THE DRIEMS UNIVERSITY ODISHA ACT, 2022

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THE DRIEMS UNIVERSITY ODISHA ACT, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE :

SECTIONS :

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and commencement.

2. Definitions.

CHAPTER II

THE UNIVERSITY

3. Establishment and incorporation.

4. Effect of establishment.

5. Fulfillment of norms and other conditions.

6. Undertaking.

7. Objects of the University.

8. Powers of the University.

9. University open to all classes, castes, creed, religion,
language and gender.

10. National Accreditation.

11. University not entitled for any financial assistance.

CHAPTER III

THE VISITOR AND THE OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

12. The Visitor.

13. Officers of the University.

14.The Chairman and his powers.

15. The Vice- Chairman and his powers.

16. The Vice- Chancellor.

17. The Deans of Schools.

18. The Registrar.

19. The Finance Officer and the Controller of examination.

20. Other Officers.

CHAPTER IV

AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

21. Authorities of the University.

22. The Board of Governors and its powers.

23. The Board of Management.

24. The Academic Council..

25. The Board of Studies.

26. The Finance Committee.

27. Other Authorities.

28. Proceeding not to be invalidated on account of vacancy.

CHAPTER V

STATUTES AND RULES

29. Statutes.

30. Procedure for making Statutes.

31. Power to amend the Statutes.

32. Rules.

33. Procedure for making Rules.

34. Power to amend Rules.

35. Admission.

36. Fee Structure.
CHAPTER VI

MISCELLANEOUS

37. Conditions of service of employees.

38. Right to appeal.

39. Provident fund and pension.

40. Disputes as to constitution of University Authorities and bodies.

41. Constitution of Committees.

42. Filling of casual vacancies.

43. Protection of action taken in good faith.

44. Transitional provisions.

45. Corpus fund.

46. General fund.

47. Development fund.

48. Maintenance of fund.

49. Annual Report.

50. Account and Audit.

51. Mode of proof of University record.

52. Dissolution of University.

53. Expenditure of the University during dissolution.

54. Removal of difficulties.

EXTRAORDINARY

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

No. 2399, CUTTACK, MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023/ASWINA 24, 1945

LAW DEPARTMENT

NOTIFICATION

The 16th October, 2023

No.16982-I-Legis-13/2022/L.―The following Act of the Odisha Legislative

Assembly having been assented to by the Governor on dated the 10th October, 2023 is

hereby published for general information.

ODISHA ACT 6 OF 2023

THE DRIEMS UNIVERSITY ODISHA ACT, 2022.

ACT

TO ESTABLISH AND INCORPORATE THE DHANESWAR RATH INSTITUTE OF

ENGINEERING AND MEDICAL SCIENCES, CUTTACK AS A SELF-FINANCED,

PRIVATE UNITARY AND NON-AFFILIATING UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE IN THE

NAME OF DRIEMS UNIVERSITY, ODISHA FOR PROVIDING HIGH

QUALITY EDUCATION AND FOR MATTERS

CONNECTED THEREWITH OR

INCIDENTAL THERETO.

BE it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Odisha in the
seventy – third Year of the Republic of India as follows:─

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

. 1. (1) This Act may be called the DRIEMS University,
Odisha Act, 2022.

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

Short, title and
commencement.

Definitions. 2. (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:─

(a)“Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the

University constituted under section 24;

(b)“AICTE” means the All India Council for Technical

Education established under section 3 of the All India

Council for Technical Education Act, 1987;

University referred to in Section 49;

(d)“appointed date” means the date appointed under sub-

section (1) of Section 3;

(e)“Board of Governors” means the Board of Governors of

the University constituted under section 22;

(f)“Board of Management” means the Board of

Management of the University constituted under

section 23;

(g)“BPUT” means the Biju Patnaik University of

Technology established under the Biju Patnaik University

of Technology Act, 2002;

(h)“Chairman” means the Chairman of the University

referred to in Section 14;

(i) “College” means DRIEMS (Dhaneswar Rath Institute

of Engineering and Medical Sciences), Tangi, Cuttack ;

(j) “Corpus Fund” means Corpus Fund of the University

referred to in Section 45;

(k) “Dean” means Dean of Schools of the University

referred to in Section 17;

(l) “Development Fund” means the Development Fund of

the University referred to in Section 47;

(m) “Distance Education System” means the system of

imparting education through any means of information

technology and communication such as multimedia,

52 of 1987.

Odisha Act 9
of 2002.

broadcasting, telecasting, online over internet, other

interactive methods, e-mail, internet, computer,

interactive talk back, e-learning, correspondence course,

seminar, contact programmes or a combination of any

two or more of such means;

(n)“Employee” means employee appointed by the

University and includes teachers and other staff of the

University;

(o)“Faculty” means a faculty of the University;

(p)“Finance Officer” means Finance Officer of the

University appointed under section 19;

(q)“General Fund” means General Fund of the University

referred to in Section 46;

(r) “Off campus centre” means off campus centre as

defined in the regulation 2.2 of U.G.C. (Establishment

and Maintenance of Standards in Private University)

Regulation, 2003, as amended from time to time;

(s) “Prescribed” means prescribed by the Statutes;

(t) “Registrar” means the Registrar of the University

appointed under section 18;

(u)“Regulatory Body” means a body or authority, (by

whatever name called), established by or under a

Central or State Act for laying down norms and

conditions for ensuring standard of higher education

such as University Grants Commission, All India Council

for Technical Education and National Assessment

Accreditation Council (NACC) , National Board of

Accreditation, Distance Education Council, Pharmacy

Council and other body includes such as the State

Government may, by notification, declare from time to

time;

21 of 1860.

