal. (3) No honorary degree shall be conferred by the University upon any person without the approval of the Chancellor. (4) The Chancellor may call for such information and record relating to any affairs of the University and issue such directions thereupon as the Chancellor may deem fit in the interest of the University, and the authorities and officers of the University shall comply with such directions. (5) The Chancellor may after taking report in writing from the Vice-Chancellor suspend or modify any resolution, order or proceedings of any authority, body, committee or officer, which in the opinion of the Chancellor is not in conformity with this Act, Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations 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, the Officer to show cause within the period specified, why such an order should not be made, and if any cause is shown, the Chancellor shall consider the same and wherever he deems it necessary, after consulting the Government, decide the action to be taken in the matter, and such decision shall be final. (6) Where, in the opinion of the Chancellor, the conduct of any elected or nominated or appointed or co-opted member in the bodies of the University is detrimental to the smooth functioning of the University or any authority or body or committee, the Chancellor may, after giving such member an opportunity to offer explanation in writing and after considering such explanation, if any, and being satisfied that it is necessary so to do, suspend or disqualify such member for such period as the Chancellor may deem fit. (7) (i) The Chancellor shall have the right to cause an inspection to be made by such person or persons or body of persons, as he may direct, of the University, its 13 buildings, hospitals, libraries, museums, workshops and equipments of any college, institution or hostel maintained, administered or recognised by the University and of the teaching and other works conducted by or on behalf of the University or under its auspices and of the conduct of examinations or other functions of the University and to cause an inquiry to be made in like manner regarding any matter connected with the administration or finances of the University; (ii) The Chancellor shall, in every case, give due notice to the University of his intention to cause an inspection or inquiry to be made and the University shall be entitled to appoint a representative, who shall have the right to be present and to be heard at the inspection or enquiry; (iii) After an inspection or inquiry has been caused to be made, the Chancellor may address the Vice-Chancellor on the result of such inspection or inquiry and the Vice-Chancellor shall communicate to the Management Council or Board of Management, the views of the Chancellor and call upon the Management Council or Board of Management to communicate to the Chancellor through him its opinion thereon within such time as may have been specified by the Chancellor. If the Management Council or Board of Management communicates its opinion within the specified time limit, after taking into consideration that opinion or where the Management Council or Board of Management fails to communicate its opinion in time, after the specified time limit is over, the Chancellor may proceed and advise the Management Council or Board of Management upon the action to be taken by it, and fix a time limit for taking such action; (iv) Management Council or Board of Management shall within such time limit as fixed, report to the Chancellor through the Vice-Chancellor the action which has been taken or is proposed to be taken on the advice tendered by him; (v) The Chancellor may, where action has not been taken by the Management Council or Board of Management to his satisfaction within the time limit fixed and after considering any explanation furnished for representation made by the Management Council or Board of Management, issue such direction as the Chancellor may think fit and the Management Council or Board of Management and other authority concerned shall comply with such directions; (vi) Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding clauses, if at any time the Chancellor is of the opinion that in any matter the affairs of the University are not managed in furtherance of the objectives of the University or in accordance 14 with the provisions of this Act, Statutes and Regulations or that special measures are desirable to maintain the standard of University, teaching, examinations, research, administration or finances, the Chancellor may indicate to the Management Council or Board of Management through the Vice-Chancellor any matter in regard to which he desires an explanation and call upon Management Council or Board of Management to offer such explanation within such time as may be specified by him. If the Management Council or Board of Management fails to offer any explanation within the time specified or offers an explanation which in the opinion of the Chancellor, is not satisfactory, the Chancellor may issue such directions as appear to him to be necessary, and the Management Council or Board of Management or any other authority concerned shall comply with such directions; (vii) The Board of Management shall furnish such information relating to the administration and finances of the University as the Chancellor, may, from time to time, require. (8) (i) The Chancellor shall when an emergency arises have the right to suspend or dismiss any of the authorities of the University and take measures for the interim administration of the University; (ii) An appeal shall lie to the Chancellor against any order of dismissal passed by the Board of Management or the Vice-Chancellor against any person in the service of the University; (iii) An appeal under the above clause shall be filed within thirty days from the date of serving the order of dismissal on the persons concerned; (iv) The Chancellor shall before passing any order on an appeal as above, refer the matter for advice to a tribunal appointed by him for the purpose; (9) The Chancellor shall have the power to remove the Vice-Chancellor from office by an order in writing on charges of misappropriation, misconduct, mismanagement of funds or any other good and sufficient reason: Provided that before taking action under this sub-section such charges shall be proved by and inquiry conducted by a person who is or has been a Judge of High Court or Supreme Court appointed by the Chancellor for the purpose: 15 Provided further that Vice-Chancellor shall not be removed under this section unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken against him. (10) The Chancellor shall exercise such other powers as may be conferred upon or vested in the Chancellor by or under this Act or Statutes. 10. The Pro-Chancellor.—(1) The Minister in-charge of Animal Husbandry in Kerala shall be the Pro-Chancellor of the University. (2) In the absence of the Chancellor or during his inability to act, the Pro- Chancellor shall exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the Chancellor including presiding over of the convocation of the University. (3) The annual programme of work of the University shall be referred to the Pro-Chancellor for his information and any suggestion made by him may be considered by the Board of Management. (4) The Pro-Chancellor shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties of the Chancellor as the Chancellor may, by order in writing delegate to the Pro- Chancellor and such delegation may be subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be specified in such order. 11. Officers of the University.—(1) The following shall be the officers of the University, namely:— (i) the Vice-Chancellor; (ii) the Registrar; (iii) the Finance Officer; (iv) the Director of Academics and Research; (v) the Director of entrepreneurship; (vi) the Dean; and (vii) such other officers in the services of the University as may be prescribed in the Statutes. 12. The Vice-Chancellor.—(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible for the duties allotted to him specifically by the Chancellor with the approval of the Board of Management or under this Act or Statutes and he shall preside over the meetings of the authorities of the University in the absence of the Chancellor. 16 (2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor from among the panel of names recommended by the Search Committee consisting of the following members, namely:— (i) One member nominated by the Chancellor; (ii) One member nominated by the Government; (iii) Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research or his nominee; 1[(iv). xxxx] The Chancellor shall appoint one of the members of the Committee to be the Chairman. (3) If the Chancellor does not approve any of the persons so recommended by the committee, he may call for fresh recommendation from the committee. (4) The committee shall submit a panel to the Chancellor, within such period as he may specify. The Chancellor shall with the concurrence of the Government, appoint one person as the Vice-Chancellor. If the Committee fails to submit a panel within the period so specified, the Chancellor may appoint any person whom he deems fit to be the Vice-Chancellor on the advice of the Government. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (4), the first Vice- Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendation of the Government. (6) No person shall be appointed as, or hold office of, the Vice-Chancellor if he has attained the age of seventy years. (7) The Vice-Chancellor shall, subject to the pleasure of the Chancellor and the provisions of sub-section (6), hold the office for a period of five years. The Vice- Chancellor shall be eligible for a second term. However, the Vice-Chancellor may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Chancellor, and after giving three months’ notice, resign his office. (8) (i) The Chancellor shall have the power to remove the Vice-Chancellor from office by an order in writing on charges of misappropriation, misconduct, mismanagement of funds or wilful omission, refusal to carry out the provisions of this Act or for abuse of powers vested on him: 1. Omitted by Act 14 of 2019 (w.e.f. 27.12.2018) 17 Provided that before taking an action under this sub-section such charges shall be proved by an enquiry conducted by the Chancellor as provided in clause (ii). (ii) For the purposes of holding an inquiry under this section the Chancellor shall appoint a person who is or has been a Judge of the High Court or the Supreme Court. The inquiry authority shall hold an inquiry after giving an opportunity to make representation by the Vice-Chancellor and shall submit a report to the Chancellor. (9) The emoluments and other conditions of service of the Vice-Chancellor shall be such as may be prescribed by Statutes. (10) When any temporary vacancy occurs in the office of Vice-Chancellor or if the Vice-Chancellor is, by reason of illness absence or for any other reason, unable to exercise the powers and perform the duties of his office, the Chancellor shall make necessary arrangements for exercising the powers of the Vice-Chancellor. 13. Powers and duties of the Vice Chancellor.—(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise general control over the affairs of the University and shall be responsible for the due maintenance of discipline in the University. He shall exercise all powers necessary for maintenance of discipline in the University. (2) He shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Management Council, Board of Management and the Academic Council. He shall preside over in the absence of the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor at the Convocations and shall confer degrees on persons entitled to receive them. He shall preside over the meetings of the authorities or bodies of the University, and shall be entitled to vote. (3) He shall ensure that all the provisions of this Act, the Statutes, and the Regulations are observed and shall have all the powers necessary for that purpose. He shall be responsible for the presentation of the annual financial estimates and annual accounts and the balance sheet to the Management Council. (4) He may either himself or through any Officer of the University authorized in writing by him, convene the meetings of the Management Council, Academic Council, Research Council, Extension Education Council and shall perform all such duties as may be necessary to carry out and give effect to the decisions of these authorities. (5) If there are reasonable grounds for the Vice-Chancellor to believe that there is an emergency which requires immediate action to be taken he shall take such action as he deems necessary and shall at the earliest opportunity thereafter report the action 18 taken to such authority or body which in the ordinary course would have dealt with the matter: Provided that if the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor is not approved by the Authority or body concerned he may refer the matter to the Chancellor whose decision thereon shall be final: Provided further that any person in the service of the University affected by the decision of the Authority or Body based on the report of the Vice-Chancellor under this sub-section may prefer an appeal to the Chancellor within thirty days from the date on which the decision was communicated to him and the decision of the Chancellor on such appeal shall be final: Provided also that the powers vested under this sub-section shall not be exercised to revise the pay scale of University employees or to grant affiliation to a college or a course of instruction and if in the exercise of the powers under this sub-section statutes or regulations are framed, they shall be subject to the approval of the Chancellor under the relevant provisions of this Act. (6) Subject to the provisions of the preceding sub-sections, the Vice-Chancellor shall give effect to the orders of the Management Council regarding the appointment, suspension and dismissal of officers, teachers and other employees of the University. (7) The Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible for proper administration of the University and for a close co-ordination and integration of teaching, research and extension education. (8) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes and Regulations. (9) Sanction for travel of officers of the University outside the State and abroad in connection with the activities of the University under quarterly report to the Board of Management subject to allocation of budget. (10) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the appointing authority for all, contractual staff of the research projects under intimation and report to Board of Management. 14. The Registrar.—(1) The Registrar shall be a full time salaried Officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the Board of Management. 19 (2) The Registrar shall be an academician in the rank of Professor having total service of twenty years in a recognized University, preferably in Veterinary Science, Dairy Science or related animal or biological Science; or a practitioner of Veterinary or animal sciences having post graduate degree in management or Ph.D with twenty years of experience altogether. (3) The Registrar shall be the Chief Administrative Officer and the Vigilance Officer of the University. He shall work under the Supervision, direction and control of the Vice-Chancellor. (4) The appointment of the Registrar shall be for a term of five years and he shall be eligible for reappointment. (5) When the office of the Registrar falls vacant, or when 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 six months, the Vice-Chancellor shall appoint a suitable person to officiate as the Registrar until a new Registrar is appointed and assume office or the Registrar resumes duty, as the case may be. (6) The Registrar shall act as Member Secretary of the Management Council, Board of Management, Academic Council and such other Authorities, Bodies and Committees as provided by or under this Act and Statutes. (7) The Registrar shall be the appointing and disciplinary authority of the employees of the University other than the teachers, non-vocation Academic Staff and Officers of and 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. (8) Subject to the decisions of the authorities of the University, the Registrar shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University. (9) The Registrar shall be the custodian of records, common seal and such other property of the University as the Management Council or the Board of Management may, entrust to him. (10) The Registrar shall conduct elections to different bodies of the University as per the programme approved by the Vice-Chancellor. 20 (11) The Registrar shall prepare and update a handbook of the Statutes and Regulations approved by the authorities, bodies or committees from time to time, and make them available to all the respective members of the authorities and officers of the University and also make available for sale through the publication Bureau. (12) The Registrar shall receive complaints and suggestions in regard to the improvement of administration of the University and consider them for appropriate action. (13) The Registrar shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as provided by or under this Act or as may be prescribed by Statutes or assigned to him, from time to time, by the Vice-Chancellor. 15. The Finance Officer.—(1) The Finance Officer shall be a full-time salaried officer of the University appointed by the Vice-Chancellor. (2) The Finance Officer shall hold office for a period of three years and shall be eligible for reappointment for a further period of three years: Provided that a person appointed as the Finance Officer shall retire from office, if during the term of his office, he attains the age of superannuation as per the terms and conditions of his appointment. (3) The salary and allowances payable to, and other conditions of service of, the Finance Officer shall be such as may be prescribed. (4) The Finance Officer shall manage the property and investments of the University, and advise in regard to its financial policy. He shall be responsible for all matters relating to the accounts of the University including the preparation of the annual financial estimates and the annual accounts and the balance sheet. (5) The Finance Officer shall,— (a) watch the progress of the collection of revenue and advise on the methods of collection employed; (b) keep a constant watch on the cash and bank balances and of investments; (c) ensure that no expenditure not authorized in the financial estimates as approved by the Management Council, is incurred by the University; 21 (d) disallow any expenditure not warranted by the terms of any Statute or for which provision is required to be made by a Statute but has not been made; (e) bring to the notice of the Vice-Chancellor any unauthorized expenditure or other financial irregularities and suggest appropriate action to be taken against persons at fault; (f) ensure that the registers of buildings, land, furniture and equipment are maintained up-to-date and that stock checking is conducted in respect of equipments and other consumable materials in all offices, laboratories, colleges and institutions maintained by the University; (g) call from any office, laboratory, college or institution maintained by the University, any information or returns as he may consider necessary for the exercise of his powers, performance of his functions or discharge of his duties. (6) When the office of the Finance Officer is vacant or when he is by illness or absence or any other cause is unable to exercise the powers, perform the functions and discharge the duties of his office, the powers, functions and duties of the Finance Officer shall be exercised, performed and discharged by such person as the Vice- Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. 16. Appointment, Powers and functions of Finance Officer.—(1) (i) The Finance Officer shall be the principal Finance, Accounts and Audit Officer of the University. The Finance Officer shall be a full-time salaried officer and shall work directly under the Supervision and control of the Vice-Chancellor; (ii) The Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor either by direct recruitment or on deputation and in case of direct recruitment, the Finance Officer shall be appointed on the recommendation of the selection committee constituted for this purpose, as may be prescribed by the Statutes; (iii) The qualifications, salary and other conditions of service of the Finance Officer appointed on direct recruitment shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) The Finance Officer shall be the Convenor of the Finance Council and shall have the right to be present, speak and otherwise take part in the proceedings of the Management Council or Board of Management on matters which have financial implications but shall not be entitled to vote. 22 (3) The Finance Officer shall maintain minutes of the meetings of Finance Committee and the sub-committees appointed by the Finance Council. (4) The Finance Officer shall responsible for preparation and presenting of the annual budget, Statement of accounts and audit reports, to the Finance Council. (5) The Finance Officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 17. Director of Academics and Research.—(1) There shall be a Director of Academics and Research, who shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the Board of Management. He shall be a full-time salaried officer of the University. (2) The qualification and other conditions of service of the Director of Academics and Research appointed under sub-section (1) shall be such as may be prescribed by Statutes. (3) The Director of Academics and Research shall be responsible for the academic activities of the University with regard to admissions, examinations, declaration of results, Academic Council, Board of Studies. He shall be responsible for application of information technology in the University activities such as development of software, client network connectivity, preparation of database etc. (4) The Director of Academics and Research shall be responsible for direction and co-ordination of research programmes and for the efficient working of the research stations. He shall prepare externally aided research projects, collaborative research activities, revolving fund projects. 18. The Director of Entrepreneurship.—(1) There shall be a Director of Entrepreneurship who shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the Board of Management. He shall be a full-time salaried officer of the University. (2) The qualifications and other conditions of service of the Director appointed under sub-section (1) shall be such as may be prescribed by statutes. (3) The Director of Entrepreneurship shall be responsible for the Veterinary extension education programmes, training, distance education, media, information dissemination and publications and student welfare. 