(v) “Rules” mean the Rules of the University;

(w) “School” means the Schools of Studies of the

university as provided in clauses (g) of Section 7;

(x) “Sponsoring Body” means the DRIEMS (Dhaneswar

Rath Institute of Engineering and Medical Sciences)

Society;

(y) “State” means the State of Odisha;

(z) “State Government” means the State Government of

Odisha;

(za) “Statutes” means the Statutes of the University;

(zb) “Teacher” means a Professor, Associate Professor,

Assistant Professor, Lecturer or such other person as may

be appointed for imparting instruction or training or

conducting research in the University;

(zc) “Society” means the DRIEMS (Dhaneswar Rath

Institute of Engineering and Medical Sciences) Society,

registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860;

(zd) “UGC” means the University Grants Commissio

established under the University Grants Commission

Act, 1956;

(ze) “UNIVERSITY” means the DRIEMS University,

Odisha;

(zf) “Vice-Chancellor” means the Vice-Chancellor of the

University appointed under section 16;

(zg) “Vice-Chairman” means the Vice-Chairman of the

University referred to in Section 15; and

(zh) “Visitor” means the Visitor of the University as

referred to in Section 12.

3 of 1956.

CHAPTER II

THE UNIVERSITY

Establishment
And

incorporation.

3. (1) Subject to provisions of Section 5 with effect from such

date as the Government may, by notification, appoint in this behalf

(hereinafter referred to as the appointed date), there shall be

established in the State of Odisha a self-financed, private, unitary

and non-affiliating University at Kairapari, Po-Kotsahi under Tangi

Tahasil in the District of Cuttack by the name of “DRIEMS

University, Odisha” after Corpus Fund is set up by the Sponsoring

Body in accordance with the provisions of Section 45.

(2) The University shall be a body corporate by the aforesaid

name having perpetual succession and common seal with powers,

subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of

property, both movable and immovable which may have become

vested in, or may have been acquired by it, and to contract, and to

do all things necessary for the purpose of this Act, and shall sue

and be sued by the said name.

(3) The headquarters of the University shall be at Kairapari,

Po-Kotsahi in Tangi Tahasil under the district of Cuttack.

(4) The jurisdiction of the University shall extend over all

that is presently comprised of the College to be recognized,

restructured and renamed under sub-section (1), to all schools of

studies and Departments for which the corresponding degree and

other academic distinction are being conferred by the BPUT, Utkal

University and the Culture University , Bhubaneswar and to all

schools of studies and Departments to be established by the

University in future such as Institute of Health Science and

Hospital with prior permission of the State Government.

Effect of
establishment.

4. (1) On and from the appointed date,—

(a) the control and management of the College which

is with the Sponsoring Body together with the control and

management of all properties and assets pertaining to the

College, shall stand transferred to, and vest in, the

University;

(b) all properties and assets pertaining to the College

including any cash balance held by the College or on its

account, whether in deposit with any Bank or otherwise,

shall transferred to, and vest in the University;

and privileges, duties, debts and liabilities and obligations of

the College, contractual or otherwise, arising or accrued or

incurred in relation to the affairs of the College shall stand

transferred to, and vest in, the University; and

(d) every employee and teacher duly appointed in

connection with affairs of the College and serving in the

College as such immediately before the appointed date,

shall hold his office or service in the University by the same

terms and conditions and with the same rights and

privileges.

(2) The properties, assets and rights transferred to the University by

virtue of sub-section (1), shall continue to be utilized for the

purposes for which they were being utilized and were intended to

be utilized immediately before the appointed date.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Biju Patnaik University

of Technology Act, 2002, the Odisha Universities Act, 1989 and

the Odisha Universities of Culture Act, 1999 and the Statutes made

thereunder for the BPUT, Utkal University and the Culture

University,—

Odisha
Act 9 of
2002 .

Odisha
Act 5
of 1989 .

Odisha
Act 9
of 1999 .

(a) the College shall, with effect from the appointed

date, cease to be affiliated from the BPUT, Utkal

University, and from the Culture University, and

shall stand transferred to the University;

(b) all schools of studies or programmes of studies or

courses of studies, by whatever name called

existing in the college prior to the appointed date

shall be integrated into the University;

to the appointed date was studying for any

examination of BPUT or Utkal University or Utkal

University of Culture or for any examination of the

College, the college being an Autonomous College,

shall continue his studies as a student of the

University and to be permitted to complete his

course in preparation therefor and be permitted to

the examination of the University; and

(d) for students referred to in clause (c), the University

shall make arrangement for conferment of the

corresponding degree and other academic

distinction on the basis of the result of such

examination.