23 19. The Deans of Faculties.—(1) There shall be a Dean for each constituent college who shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the Management Council. The senior most Dean shall be designated as the Faculty Dean. (2) The Dean shall be a full-time salaried officer of the University. (3) The qualification and other conditions of service shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (4) The Faculty Dean shall be the Chairman of the Board of Studies of the Faculty or Faculties under him. CHAPTER V AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY 20. Authorities of the University.—The following shall be the Authorities of the University, namely:— (i) The Management Council; (ii) The Board of Management; (iii) Academic Council; (iv) Research Council; (v) Extension Council; (vi) Finance Council; (vii) Board of Studies; (viii) Faculty Research Committee; (ix) Project Co-ordination Committee; and such other bodies of the University as may be designated by Statutes to be the authorities of the University. 21. The Management Council.—The Management Council shall consist of the following members, namely:— 1. Ex-officio members (i) The Chancellor; (ii) The Pro-Chancellor; 24 (iii) Member of Parliament representing the Constituency where the University Headquarters is located; (iv) Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Constituency where the Headquarters of the University is situated; (v) The Vice-Chancellor; (vi) The Secretary to Government (Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department); (vii) The Secretary to Government (Finance Department) or an officer not below the rank of Additional Secretary appointed by him; (viii) Secretary to Government Law Department or an Additional Secretary nominated by him; (ix) Director of Animal Husbandry Department; (x) Director of Dairy Development Department; (xi) One nominee of Indian Council of Agricultural Research not below the rank of Deputy Director General: (xii) One nominee of the Veterinary Council of India; (xiii) Deans of Faculties; (xiv) Directors of Academics and Research and Entrepreneurship; (xv) President, Kerala State Veterinary Council; (xvi) Director of Agriculture; (xvii) Director of Employment and Training; (xviii) Director of Centre for Development Studies; (xix) The Registrar, who shall be the Member-Secretary of the Management Council. 2. Elected members (i) Two members elected according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote by the members of the Legislative Assembly from among themselves of whom one shall be a Member belonging to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe; (ii) One member elected by the students elected according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote from among the regular students of the University; 25 (iii) Three members elected by the teachers of the University from among themselves according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote; (iv) One member elected from non-teaching staff elected according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote; (v) One member from the permanent labourers of the University elected according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. 3. Members nominated by the Chancellor: (i) Two eminent Scientists in the field of Veterinary and Animal Science from the University or within Kerala; (ii) Two progressive livestock or poultry farmers, of whom one shall be a woman. 22. The term of the Management Council.—(1) The term of office of the members of the Management Council other than ex-officio members shall be three years or as prescribed in the Statutes: Provided that the term of office of any member nominated to fill a casual vacancy shall be the residuary term of his predecessor. (2) One fourth of the total number of members of the Management Council shall form the quorum for a meeting of the Management Council. The Vice-Chancellor may, whenever he thinks fit and shall upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than one fourth of the total number of members of the Management Council convene a special meeting of the Management Council. When a special meeting, is convened on requisition, no subject other than that shown in the requisition shall be considered in that meeting. (3) The manner and method of constitution of the Management Council and election of the members and the term of members shall be such as may be prescribed in the Statutes. (4) The members of the council shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration from the University except such daily and traveling allowances as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 26 (5) Every person who cease to be a member of the council by reason of the operation of this Act shall cease to be a member of the other authorities of the University of which he may happen to be a member by virtue of his membership of the Board. (6) Any member nominated to the Management Council shall be liable to be removed from such membership at any time by the Chancellor on the ground of misbehavior, misconduct or otherwise after holding an enquiry. (7) The Management Council shall meet at least four times a year. The duration between two consecutive meetings shall not exceed three months. The Vice-Chancellor may in case of urgency convene special meetings. The dates for the meeting of the Management Council shall be fixed by the Vice-Chancellor and one of such meetings shall be called the annual meeting. (8) The Chancellor or the Government may, by order, direct to hold the meetings to discuss such terms of reference as may be specified by them and the Vice- Chancellor shall comply with such directions. (9) No member nominated or elected in his capacity as a member of a particular body or as the holder of a particular office shall hold office for a period longer than three months alter he ceased to be such member or holder of such office, unless in the meanwhile he again becomes a member of that body or the holder of that office. (10) Where an elected or nominated member of the management council is appointed temporarily to any office by virtue of which he is entitled to be a member of the management council ex-officio he shall cease to be such elected or nominated member, as the case may be. (11) A member of the board other than an ex-officio member may tender resignation of his membership at any time before the expiry of the term of his office. Such resignation shall be conveyed to the Chancellor by a letter in writing by the member and the resignation shall take effect from the date of its acceptance by the Chancellor. 23. Powers and duties of the Management Council.—(1) The Management Council shall be the supreme authority of the University and shall have the power to review the actions of the Board of Management and the Academic Council save where the Board of Management and the Academic Council as provided in accordance with the 27 powers conferred upon it under this Act, the Statutes, the Ordinances or the Regulations and shall exercise all the powers of the University not otherwise provided for by this Act or the Statutes. (2) The Management Council shall exercise and discharge the following powers and duties, namely:— (a) to make, amend or repeal statutes, either on its own motion or on the motion of the Board of Management; (b) to approve the financial estimates of the University submitted by the Vice-Chancellor; (c) to hold and to control the property and funds of the University and issue any general or special instructions on behalf of the University; (d) to accept the transfer and to dispose of any movable or immovable property on behalf of the University; (e) to administer public and private funds placed at the disposal of, and accepted by, the University for specific purposes; (f) to appoint the officers, teachers and other employees of the University in the prescribed manner and to approve appointments made by the Vice-Chancellor; (g) to direct the form and use of the common seal of the University; (h) to appoint such committees whether standing or temporary, as it may deem necessary for the proper functioning of the University; (i) with the approval of the Government, to borrow, on the security of the property of the University or otherwise, money for the purposes of the University; (j) to meet at such time and in such places as it deems necessary: Provided that one ordinary meeting shall be held every quarter, and at least one half of its ordinary meetings shall be held at the seat of the University; (k) to regulate and determine all matters concerning the University in accordance with this Act, Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and to exercise such powers and to discharge such duties as may be conferred or assigned to it by this Act and the Statutes. 28 (l) to determine what degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions shall be granted by the University; (m) to cancel or amend any Ordinances passed by the Board of Management or any Regulation passed by the Academic Council; (n) to institute fellowships, scholarships, studentships, bursaries, medals and prizes and to organize exhibitions in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (o) to institute teaching or research post as it may deem necessary; (p) to prescribe the terms and conditions of service of the employees of the University: (q) to regulate emoluments and prescribe the duties and conditions of teachers; (r) to cancel any degree or diploma or title or any other distinction granted to any person in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes; (s) to appoint committees and to delegate to them such functions of the Management Council as it may deem fit; (t) to form policies relating to Statutes and Ordinances; (u) to make financial provision for the instruction, teaching, research, advancement and dissemination of knowledge in such branches of learning and course of study as determined by the Academic Council; (v) to accept on behalf of the University, trust, bequest, donation etc.; (w) to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or assigned, to it by this Act or the Statutes. 24. The Board of Management.—(1) The Board of Management shall consist of the following members, namely:— (i) The Vice Chancellor; (ii) The Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department; (iii) The Secretary to Government, Finance Department; 29 (iv) The Secretary to Government, Law Department or one Additional Secretary nominated by him; (v) One member representing the Indian Council for Agricultural Research in the Management Council; (vi) One Dean of Faculty elected by the Management Council; (vii) One member elected from among the teachers in the Management Council, by the Management Council; (viii) Three non-official members of the Management Council elected by the Management Council of whom one shall be a member belonging to a scheduled caste or scheduled tribe and one shall be a woman; (ix) Two members of the Legislative Assembly of which one shall be representing to Constituency where the headquarters of the University is situated; (x) One nominee of Veterinary Council of India; (xi) the Registrar, who shall be the Member-Secretary. 25. Term of office of members of the Board of Management.—(1) The term of office of members of the Board of Management, other than ex-officio members shall be three years. (2) The Board of Management shall meet at least four times a year. The duration between two consequent meetings shall not exceed three months. (3) The manner and method of constitution of the Board of Management, nomination and the term of the members shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (4) Quorum for meeting of the Board of Management shall be one fourth of the members of the Board of Management. 26. Powers and duties of Board of Management.—(1) The Board of Management shall be the Chief Executive Body of the University and subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, the executive powers of the University including the general superintendence and control over the institutions of the University shall be vested in the Board of Management. 30 (2) The Board of Management shall have the power,— (i) to make, amend or repeal Ordinances; (ii) to arrange for and direct the inspection of colleges, hostels and other institutions; (iii) to hold control and administer the properties and funds of the University; (iv) to establish, maintain and manage colleges and institutions of research and other institutions of the higher learning as it may, from time to time, deem necessary; (v) to appoint teachers and other employees of the University and prescribe their duties; (vi) to enter into contract on behalf of the University; (vii) to create administrative, ministerial and other necessary posts; (viii) to suspend, discharge, dismiss or otherwise take any disciplinary action against the teachers and other employees of the University after giving them reasonable opportunity to defend their position; (ix) to award fellowships, scholarships and studentships; (x) to exercise supervision and control over the residence and discipline of students; (xi) to consider the financial estimate of the University and submit them to the management council in accession with the provisions of the statutes made in this behalf; (xii) to conduct University examinations and approve and publish the results thereof; (xiii) to appoint members of the boards of studies; (xiv) to approve panel of examiners and fix their remuneration; (xv) to delegate any of its powers to the Vice-Chancellor or to a committee appointed from among its members; 31 (xvi) to withhold or cancel the results of any candidate at any University examination; (xvii) to accept endowments, bequest, donations and transfers of any movable or immovable properties to the University on its behalf, provided all such endowments, bequest, donations and transfers shall be reported to the Management Council at its next meeting; (xviii) to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this Act, the Statutes and Ordinances; and (xix) to exercise such powers prescribed by the Veterinary Council of India. 27. The Academic Council.—(1) The Academic Council shall be in charge of the academic affairs of the University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, superintend, direct and control, and be responsible for, the maintenance of standards of instruction, education and examinations and other matters connected with the conferment of degrees or award of diplomas, and shall exercise such other powers and discharge such other duties as may be conferred or assigned to it by the Statutes. (2) Academic Council shall consist of the following members, namely:— Ex officio members: (i) The Vice-Chancellor, Ex-officio Chairperson; (ii) The Directors of, (a) Academics and Research; (b) Entrepreneurship; (iii) The Director of Animal Husbandry, Government of Kerala or his nominee; (iv) the Director of Dairy Development Department or his nominee; (v) Deans of the constituent colleges; (vi) The Registrar, who shall be the Member-Secretary. Other members: (i) Not more than two Heads of the Department nominated by the Vice- Chancellor from each faculty on rotation basis; 32 (ii) One person having special knowledge or practical experience in different aspects of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, from outside the University, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (iii) One eminent Educationist from outside the University nominated by the Chancellor; (iv) One member from among the staff of the research stations of the University nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (v) One Teacher from each faculty elected by the teachers from among themselves; (vi) One member elected themselves from among the postgraduate/research students elected in such manner as may be prescribed by the statutes. (3) Members of the Academic Council other than the ex officio members shall hold office for a term of three years. (4) Any member nominated to the Academic Council shall be liable to be removed from such membership at any time by the Vice-Chancellor on the ground of misbehavior, misconduct or otherwise, after holding an enquiry. (5) One third of the members of the Academic Council shall form quorum at a meeting of the Academic Council: Provided that if a meeting of the Academic Council is adjourned for want of quorum, no quorum shall be necessary at the next meeting for transaction of the same business. (6) The members of the Academic Council shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration from the University except such daily and travelling allowances as may be prescribed by the Statutes: Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall preclude any member from drawing his normal emoluments to which he is entitled by virtue of the office he holds. (7) The Academic Council shall meet at least once in every four months on such date as may be fixed by the Vice-Chancellor. However, special meeting of the Academic Council may be called by the Vice-Chancellor. 33 (8) A member of the Academic Council, other than an ex-officio member, may tender resignation of his membership at any time before the expiry of the term of his office. Such resignation shall be conveyed to the Chancellor by a letter in writing by the member and the resignation shall lake effect from the date of its acceptance by the Chancellor. 28. Powers and Functions of the Academic Council.—(1) The Academic Council shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes have power, to make regulations for specifying all courses of study and determining curricula, and shall have general control on teaching and other educational programmes within the University, and be responsible for the maintenance of standards thereof. (2) The Academic Council shall have power to make Regulations consistent with this Act and the Statutes relating to all academic matters subject to its control and to amend or repeal such regulations. (3) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the Academic Council shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions, namely:— (i) to advise the Board of Management and Vice-Chancellor on all academic matters including the control and management of libraries; (ii) to make recommendations for the institution of Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships and other posts including posts in research and extension education and in regard to the duties thereof; (iii) to make recommendations for the constitution or reconstitution of department or faculties of teaching, research and extension education; (iv) to make regulations regarding admission of students to the Universities and determine the number of students to be admitted; (v) to make regulations relating to the courses of study leading to degrees, diplomas and certificates; (vi) to make regulations relating to the conduct of examinations and to maintain and improve standard of education; (vii) to make recommendations to the Board regarding conferment of honorary degree; 34 (viii) to make recommendations regarding the qualifications to be prescribed for teachers in the University; (ix) to exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be conferred or assigned to it by or under the provisions of this Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations; (4) to advise the University on all academic matters including the control and management of libraries; and (5) to make recommendations regarding post graduate teaching, research and extension education. 29. Research Council.—(1) There shall be a Research Council consisting of— (i) the Vice-Chancellor, (ii) Deans of the constituent colleges, (iii) two Directors or eminent scientists from the Research Institutes within or outside Kerala; and (iv) two Department heads from each college. (2) The members of the Research Council shall be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor in consultation with the Management Council. (3) There shall be a Director of Research, appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the Convenor of the Research Council. (4) The duties of the Research Council shall be as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (5) The term of the Research Council shall be three years or as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 30. The Finance Council.—(1) The Finance Council shall consist of following members, namely:— (i) the Vice-Chancellor; (ii) the Registrar; (iii) the Finance Officer; (iv) two members elected by Management Council members from amongst themselves; 35 (2) The powers and functions of the Finance Council shall be,— (i) to prepare the budget estimate of the University and to review the accounts of expenditure and to make recommendations to the Management Council; (ii) to consider and make recommendations to the Management Council on the proposals for new expenditure on major works and purchases; (iii) to scrutinise re-appropriation statements and audit notes and make recommendations to the Management Council; (iv) to review the finance of the University and to suggest concurrent audit conducted wherever necessary; (v) to give advice and make recommendations to the Management Council on any other financial question affecting the affairs of the University. (3) The term of the Finance Council shall be three years or as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 31. Extension Council.—(1) There shall be an Extension Council for the University and it shall consist of the following members, namely:— (i) The Vice-Chancellor; (ii) The Registrar; (iii) Director of Entrepreneurship; (iv) Head of the Department of Extension; (v) Representative of Institute of Management in Government or such other institutions like Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode; and (vi) Two members elected by Management Council members from amongst themselves. (2) The powers and functions of the Extension Council shall be,— (i) to undertake the extension activities of the University; (ii) to re-orient teaching and revise the syllabus to give further impetus for productivity in this sector; 36 (iii) to ensure the services of the teachers and scientists for developing viable enterprises to increase productivity; (iv) to integrate teaching, research and entrepreneurship activities of the University in consultation with the teachers, scientists, field department officers and farmers; (v) to ensure the exchange experience of teaching, research and entrepreneurship by deploying the teachers to each field on rotation; (vi) to conduct demonstrations and training programmes for the benefit of various stakeholders; (vii) to co-ordinate entrepreneurship programmes in consultation with various units of the University and other appropriate agencies of the Centre and the State; and (viii) to develop models of Entrepreneurship in the livestock and allied sector in the State. (3) The term of Extension Council shall be three years or as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 32. Board of Studies.