Fulfilment of

norms and other

conditions.

5. Before issue of notification under sub-section (1) of

Section 3, the State Government on the report of a High Power

Committee constituted for the purpose, shall ensure that the

College fulfills the norms and other conditions prescribed or

imposed by the Regulatory Bodies in relation to Land, Buildings,

Library, Laboratory, Equipments, Computers, Furniture and such

other Infrastructure facilities as the State Government may decide.

Undertaking . 6. After commencement of this Act and before the appointed

date, the Sponsoring Body shall give an undertaking,—

(a) to appoint at least one Professor, two Associate

Professors and three Assistant Professors or Lecturers

on full time basis along with necessary supporting staff in

each School or Department or Discipline of the University

prior to the date such School or Department or Discipline

is vested in the University;

(b) to take up co-curricular activities to foster a proper

academic and healthy socio-cultural environment, such

as seminars, debates, quiz programmes and

extracurricular activities like games, sports, National

Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps and such other

things which are necessary for the benefit of students as

per the norms laid down by the Regulatory Bodies;

University;

(d) to fulfill such other conditions and provide such other

information as may be prescribed by the Regulatory

Bodies, from time to time;

(e) that the programmes of study leading to a degree or a

post graduate degree offered by the University shall

conform to the relevant regulations or norms of the UGC

or the concerned Regulatory Body, as amended, from

time to time;

(f) that the admission procedure and fixation of fees shall be

in accordance with the norms or guidelines, if any,

prescribed by the competent Regulatory Bodies;

(g) that the admission shall be made strictly on merit basis

from All India Examination;

(h) that the teaching staff of the University shall have at least

the minimum qualifications prescribed by the UGC and

AICTE or other concerned Regulatory Body, and be paid

appropriate emoluments , if any, as per the UGC, AICTE

guidelines and other concerned Regulatory Body;

(i) that the University shall be open to all persons and shall

not discriminate on grounds of gender, caste, creed,

religion, race, domicile and it shall not adopt or impose

on any person, any test whatsoever of religious belief or

any profession in order to entitle one to be appointed as

a teacher of the University or to hold any other office

therein or to be admitted as a student or to enjoy or

exercise any privilege thereof; and

(j) to fulfill such other conditions and provide such other

information as may be prescribed by the Regulatory

Body.

Objects of

the

University.

7. The objects of the University shall be,—

(a) to disseminate and advance knowledge by providing

academic and research facilities in such branches of

learning which include Engineering and Technology and

Management, Medical Science and subject to the

approval of the State Government in any other branches

of learning or in any other field of knowledge and

education as it may deem fit;

(b) to offer continuing and distance education programmes

as per norms of concerned statutory or regulatory body

or council or any other body constituted by the Central or

State Government;

academic distinctions on the basis of examination or any

other methods of evaluation;

(d) to collaborate with other colleges, universities, research

institutions, industry associations, professional bodies or

any other organization, in India or abroad, to

conceptualize, design and develop specific educational

and research programmes, training programmes and

exchange programmes for students, faculty member and

others;

(e) to impart futuristic and holistic education at par with

international standards to prepare the youth to face

global competition and to participate in shaping India to

become a world leader;

(f) to integrate the existing programmes and courses offered

by the respective Schools;

(g) to establish any other School as it may deem fit with the

approval of the State Government apart from the School

of Engineering and Technology, School of Health &

Medical Science, School of Nursing, School of

Paramedical and Allied Science, School of Occupational

and Physiotherapy, School of Pharmacy, School of

Education, School of Natural Sciences, School of

Humanities and Social Science, School of Management,

School of Law, School of Vocational Education and

Training, School of Sports & Yoga, School of Veterinary

Science & Animal Husbandry, School of Agriculture,

School of Fashion Technology, School of Media & Mass

Communication, and other Schools existing in the

College and integrated into the University;

(h) to disseminate knowledge through seminars,

conferences, executive education programmes,

community development programmes, publications, and

training programmes;

(i) to undertake programmes for the training and

development of faculty members of the University and

other Institutions in India or abroad;

(j) to undertake collaborative research with any organization

in India or abroad;

(k) to create higher levels of intellectual abilities;

(l) to provide consultancy to industry, Government and

Public Organization;

(m) to ensure that the standard of the degrees, charters,

certificates and other academic distinctions are not lower

than those laid down by University Grants Commission

and other Regulatory Bodies, as the case may be;

(n) to do all things necessary or expedient to promote the

above objectives; and

(o) to pursue any other objective as may be approved by the

State Government.

Powers of the
University.