—(1) There shall be a Board of Studies for every subject or group of subjects, as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) The Board of Studies shall consist of,— (a) the Head of the University department or institution in the relevant subject: Provided that, where there is no University department in the subject the Board shall at its first meeting co-opt the Head of the Department from an affiliated college having post-graduate teaching experience in that subject; (b) Six Heads of Department in affiliated colleges, other than Principals having not less than ten years teaching experience, elected by the Heads of departments in affiliated colleges from among themselves. (3) The Board of Studies at its first meeting shall co-opt,— 37 (a) two post-graduate teachers having not less than ten years teaching experience from among the teachers of affiliated Colleges, one of them preferably woman; (b) two eminent persons who are,— (i) either Professors or Associate Professors in other Universities; or (ii) persons with relevant experience of not less than ten years in national laboratories or research institution or recongised institutions; or (iii) experts in related field having published,— (a) at least one book in the relevant subject; or (b) research paper in recognized national or international journal. (4) The Chairperson shall be elected by the members of the Board from among themselves. 33. Powers and functions of the Board of Studies.—The Board of Studies shall have the following powers and functions, namely:— (a) to recommend, upon reference to it by the Board of Management, Academic Council or the faculty concerned or otherwise, the Courses of studies, the subject or group of subjects within its purview; (b) to recommend books, including text-books, supplementary reading and reference books and other material for such courses of study; (c) to advice the Faculty or Faculties concerned regarding improvements in the courses of study; (d) to recommend names of suitable persons to the Board of Examinations for inclusion in the panels for appointment of paper-setters and examiners at the University examination in the subject; (e) to recommend to the Board of Examinations, names of persons suitable for appointment as examiners or evaluators for evaluation of thesis and dissertations and for conduct of viva-voce examination, wherever prescribed, for awarding post- graduate doctorate and higher degrees; (f) to suggest organization of orientation and refresher courses in the subject; 38 (g) to prepare requirements in respect of teaching of the subject at various levels in respect of teachers and their qualifications, library, laboratory and hospital equipment and consumables for use in the laboratory and recommend the same to the planning committee for formulating the norms and requirements for granting affiliations to colleges and for granting recognition to institutions by the University. (2) The term of Board of Studies shall be three years or as may be prescribed in the Statutes. 34. Faculty Research Committee.—There shall be a Faculty Research committee in each faculty. The member of the committee will be decided by the Dean of the faculty. The constitution and powers of the Faculty Research committee shall be as prescribed by the Statutes. 35. Project Co-ordination Committee.—There shall be a Project Co-ordination Committee in each faculty. The member of the committee will be decided by the Dean of the faculty. The constitution and powers of the Project Co-ordination Committee shall be as prescribed by the Statutes. 36. Students Council.—There shall be a Students Council in each faculty. The members of the council will be decided by the Dean of the faculty. The constitution and powers of the Students council shall be as prescribed by the Statutes. 37. The Faculties.—(1) The University shall have the following faculties, namely:— (i) Veterinary and Animal Science; and (ii) Dairy Science. (2) Each faculty shall have a Dean who shall be appointed in such manner as may be prescribed. (3) The Dean shall be the chairman of the faculty or faculties under him and shall be responsible for the observance of Statutes, Ordinances and the Regulations relating to such faculty or faculties and for organisation and conduct of teaching, research and extension work of the departments comprised therein. (4) Each faculty shall comprise such departments and with such assignments of subjects of study as may be prescribed. 39 (5) Each department shall have a head whose appointment, powers and duties shall be such as may be prescribed and who shall be responsible to the Dean for the proper organisation and working of the department. (6) The head of a department shall also be responsible to the Director of Academic and Research and Director of Entrepreneurship. (7) The constitution and functions of the faculties shall, in all other aspects, be such as may be prescribed. 38. Constitution of other authorities.—The Management Council may constitute such other authorities of the University as may be necessary in the manner prescribed in the Statutes. CHAPTER VI UNIVERSITY FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS 39. University General Funds.—(1) The University shall have a general fund to which shall be credited: (i) all grants, loans received from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research or the Central Government or State Government, University Grants Commission or like authority or any local authority or any corporation owned or controlled by such Government; (ii) the income received by the University from fees, charges, consultancies etc.; (iii) any bequeaths, donations, endowments or other grants made by private individuals or institutions; (iv) any contributions or endowments from foreign Governments or any foreign institutions or companies subject to any law for the time being in force; (v) the amounts received from any other source. (2) The fund shall be kept in a Scheduled Bank as defined in the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (Central Act 2 of 1934) or in a corresponding new bank constituted under Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 (Central Act 5 of 1970) or may be invested in securities authorized by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (Central Act 2 of 1882), as may be decided by the Management Council. 40 (3) The fund shall be employed for any of the purposes of the University in the manner prescribed by the Statutes. (4) The funds and all money of the University shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed. 40. Pension and Provident Fund.—(1) The University shall constitute, for the benefit of its employees, such pension, gratuity and provident fund schemes, as it may deem fit, in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the statutes. (2) Where any pension fund or provident fund has been constituted by the University for the benefit of its officers, teachers or employees, the Government may declare that the provisions of the Provident Fund Act, 1925 (Central Act 19 of 1925) shall apply to such fund as if it were a Government Provident Fund. 41. Other Funds.—The University may have such other funds as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 42. Government Grants.—(1) The University shall receive as grant-in-aid for its maintenance such sums provided by the State Government in the State's annual budget, subject to such conditions as may be fixed by the State Government from time to time. (2) The State Government may, pay to the University such other grants, subject to such conditions as they may think fit, for specific purposes. (3) The University shall furnish to the State Government such statements, accounts, reports and other particulars, as it may require before any grant is made by it, and the University shall take such action and furnish such statements, accounts, reports and other particulars relating to the utilization of any grant, within such time and in such manner as the State Government may direct. (4) It shall be competent for the University in furtherance of its objects to accept grants from the Government of Kerala or any other State Government or the Central Government or Statutory Bodies and endowments or donations under such conditions as may be agreed upon between the University and the grantor or donor. 43. Financial Estimates.—(1) The Vice-Chancellor shall cause to be prepared on or before such date as may be prescribed the financial estimates of the University for the ensuing year and submit the same to the Management Council for approval. 41 (2) The Management Council may approve the financial estimates subject to such modifications as it deems fit and no expenditure shall be incurred except in accordance with the financial estimates as approved by the Management Council: Provided that, the Vice-Chancellor may in case of urgency and for reasons to be recorded in writing incur any expenditure not exceeding rupees ten lakhs in any one case for which no provision is made in the budget or which is in excess of the provisions made in the budget without reference to the Finance Committee, but such expenditure shall be reported at the next earliest meeting of the Finance Committee. 44. Accounts and Auditing.—(1) The annual accounts and the balance sheet of the University shall be prepared by the finance officer under the direction of the Vice- Chancellor and all moneys accruing to, or received by, the University, from whatever source and all amounts disbursed or paid by the University shall be entered in the accounts. (2) The annual accounts and the balance sheet shall be submitted by the Vice- Chancellor to the Government, which shall cause an audit to be carried out by such persons as it may appoint in this behalf. The accounts when audited shall be printed and copies thereof, together with the audit report, shall be presented by the Vice- Chancellor to the Management Council and the Chancellor. 1[(3) The Management Council shall submit a copy of the annual accounts and the audit report to the Government along with a statement of action taken by the University on the audit report for the financial year ending on 31 st March of the year, on or before the 30th day of September of the succeeding year, and on such receipt the Government shall immediately cause the same to be laid before the Legislative Assembly if it is in session, and if it is not in session, in the next session immediately following such receipt.] 45. Power of the State Government to order Audit.—The State Government shall have power, at any time, to order an audit of the accounts of the University by such auditors as it may direct,— (i) to review the financial position of the University from time to time; (ii) to make recommendations to the Board of Management on all matters relating to finance to the University; 1 Substituted by Act 33 of 2024 (w.e.f 20-11-2024). 42 (iii) to make recommendations to the Board of Management on all proposals involving expenditure for which no provision has been made in the budget or which involves expenditure in excess of the amount provided in the budget. 46. Annual report.—(1) The Annual report of the University shall be prepared and published by the University and such report as approved by the Board of Management shall be submitted to the Chancellor, the Government and the Management Council. The Management Council shall take appropriate action on the recommendations of the Board of Management and report the action taken to the Board of Management. (2) The Government shall cause the same to be laid on the table of the Legislative Assembly. 47. University Appellate Tribunal.—(1) The Government shall constitute an Appellate Tribunal for the purposes of this Act. (2) The Appellate Tribunal shall be a Judicial Officer not below the rank of a District Judge nominated by the Chancellor in consultation with the High Court. (3) The term of office of the Appellate Tribunal shall be three years from the date of its nomination. (4) The Appellate Tribunal shall have the power to make regulations consistent with the provisions of this Act, with the previous sanction of the Government for regulating its procedure and disposal of its business. The regulations so made shall be published in the Gazette. (5) The remuneration and other conditions of service of the Appellate Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 48. Bar of Jurisdiction of Civil Courts.—No Civil Court shall have jurisdiction to settle, decide or deal with any question or to determine any matter which is by or under this Act required to be settled, decided or dealt with or to be determined by any authority or person under this Act. CHAPTER VII STATUTES, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS 43 49. Statutes.—Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Management Council shall have, in addition to all other power vested in it, the power to make Statutes which provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:— (i) the constitution, conduct of election or nomination, powers, functions and duties of the authorities of the University; (ii) the appointment and continuance in office of the members of the authorities or bodies of the University including the continuing in office of the first members and the filling up of vacancies and all other matters relating to those authorities and bodies, for which it may be necessary or desirable to provide; (iii) the designation, the manner of appointment, the qualification for the posts the powers and the duties of the officers of the University; (iv) method of recruitment of teachers and other employees in the University and the teachers of the affiliated colleges; (v) the powers and duties of the officers, teachers and other employees of the University; (vi) the constitution of pension fund, gratuity fund and provident fund; (vii) the holding of convocation and conferment of honorary degrees; (viii) the institution of degrees and diplomas; (ix) conferment of honorary degrees; (x) the establishment, amalgamation, sub-division and abolition of divisions; (xi) the establishment and abolition of hostels maintained by the University; (xii) the institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentship-bursaries, medals and prizes; (xiii) the maintenance of a register of registered graduates; (xiv) the admission of students to the University and their enrolment and continuance as such; (xv) the courses of study to be laid down for degrees and diplomas of the University; 44 (xvi) the conditions under which students shall be admitted to the degree, diploma or other courses, and to the examinations of the University and the eligibility for the conferment of degrees and award of diplomas; (xvii) the conditions of residence of the students of the University and the levying of fees for residence in hostels maintained by the University; (xviii) the recognition and supervision of hostels not maintained by the University; (xix) the number, qualifications, emoluments and other conditions of service of officers, teachers and other employees of the University and the preparation and the maintenance of records of their services and activities; (xx) the fees which may be charged by the University for any purpose; (xxi) the conditions and the mode of appointment and the duties of the examining bodies, examiners and moderators; (xxii) the conduct of examinations; (xxiii) the remuneration and allowances including travelling and daily allowances, to be paid to persons employed on the business of the University; (xxiv) the conditions for the award of fellowships, scholarships, medals and prizes, stipends and fee concessions; and (xxv) any matter as may be prescribed by Statutes or which is necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act. 50. Procedure for making Statutes.—(1) The Statutes shall be made, amended or repealed by the Management Council in the manner hereinafter provided. (2) The Management Council shall take into consideration the draft of the Statute, its repeal and amendment moved by the Academic Council: Provided that the Academic Council shall not propose the draft of any Statute or any amendment to or of repeal of a Statute, relating to the matters other than the academic affairs: Provided also that the Academic Council shall not propose the draft of any Statute or any amendment to or of repeal of a Statute on powers or constitution of any authority or body of the University until such authority or body has been given an 45 opportunity to express its opinion upon the proposal, and any opinion so expressed shall be considered by the Management Council. (3) The Management Council may approve any such draft referred to in sub- section (2) and pass the Statute or reject it or return it to the Academic Council for reconsideration, either in whole or in part, together with any amendments which it may suggest. (4) Any member of the Management Council may propose to the Management Council the draft of any Statute and the Management Council may either accept or reject the proposal if it relates to a matter not falling within the purview of the Academic Council. In case such a draft relates to a matter within the purview of the Academic Council, the Management Council shall refer it for consideration to the Academic Council, which may either report to the Management Council that it does not approve the draft, or submit the draft to the Management Council in such form as the Academic Council may approve and the Management Council may either pass, with or without amendment or reject the draft. (5) A Statute passed by the Management Council shall be submitted to the Chancellor who may assent thereto or withhold his assent. No Statute passed by the Management Council shall come into force until assented to by the Chancellor. 51. Ordinances.—Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and Ordinances, the Board of Management shall have power to make Ordinances providing for all or any of the following matters,— (i) the levy of fees in colleges and other institutions by the University; (ii) the work load and pattern of teaching staff in colleges; (iii) the fixation of scales of pay of various posts in the University and the terms and conditions of service of officers of the University; (iv) the residence and discipline of students; and (v) any matter as may be prescribed by Ordinances or which is necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act. 52. Procedure for making Ordinances.—(1) The Board of Management may make, amend or repeal Ordinances in the manner hereinafter provided,— 46 (i) No Ordinance concerning the matter connected with the maintenance of standards of teaching and examination shall made by the Board of Management unless a draft thereof has been considered by the Academic Council. (ii) The Board of Management shall not have the power to amend any draft proposed by the Academic Council under clause (i) above but may return to the Academic Council for reconsideration together with any amendments which the Board of Management may suggest. (iii) The Board of Management shall consider the draft of any Ordinance, amendment thereof or repeal proposed by any of its member. (iv) All Ordinances made by the Board of Management shall be submitted to the Chancellor who may assent thereto or withhold his assent. No Ordinance passed by the Board of Management shall come into force until assented to by the Chancellor. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act the first Statute and the first Ordinance shall be made by the Government. (3) All Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations made under this Act shall be published in the Gazette. 53. Regulations.—(1) The Authorities of the University may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make Regulations consistent with this Act and the Statutes and Ordinances. (2) Every Authority of the University shall make Regulations providing for the giving of notice to the members of such Authority of the dates of meetings and of the business to be considered at meetings and for keeping of a record of the proceedings of the meetings. (3) The Academic Council may, subject to the provisions of this Act, Statutes and Ordinances make Regulations providing for courses of study, system of examinations, and degrees and diplomas of the University after receiving drafts of the same from the Board of Studies concerned. (4) The Academic Council may not alter a draft received from the Board of Studies, but may reject the draft or return it to the Board of Studies for further consideration together with its suggestions. 47 (5) The Management Council may direct the amendment, in such manner as it may specify, of any Regulation made under this section or the annulment of any Regulation made under sub-section (1) by any Authority of the University. 54. Bye-laws.—Any authority of the University may, subject to the previous approval of the Management Council shall have the power to make bye-laws not inconsistent with this Act, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations for the guidance of Board of Management, Management Councils and other bodies constituted under the provisions of this Act, Statutes and Ordinances. CHAPTER VIII TRANSFER OF CERTAIN COLLEGES, INSTITUTIONS AND EMPLOYEES TO THE UNIVERSITY 55. Transfer of certain Colleges, Institutions and employees to the University.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Kerala Agricultural University Act, 1971 (Act 33 of 1971), the colleges, research stations; Veterinary hospitals and other institutions specified in the schedule, and the attached hostels and other buildings together with the articles of furniture, libraries, books, laboratory, stores, instruments, apparatus, appliances and equipments and all other property both movable and immovable owned and managed by the Kerala Agricultural University prior to the specified date, shall along with all the properties, assets, liabilities and obligations stand transferred to, and vest in the University. (2) The Government may, at any time after the commencement of this Act, transfer to the University any of their lands for its use on such terms and conditions as they deem proper. (3) The Government may, at any time after the specified date, transfer to the University, the control and management of any of their colleges or institutions on such terms and conditions as they deem proper. (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act relating to the establishment of a University in the State or in the Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and Order made thereunder on and from the specified date, the colleges or institutions referred to in sub-section (3) shall be disaffiliated from the University to which they were affiliated on the date immediately preceding such specified date and shall be deemed to be colleges or institutions affiliated to the University. 