8. Subject to other provisions of this Act, the Statutes or

Rules made thereunder or any other relevant laws for the time

being in force, the University shall have the following powers,

namely:—

a. to establish Off-Campus Centers and Study Centers and

conduct Distance Education as are in the opinion of the

University, necessary for the furtherance of its objects in

conformity with the provisions of the University Grants

Commission (Establishment of and Maintenance of

Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003 or

any other applicable provision as may be prescribed by

the Competent Authority in this regard;

b. to establish and develop schools as envisaged in clause

(g) of Sction 7;

c. to carry out all such other activities as may be necessary

and feasible in furtherance of the object of the University;

d. to confer degrees, diplomas, charters, certificates or

other academic distinctions and professional

designations as envisaged under section 7 in the manner

and under conditions laid down in the Statutes and to

withdraw or cancel such degrees;

e. to institute and award fellowships, scholarships and

prizes in accordance with the Statutes;

f. to demand and receive such fees, bills, invoices and

collect charges as may be fixed by the Statutes or Rules,

as the case may be;

g. to make provisions for extra-curricular activities for

students and employees;

h. to make appointments of the faculty, officers and

employees of the University;

i. to receive donations and gifts of any kind and to acquire,

hold, manage, maintain and dispose of any movable or

immovable property, including Society and endowment

properties for the purpose of the University;

j. to institute and maintain halls and to recognize places of

residence for students of the University;

k. to supervise and control the residence, and to regulate

the discipline among the students and all categories of

employees and to lay down the conditions of service of

such employees, including their Code of conduct;

l. to create academic, administrative and support staff and
other necessary posts;

m. to co-operate and collaborate with other domestic and

overseas Universities and Institutions in such a manner

and for such purposes as the University may determine

from time to time;

n. to organize and conduct refresher courses, orientation

courses, workshops, seminars and other programmmes

for teachers, developers of course ware, evaluators and

other academic staff;

o. to determine standards of admission to the University

with the approval of the Academic Council;

p. to make special provision for students belonging to the

State of Odisha for admission in any course of the

University ;

q. to do all such other acts or things whether incidental to

the powers aforesaid or not, as may be necessary for

furtherance of the objects of the University;

r. to prescribe such courses for Bachelor Degree, Master

Degree, Doctor or Philosophy, Doctor of Science

Degrees and Research and such other Degrees,

Charters and Certificates;

s. to provide for the preparation of instructional materials,

including films, cassettes, tapes, video cassettes,

Compact Disk, Visual Compact Disk and other software;

t. to raise, collect, subscribe and borrow with the approval

of the Board of Governors whether on the security of the

property of the University, money for the purposes of the

University;

u. to enter into, carry out, vary or cancel contracts; and

(v) to do all things necessary or expedient to exercise the

above powers.

University open to

all classes, castes,

creed, religion,

language and

gender.

9. The University shall be open to all persons irrespective

of class, caste, creed, religion, language, domicile and gender:

Provided that for the purpose of admission of students, the

University shall provide reservation of fifty-percentum of the seats

in each different courses for the students of Odisha subject to

satisfying the minimum qualifying standard for admission test and

interview:

Provided further that any seat remaining vacant due to non-

availability of required percentage of students of Odisha, those may

be filled up by other students with prior permission of the State

Government.

National
Accreditation.

University not
entitled for any
financial
assistance.

10. (1) The University shall seek, obtain and retain

accreditation from respective national accreditation bodies and be

subject to relevant provisions of the University Grants Commission

Act, 1956 and the Regulations or Guidelines made there under

from time to time relating to private University.

(2) The University shall obtain prior permission or recognition

from the concerned Regulatory Bodies, for conferring graduate or

post graduate degrees and for other programmes.

(3) As regards other programmes on technical education,

the relevant laws, rules, regulations in the matter of obtaining

approval or recognition or maintaining standards shall apply to the

University.

11. The University shall not be entitled to any Grant-in-Aid or
any other financial assistance from the State Government or any
other body or corporation owned or controlled by the State
Government.

Act 3 of
1956

CHAPTER III

THE VISITOR AND THE OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

The Visitor.

Officers of the

University.

12. (1) The Governor of Odisha shall be the Visitor of the

University.

(2) The visitor shall, when present, preside at the

convocation of the University for conferring Degrees, Diplomas,

Charters, Designations and Certificates.

(3) The Visitor shall have the following powers to be

exercised in accordance with the procedure laid down in the

Statutes, namely: —
(a) to call for any paper or information relating to the
affairs of the University;

(b) on the basis of the information received by the

Visitor, if he is satisfied that any order, proceeding, or

decision taken by any Authority of the University is not

in conformity with the Act, Statutes or Rules, he may

give such advice to the Chairman or the Vice-

Chairman as he may deem fit in the interest of the

University and basing on the advices of the Visitor,

the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman shall take a

decision which shall be complied with by all

concerned.

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

a. The Chairman;

b. The Vice-Chairman;

c. The Vice-Chancellor;

d. The Registrar;

e. The Deans of Schools;

f. The Finance Officer;

g. The Controller of Examinations; and

h. Such other officers as may be declared by the Statutes to

be officers of the University.

The Chairman
and his powers.

The Vice-Chairman
and his
powers.

14. (1) The Chairman of the Society shall be the Chairman of

the University.

(2) The Chairman, during his absence, may, by order in

writing, designate the Vice-Chairman to act as the Chairman of

University, for such period and for such functions and

responsibilities as he may specify.