48 (5) Any student of a college or institution specified in sub-section (1), who was studying for any examination of the Kerala Agricultural University, prior to the specified date, shall be permitted to complete his course in preparation thereof, and the University shall make arrangements for holding for such students, examinations, for such period as may be prescribed in accordance with the curricula of students of the Kerala Agricultural University. (6) Every person employed by the Kerala Agricultural University, and serving in any of the colleges, research stations or institutions specified in sub- section (1) shall, based on their option, as from the specified date, be transferred to the University on the same conditions of service as were applicable to him before such transfer and continue to be governed by the same conditions of service unless and until such conditions are altered in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes and Ordinances: Provided that no such person who is deputed from the Government to Kerala Agricultural University, shall be transferred to the University, without the prior approval of the Government: Provided further that no person employed by the State but working in colleges, research stations or institutions mentioned in the Schedule shall be transferred to the University, unless the Government takes a decision on the status of his employment, and till then he shall continue to be governed by the conditions of service under which he was employed. CHAPTER IX GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM 56. Grievances Committee.—(1) There shall be a Grievances Committee in the University to deal with the grievances of teachers and other employees of the University, constituent colleges and institutions managed by the University, to hear and settle grievances as far as practicable within a reasonable period of not more than six months, and the Committee shall make a report to the Governing Council. (2) It shall be lawful for the Grievances Committee to entertain and consider grievances or complaints and report to the Board of Management for taking such action as it deems fit and the decisions of the Board of Management on such report shall be final. (3) The Grievances Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:— 49 (i) the Vice-Chancellor .. Chairperson ; (ii) two members of the Management Council elected by the members of the Management Council from among themselves .. Members; (iii) three members of Board of Management elected by the members of the Board of Management from among themselves .. Members; (iv) the Registrar .. Member-Secretary (4) The Registrar shall not have a right to vote. CHAPTER X APPOINTMENTS OF TEACHERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF 57. Appointment of teachers, officers and staff.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, Statutes and Ordinances, the members of the teaching staff of the University shall be appointed by the Board of management. (2) Except in cases otherwise provided for in this Act and Statutes, every salaried officer and teacher of the University shall be appointed under a written contract. (3) The contract shall be lodged with the Vice-Chancellor and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the officer or teacher concerned. (4) The contract shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Act and Statutes, Ordinances in relations to conditions of service. (5) The procedure for selection of officers, teachers and other employees of the University shall unless otherwise provided for in this Act be such as may be prescribed. (6) The normal retirement age of the Deans, Registrar, Directors, Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant-Professor shall be sixty years. 50 (7) The normal retirement age of officers of the University other than those specified in sub-section (6) shall be 1[fifty six years.] (8) Any dispute between any officer or teacher of the University and the University shall on the request of the University or the aggrieved person shall be referred to the Appellate Tribunal. 2[58. Reservation of appointments.—In making appointments to the teaching and non-teaching posts, the University shall, mutatis mutandis, observe the provisions of clauses (a), (b) and (c) of rule 14 and the provisions of rules 15, 16, 17 and 17 A of the Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules, 1958, as amended from time to time, and communal rotation shall be followed category-wise treating all the departments as one unit.] CHAPTER XI ENROLMENT, DEGREES AND CONVOCATIONS 59. Teaching, training and research.—All graduate or post-graduate instruction, teaching, training and research shall normally be conducted within the University, affiliated colleges and the recognised institutions in the manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 60. Enrolment of students.—A person to be enrolled as a student of the University shall possess such qualifications and fulfill such conditions as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 61. Disciplinary powers and discipline among students.—(1) All powers relating to discipline and disciplinary action in relation to the students of the University Departments and institutions and colleges, maintained by the University, shall vest in the Vice-Chancellor. (2) The Vice-Chancellor may, by order, delegate all or any of his powers under this Act as he deems fit, to such other officers or body as he may nominate or create in that behalf. 1. Substituted by Act 20 of 2013 (w.e.f. 26.03.2012). 2. Substituted by Act 10 of 2023 (w.e.f. 07.01.2023). 51 62. Conferring of degrees, diplomas and certificates.—(1) The Board of Management may institute and confer such degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions as may be recommended by the Academic Council. (2) The Board of Management may take a decision on the proposal of the Management Council provided that the Management Council shall not entertain or consider any proposal in that behalf without the Vice-Chancellor having obtained prior approval of the Chancellor. (3) The convocation of the University shall be held at least once during an academic year in the manner prescribed by Statutes for conferring degrees, post- graduate degree or diplomas or for any other purpose. 63. Registered graduates.—(1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the following persons shall be entitled to have their names entered in the register of registered graduates or deemed registered graduates, maintained by the University, namely:— (i) who are graduates of the University; (ii) who are graduates holding a degree in Veterinary and Animal Sciences or Dairy Science and Technology of any existing University in the State; (2) A person shall not be qualified to have his name entered in the register of graduates, if he,— (i) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent authority; (ii) is an undischarged insolvent; (iii) is convicted for an offence involving moral turpitude; (iv) is a registered graduate of any other University established by law in the State; (3) Every person who intends to be a registered graduate shall make an application to the Registrar in such form and make payment of such fees, as may be prescribed by the Statutes. The Registrar shall, after making such inquiry as he thinks fit, decide whether the person is entitled to be a registered graduate. (4) If any dispute arises as to whether a person is entitled to have his name entered in the register of graduates, it shall be decided by the Vice-Chancellor after 52 making or causing to be made such inquiry as he thinks fit and such decision shall be final. (5) The Chancellor may, on the recommendation of the Board of Management supported by a majority of not less than two-third of its members present at its meeting, such majority comprising not less than one-half of its members, remove the name of any person from the register of graduates for such period as the Chancellor thinks fit, if such person has been convicted by a court for any offence which, in the opinion of the Board of Management, is a serious offence involving moral turpitude. (6) No action under the above sub-section (5) shall be taken unless the person concerned is given an opportunity of being heard. CHAPTER XII MISCELLANEOUS 64. Vacating of Office.—Any member other than an ex-officio member, of any Authority or body of the University may resign his office, by a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor. Such resignation shall take effect immediately on its acceptance and communication to the concerned. 65. Duties of authorities.—(1) It shall be the duty of every authority or body or officer of the University 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 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 wilful neglect or default on its or his part, such damage 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 by the Statutes. 66. Chancellor to decide disputes.—If any question arises regarding the interpretation of any provision of this Act or of any Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations as to whether a person who has been duly elected or appointed or nominated or co- opted 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 53 the Vice-Chancellor to the Chancellor, who shall after taking such advice as deemed necessary, decide the question in consultation with the Government and such decision shall be final: Provided that such reference shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor to the Chancellor upon a requisition signed by not less than twenty-five members of the Board of Management. 67. Protection of acts done in good faith.—All acts done or orders 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 orders 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. 68. Delegation of power.—Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes, any officer or authority of the University may, by order, delegate any of its powers, except the power to make Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations to any other officer or authority of the University 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. 69. Proceedings of the University not to be invalidated.—No act or proceeding of the Management Council or the Board of Management, Academic Council or any other authority or any 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— (i) any of the members of any such authority, body or committee are not duly elected, appointed, nominated or co-opted 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; or (ii) there is any irregularity in the procedure of any such authority, body or committee not affecting the merits of the matter under consideration. 54 70. Duty of teachers, etc. in connection with University Examinations.