(3) The Chairman shall preside at the meeting of the Board

of Governors and in his absence, the Vice-Chairman shall preside

at the said meeting and any decision resolved in that meeting shall

be given effect to only after obtaining the approval of both

Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

(4) The Chairman shall have the following powers, namely:-

(a) to preside at the Convocation of the University

when the Visitor is not present;

(b) to call for any information or record;

(d) such other powers as may be conferred on him by

the Act or the Statutes made thereunder.

15. (1) The Pro-Chairman of the Society shall be the

Vice- Chairman of the University.

(2) In absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall

perform all such functions and exercise all such powers of the

Chairman as specified in Section 14.

(3) In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall

preside over the meetings of Board of Governors.

(4) The Vice-Chairman of the University shall exercise such

powers and perform such functions as delegated to him by the

Board of Governors and conferred on him by this Act or the

Statutes made thereunder.

The Vice- Chancellor. 16. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the

Chairman from a panel of three persons recommended by the

Board of Governors and shall hold office for a term of three years

and after expiration of the term of three years, the Vice-

Chancellor shall be eligible for re-appointment for another term

not exceeding three years.

(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and

academic officer of the University and shall exercise general

supervision and control over the affairs of the University and give

effect to the decisions of the Authorities of the University.

(3) If in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor it is necessary to

take immediate action on any matter for which powers are

conferred on any other Authority by or under this Act, he may take

such action as he deems necessary and shall at the earliest

opportunity thereafter report his action to such Officers or

Authority as would have in the ordinary course dealt with the matter:

Provided that if in the opinion of the concerned authority

such action should not have been taken by the Vice-Chancellor,

then such case shall be referred to the Chairman, who shall take

decision in consultation with the Vice-Chairman and the said

decision shall be final:

Provided further that where any such action taken by the

Vice-Chancellor affects any person in the service of the University,

such person shall be entitled to prefer, within three months from the

date on which such action is communicated to him, an appeal to

the Board of Governors and the Board of Governors may confirm or

modify or reverse the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor.

(4) If in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor any decision of

any authority of the University is outside the powers conferred by

this Act, Statutes or is likely to be prejudicial to the interest of the

University, he shall request the concerned Authority to revise its

decision within seven days from the date of his decision and in

case the authority refuses to revise such decision wholly or partly or

fails to take any decision within seven days, then such matter shall

be referred to the Chairman who shall take decision in consultation

with the Vice-Chairman and the said decision shall be final.

(5) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers

and perform such other duties as may be laid down by the Statutes

or the Rules.

(6) The Chairman is empowered to remove the

Vice-Chancellor after due enquiry and it shall be open to the

Chairman to suspend the Vice-Chancellor during enquiry

depending upon the seriousness of the charges, with the approval

of the Board of Governors:

Provided that in the matter removal or suspension of the

Vice- Chancellor, the Chairman shall consult the Vice-Chairman

and such decision shall be final.

(7) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to remove the

Registrar, the Deans of Schools, the Finance officer, the Controller

of Examinations, if the situation so warrants in the interest of the

University with due approval of the Board of Governors.

(8) The Vice-chancellor shall have the power to remove the

other officers and employees of the University in such manner as

may be prescribed.

The Deans

of Schools .
17. (1) The Deans of Schools shall be appointed by the

Vice-Chancellor in such manner and shall exercise such powers

and perform such duties as may be prescribed.

(2) The Dean of each school shall be responsible for the due

observance of the Rules and Regulations in guiding the research

activities of faculties.

(3) The Deans of Schools shall hold office for a term of three

years subject to renewal basing upon performance.

The Registrar.

The Finance Officer
and the Controller of
examination .

Other officers.

18. (1) The appointment of the Registrar shall be made by the

Vice-Chancellor with the approval of the Board of Governors in

such manner as may be prescribed.

(2) All contracts shall be signed and all documents and

records shall be authenticated by the Registrar on behalf of the

University.

(3) The Registrar shall exercise such other powers and

perform such other functions as may be prescribed or may be

required from time to time, by the Board of Governors.

(4) The Registrar shall be responsible for the due custody

of the records and the common seal of the University and shall be

bound to place before the Chairman, the Vice- Chairman and

the Vice-Chancellor or any other Authority, all such

information and documents as may be necessary for transaction of

their business.

19.(1) The Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Board of

Governors in such manner and shall exercise such powers and

perform such functions as may be prescribed in the Statutes.

(2) The Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the

Vice-Chancellor in such manner and shall exercise such powers

and perform such functions as may be prescribed in the Statutes.

20.The manner of appointment, terms and conditions of the

service and powers, duties and functions of other officers of the

University shall be such, as may be prescribed in the Statutes.

CHAPTER IV

AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

Authorities of

the University.

The Board of
Governors
and its
powers.

21. The following shall be the Authorities of the University, namely:-

(a) The Board of Governors;

(b) The Board of Management;

(d) The Board of Studies;

(e) The Finance Committee; and

(f) Such other Authorities as may be declared by the Statutes

to be the Authorities of the University.

22.(1) The Board of Governors shall consist of the

following members, namely:-

(g) The Chairman;

(h) The Vice-Chairman;

(i) The Vice-Chancellor;

(j) Five persons nominated by the Society who shall

be eminent scholars, educationists, industrialists,

technologists, artists, doctors, public servants or

persons of repute ;

(k) Two experts nominated by the State Government;

(l) One member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly

nominated by the Speaker in consultation with the leader of

the House and the leader of opposition;

(m) The Secretary to Government, Skill Development

& Technical Education Department, who shall be the

member ex officio;

(n) Two Deans of the University by rotation, to be

nominated by the Chairman; and

(o) One expert of Finance to be nominated by

the Chairman.

(2) The Chairman shall be the Chairman of the Board of

Governors

(3) The Registrar shall be the ex officio Secretary of the

Board of Governors.

(4) The Board of Governors shall be the principal executive

body and principal governing body of the University and

shall have the following powers, namely: —

(a) to lay down policies to be pursued by the

University;

(b) to review decisions of other authorities of the

University if they are not in conformity with the

provision of this Act, or the Statutes or the Rules;

amend or repeal the earlier Statutes and Rules

with the approval of the State Government;

(d) to approve the budget and annual report of the

University;

(e) to appoint the Statutory Auditors of he University;

(f) to take decision about voluntary winding up of the

University;

(g) to approve proposals for submission to the

Government; and

(h) to take such decision and steps as are found

desirable for effectively carrying out the objectives

of the University.

(5) The Board of Governors shall, meet at least twice in a

calendar year at such time and place as the Chairman

thinks fit.

(6) Save as otherwise provided in this section, the terms of

nominated members of the Board of Governors shall be

three years from the date of nomination.

(7) Any recommendation or decision of the Board of

Governors shall be given effect to only after approval of

the Chairman in the consultation with the Vice-

Chairman.

The Board of

Management

The Academic

Council.

23. (1) The Board of Management shall consist of the

following members, namely: —

(p) the Vice-Chancellor of the University who shall

be the ex officio Chairman;

(q) the Registrar of the University who shall be

the ex officio Secretary;

(r) the Finance Officer of the University;

(s) two members of the Board of Governors,

nominated by the Sponsoring Body;

(t) three deans of the University; and

(u) two Professors of the University.

(2) The powers and functions of the Board of Management
shall be such, as may be prescribed.

(3) The term of office of the members other than the

ex officio members shall be three years.

24.(1) The Academic Council shall consist of the following

members, namely:-

(v) the Vice-Chancellor of the University who shall be

the ex officio Chairman.

(w) the Registrar of the University who shall be the

Secretary; and

(x) such other members as may be nominated by the

Board of Governors.

(2) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic

body of the University and shall, subject to the provisions

of this Act, the Statutes and the Rules, co-ordinate and

exercise general supervision over the academic policies

of the University and shall exercise such other powers

and perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

(3) The term of office of the members other than the ex-

office members shall be three years.

The Board of
Studies.

The Finance

Committee.

25. (1) There shall be a Board of Studies for each branch or

discipline of study or branches of study as the Academic Council

may decide.

(2) The constitution, powers and functions of the Board of

Studies shall be such as may be prescribed in the Statutes.

26.(1) The Finance Committee shall consist of the

following members, namely:-

(y) the Vice-Chancellor of the University who shall be

the ex officio Chairman;

(z) the Registrar of the University who shall be the

ex officio Secretary;

(aa) the Finance Officer ; and

(bb) such other members as may be nominated by

the Board of Governors.

(2) The Finance Committee shall be the principal financial

body of the University to take care of the financial matters

and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, Statutes

and the Rules, co-ordinate and exercise general

supervision over the financial matters of the University

and shall exercise such other powers and perform such

other functions as may be prescribed.

(3) The term of office of the members other than the

ex officio members shall be three years.

Other Authorities.

Proceeding not
to be invalidated
on account of
vacancy.

Statutes

27. The constitution, powers and functions of other Authorities

of the University shall be such, as may be prescribed.

28. No act or proceeding of any Authority of the University shall

be invalid merely by reason of the existence of any vacancy or

defect in the constitution of the authority.

CHAPTER V

STATUTES AND RULES

29. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes may

provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-

(cc) the constitution, powers and functions of the

authorities and other bodies of the University not

specified in the Act, as may be constituted from

time to time and creation of new authorities of the

University;

(dd)the operation of the Corpus Fund, the General

Fund and the Development Fund;

(ee) the terms and conditions of appointment of the

Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the Finance

Officer and their powers and functions;

(ff) the mode of recruitment and the conditions of

service of other officers, teachers and employees

of the University;

(gg) the procedure for resolving disputes between the

University and its officers, faculty members,

employees and students;

(hh) creation, abolition or restructuring of departments

and faculties;

(ii) the manner of co-operation with other Universities

or Institutions of higher learning;

(jj) the procedure for conferment of honorary degrees;

(kk) the provisions regarding grant of freeships

and scholarships;

(ll) the number of seats in different courses of studies

and the procedure of admission of students to

such courses.