—(1) It shall be the duty of a teacher or a member of the non-teaching staff of an affiliated college or an officer, teacher or other employee of the University to do any work in connection with an examination conducted by the University which he is required by the competent officer or authority of the University to do. (2) If any teacher or member of the non-teaching staff of a constituent college or any officer, teacher or other employee of the University refuses, without sufficient cause to the satisfaction of,— (i) in the case of a teacher or a member of the non-teaching staff of University, an officer not below the rank of Director of Academics, authorized by the Government in this behalf; and (ii) in the case of an officer, teacher or other employee of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, to do any work in connection with an examination conducted by the University, when required to do so by the competent officer or authority of the University, he shall without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against him, forfeit his pay and allowances for a period of two months commencing on the date of commencement of the examination. Explanation:—Failure to comply with the requisition of the competent officer or authority of the University shall be deemed to be refusal for the purposes of this sub- section. (3) An order of forfeiture under sub-section (2) shall be made,— (i) in the case of a teacher or a member of the non-teaching staff of an affiliated college, by the officer authorized under clause (i) of the said sub-section; and (ii) in the case of an officer, teacher or employee of the University, by the Vice-Chancellor. (4) No order of forfeiture shall be made under sub-section (2) without giving the person who may be affected thereby an opportunity of being heard. (5) Any person aggrieved by an order referred to in sub-section (2) may, within sixty days from the date on which a copy of such order is served on him, appeal to the Appellate Tribunal, and the Appellate Tribunal may, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard and after such further enquiry as may be necessary, pass such order thereon as it deems fit. 55 71. Proceedings of the Management Council, Board of Management and Academic Council.—The Registrar shall forward to the Government within one month of the date of any meeting of the Management Council or the Board of Management or Academic Council, copies of the proceedings of such meetings. 72. Power of Government to cause inspection of the University.—(1) The Government shall have the right to cause an inspection to be made by such person or persons as they may direct, of the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, hospitals and equipments and of any institutions maintained, recognized or approved by or affiliated to the University, and also of the work conducted by the University and to cause enquiry to be made in respect of any matter connected with the University. (2) The Government shall, before taking any action under sub-section (1), give notice to the University of their intention to cause such inspection or enquiry to be made and the University shall be entitled to be represented thereat. (3) The Government shall communicate to the Board of Management the result of any inspection or enquiry made under sub-section (1) and may after ascertaining the opinion of the Board of Management thereon convey their views to the Management Council and to the Board of Management. (4) The Government may after considering the views of the Management Council and the Board of Management on the result of any inspection or inquiry under sub-section (1) advise the University upon the action to be taken in the matter. (5) The Board of Management shall report to the Government the action, if any, which is proposed to be taken, or has been taken, upon the result of an inspection or inquiry under sub-section (1). (6) A report under sub-section (5) shall be submitted with the opinion of the Management Council thereon and within such time as the Government may direct. (7) Where the Management Council or the Board of Management does not, within a reasonable time, take any action referred to in sub-section (4) to the satisfaction of the Government, the Government may, after considering any explanation furnished or representation made, by the Management council or Board of Management in the matter, issue such directions as they may think fit, and the Management Council and the Board of Management shall comply with such directions. 56 73. Appointment of Commission to enquire into the working of University.—(1) The Government may at any time and shall, at the expiration of ten years from the date of commencement of this Act and thereafter at the expiration of every ten years, by order published in the Gazette, constitute a Commission which shall consist of a Chairman and such other members not exceeding five as the Government may appoint, to enquire into the working of the University and such order shall contain the procedure to be followed by the Commission. (2) The Commission constituted under sub-section (1) shall enquire into and report on— (i) the working of the University during the period to which the enquiry relates; (ii) the financial position of the University including the financial position of its colleges and departments; (iii) any change to be made in the provisions of this Act or the Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and Bye-laws with a view to bring about improvements in the affairs of the University; and (iv) 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 on the recommendations of the Commission under sub-section (2) the Government shall forthwith refer such reports and recommendations to the Board of Management for consideration and report. (4) Immediately after the Board of Management has considered the report and recommendations of the Commission and submitted its reports to the Government, the Government shall consider the report of the Board of Management and pass such orders thereon as they think fit and shall also cause the same to be published in the Gazette. 74. Powers of Government to make Rules.—(1) The Government may, by notification in the Gazette, make rules, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, for the purpose of exercising the power and discharging the duties conferred or imposed on the Government by this Act. (2) Every rule made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the Legislative Assembly while it is in session for a total period of fourteen days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and 57 if, before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following, the Legislative Assembly makes any modification in the rule or decides that the rule should not be made, the rules shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or, be of no effect, as the case may be, so however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. 75. All officers 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 (Central Act 45 of 1860). 76. Appointments to be notified.—The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the Finance Officer shall be notified by the University in the Gazette. 77. Removal of difficulties.—(1) If any difficulty arises as to the first constitution or reconstitution of any authority of the University or otherwise in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by order, do anything not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, which appears to them necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty: Provided that no order under this sub-section shall be issued by the Government after the expiry of a period of two years from the commencement of this Act. (2) Every order issued under sub-section (1) shall be laid as soon as may be after it is issued, before the Legislative Assembly while it is in session for a total period of fourteen days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid, or the session immediately following the Legislative Assembly makes any modification in the order or decides that the order should not be issued, the order shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that order. CHAPTER XIII TRANSITORY PROVISIONS 78. Transitory provisions.—(1) It shall be the duty of the first Vice-Chancellor appointed under this Act to make arrangements for constituting the Board of Management and other authorities of the University within six months from the date of 58 commencement of this Act or such longer period not exceeding one year as the Government may, by notification direct. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and until an authority is duly constituted under this Act, the first Vice-Chancellor may appoint any officer or constitute any committee temporarily to exercise and perform any of the powers and duties of such authority under this Act. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and the Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations made under this Act, any student who immediately prior to the date of commencement of this Act was studying for a Degree in Veterinary Science and Dairy Science and Technology in any of the Universities specified in the Schedule to this Act be conferred degree in Veterinary Science and Technology of the respective Universities for which he qualifies based on the result of such examination. (4) Any member of any Authority or body of the University shall cease to be a member on his being convicted by a court of law of an offence, including which involves moral turpitude. 79. Filling up of Casual Vacancies.—When any vacancy occurs in the office of a member other than an ex-officio member of any Authority or body of the University before the expiry of the term of the office of such member, the vacancy shall be filled up, as soon as conveniently may be, after the occurrence of the vacancy. 80. Nominations of first set of authorities.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, the first set of all the authorities of the University shall be nominated by the Chancellor as soon as may be after the commencement of this Act. (2) A member of any authority nominated under sub-section (1) shall hold office for a period of three years from the date of such nomination or till the members of the corresponding authority are elected or nominated, as the case may be, under the provisions of this Act, whichever is earlier. 81. Repeal and Saving.—(1) The Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Ordinance, 2010 (44 of 2010) is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal anything done or deemed to have done any action taken or deemed to have been taken under the said Ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act. 59 SCHEDULE 1. College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. 2. College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode. 3. Clinical Veterinary Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode. 4. College of Dairy Sciences and Technology, Mannuthy. 5. Instructional farms attached to College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode. 6. Livestock Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu, Palakkad. 7. Base Farm, Kolahalamedu, Idukki. 8. University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy. 9. Pig Breeding Farm, Mannuthy. 10. Goat and Sheep Farm, Mannuthy. 11. Regional Cattle Infertility Research Centre, Kozhikode. 12. University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme, Mannuthy. 13. All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry, Mannuthy. 14. Centre for Advanced Studies in Poultry Science, Mannuthy. 15. Centre for Advanced Studies in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Mannuthy. 16. Meat Plant, Mannuthy. 17. Dairy Plant, Mannuthy. 18. Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur. 19. Veterinary Hospital, Mannuthy. 20. Cattle Breeding Farm, Thumburmuzhy.