(mm) the fee chargeable from students for

various courses of studies;

(nn) institution of fellowships, scholarships,

studentships, freeships, medals and prizes;

(oo) procedure for creation and abolition of posts; and

(pp) any other matters which may be prescribed.

Procedure for

making

Statutes.

Power to

amend the

Statutes.

Rules .

30.(1) The First Statues shall be made by the Board of

Governors and shall be submitted to the State Government for

its approval, which may, within three months from the date of

receipt by the State Government, give its approval with or without

modifications.

(2) Where the State Government fails to take any decision with

respect to the approval of the Statute within the period specified in

sub-section (1), it shall be deemed to have been approved by the

State Government.

31. The Board of Governors may, with the prior approval of

the State Government, make new or additional Statutes or

amend or repeal the Statutes.

32. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Rules may provide

for all or any of the following matters, namely: —

(qq) the admission of students to the University and their

enrolment and continuance as such;

(rr) the courses of study to be laid down for all Degrees,

Certificates, Charters and other academic distinctions of

the University;

(ss) the award of Degrees, Certificates and other academic

distinctions of the University;

(tt) the accounting policy and financial procedure;

(uu) the conditions of the award of fellowships, scholarships,

studentships, medals and prizes;

(vv) the conduct of examinations and the conditions and

mode of appointment and duties of examining bodies,

examiners, invigilators, tabulators and moderators;

(ww) the fee to be charged for examinations for Degrees,

Certificates and other academic distinctions of the

University including the revision thereof;

(xx) revision of fees;

(yy) alteration of number of seats in different courses

and programs;

(zz) the conditions of residence of the students at the

University;

(aaa) maintenance of discipline among the students of the

University; and

(bbb) any other matters not specifically provided in the
Statutes.

Procedure
for making
Rules.

33.(1) The Rules shall be made by the Board of Governors and

the Rules so made shall be submitted to the State Government

for its approval, which may within two months from the receipt

of the Rules give its approval with or without modification.

(2) Where the State Government fails to take any decision with

respect to the approval of the Statute within the period specified in

sub-section (1), it shall be deemed to have been approved by the

State Government.

Power to amend
Rules.

Admission

34.The Board of Governors may, with the prior approval of

the State Government, make new or additional Rules or amend

or repeal the Rules.

35. (1) The admission procedure shall be in accordance with

the norms and guidelines prescribed by the concerned Regulatory

Body, depending on the course in which students seek admission.

(2) In absence of the guidelines under sub-section (1),

admission in the University shall be made strictly on the basis of

merit.

(3) Merit for admission in the University may be determined

on the basis of marks or grade obtained in the qualifying

examination and achievements in co-curricular and extra-curricular

activities and on the basis of marks or grade obtained in the

entrance test conducted at State or National level either by an

association of the Universities conducting similar courses or by any

agency of the State.

(4) Special weightage shall be given to Scheduled Tribes,

Scheduled Castes, girl students and other categories of student

with respect to admission to various courses of the University as

per the stipulation of reservation policies of the State Government

or Government of India.

(5) Admission procedures for foreign students or NRIs shall

be in accordance with the norms and guidelines prescribed by the

Regulatory Bodies.

Fee
Structure.

36.(1) The University may, from time to time, prepare its fee

structure in accordance with the norms and guidelines prescribed

by the Regulatory Bodies depending on the course to which the

students seek admission.

(2) The University shall not charge any fees, by whatsoever

name called, other than for which it is entitled under the provisions

of sub-section (1).

(3) The University shall implement a Scheme for providing

concession in fees payable to the University by the students

belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes community,

Economically Weaker Sections and women from the State of

Odisha.

CHAPTER VI

MISCELLANEOUS

Conditions of

service of

employees.

Right to appeal.

37. (1) Subject to the provisions of clause (d) of sub-section (1)

of Section 4, every employee shall be appointed under a written

contract, which shall be kept in the University and a copy of which

shall be furnished to the employee concerned.

(2) Disciplinary action against the students or employees

shall be governed by the procedure as may be prescribed.

38.(1) Every employee or student of the University shall,

notwithstanding anything contained in the Act, have a right ot appeal

within such time as may be prescribed, to the Vice-Chancellor

against the decision of any officer or Authority below him and to the

Board of Governors against the decision of Vice-Chancellor and

thereupon the Board of Governor or the Vice-Chancellor may

confirm, modify or change the decision appeased against.

(2) Every officer of the University shall, notwithstanding anything

contained in this Act,, have a right to appeal within such time to the

Visitor of the University against the decision of the Board of

Governors in such manner as may be prescribed.

Constitution of

committees.

Filling of casual
vacancies.

Protection of action
taken in good faith.

39. The University shall constitute for the benefit of its

employees such provident or pension fund and provide such

insurance scheme as it may deem fit in such manner and subject to

such conditions as may be prescribed.

40. If any question arises as to whether any person has been

duly elected or appointed as, or is entitled to be, a member of

any Authority or other body of the University, the matter shall be

referred to the Chairman who shall take a decision in consultation

with the Vice-Chairman.

41. Any Authority of the University referred to Section 21, is

empowered to constitute a committee of such Authority, consisting

of such members as such Authority may deem fit, and having such

powers as the Authority may deem fit.

42. Any casual vacancy among the members, other than ex

officio members, of any Authority or Body of the University shall be

filled in the same manner in which the member whose vacancy

is to be filled up, was chosen, and the person filling the vacancy

shall be a member of such authority or Body for the residue of the

term for which the person in whose place he fills would have been a

member.

43. (1) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against

any officer or other employee of the University for anything,

which is done in good faith or intended to be done in

pursuance of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Rules.

(2)Nothing in sub-section (1) shall be a bar for filling suits,

prosecutions or other legal proceedings for anything done in

contravention of the provisions of this Act and the Rules or Statute

made thereunder.

Provident fund

and pension

Disputes as to

constitution of

University

Authorities

and bodies

Transitional
provisions .

Corpus fund .

44. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other

provisions of this Act and the Statutes, —

(a) The first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the

Chairman in consultation with the Vice-Chairman and

the said officer shall hold office for a term of three years;

(b) The first Registrar and the first Finance Officer shall be

appointed by the Chairman in consultation with the Vice-

Chairman who shall hold office for a term of three years;

term not exceeding three years; and

(d) The first Board of Management, the first Finance

Committee and the first Academic Council shall be

constituted by the Chairman in consultation with the Vice-

Chairman for a term of three years.

45. (1) The Sponsoring Body shall establish a Corpus Fund

of Rupees Ten Crores.

(2) The amount of Corpus Fund shall be invested and kept

invested until the dissolution of the University, in long term

securities issued or guaranteed by the State Government.

(3) The University may transfer any amount from the

General Fund or the Development Fund to the Corpus Fund.

(4) Excepting in the dissolution of the University, no money

can transferred from the Corpus Fund under any other

circumstances purposes other than that of the University.

(5) Out of the incomes received from the Corpus Fund

amount not exceeding seventy five percentum shall be used for the

purpose of development works of the University and the remaining

twenty five percentum shall be reinvested in the Corpus Fund.

General Fund . 46. (1) The University shall establish a General Fund to which

the following amount shall be credited, namely: —
(a) all fees which may be charged by the University;

(b) all sums received from any other source;

(d) all contributions or donations made in this behalf by any

other person or Body, which are not prohibited by any

law for the time being in force.

(2) The funds credited to the General Fund shall be applied to

meet the following payments, namely:-

(a) the repayment of debts including interest charges thereto

incurred by the University for the purpose of this Act and

the Statutes, and the Rules made there under;

(b) the upkeep of the assets of the University;

this section and Section 46;

(d) meeting the expenses of any suit or proceedings to which

the University is a party;

(e) the payment of salaries and allowances of the officers

and employees of the University, members of the

teaching and research staff, and payment of any

Provident Fund contributions, gratuity and other benefits

of the teaching and research staff;

(f) the payment of traveling and other allowances of the

members of the Board of Governors, the Board of

Management, Academic Council, and other authorities so

declared under the Statutes of the University and of the

members of any Committee or Board appointed by any of

the authorities of the University in pursuance of any

provision of this Act, or the Statutes, or the Rules made

thereunder;

(g) the payment of fellowships, freeships, scholarships,

assistantships and other awards to students, research

associates or trainees eligible for such awards under the

Statutes or Rules of the University.

(h) the payment of any expenses incurred by the University

in carrying out the provisions of this Act, and the Statutes

or the Rules;

(i) the payment of cost of capital, not exceeding the

prevailing bank rate of interest, incurred by the

Sponsoring Body for setting up the University and the

investments made thereof;

(j) the payment of charges and expenditure relating to the

consultancy work undertaken by the University in

pursuance of the provisions of this Act, and the Statutes,

and the Rules; and

(k) the payment of any other expenses including a

management fee payable to any organization charged

with the responsibility of managing the University on

behalf of the Sponsoring Body, as approved by the Board

of Management to be an expense for the purposes of the

University:

Provided that no expenditure shall be incurred

by the University in excess of the limits for total recurring

expenditure and total non-recurring expenditure for the

year as may be fixed by the Board of Management

without the previous approval of the Board of

Management:

Provided further that the General Fund shall be

applied for the objects specified under this sub-section

with the prior approval of the Board of Management of

the University.

Development fund.

Maintenance
of fund.

Annual Report .

47. (1) The University shall also establish a Development

Fund to which the following amount shall be credited, namely:-

(a) all sums received from any other source for the purposes

of the development of the University;

(b ) all contributions made by the Sponsoring Body;

other person or Body which are not prohibited by any law for

the time being in force; and

(d) subject to the provisions of sub-section (5) of section 45,

incomes received from the Corpus Fund.

(e) development fees which may be charged from students;

(2) The amount credited to the Development Fund from time to

time shall be utilized for the development of the University.

48. The funds established under sections 45, 46 and 47 shall

be, subject to general supervision and control of the Board of

Governors, be regulated and maintained in such manner as may be

prescribed.

49. (1) The Annual Report of the University shall be prepared

under the direction of the Board of Management and shall be

submitted to the Board of Governors for its approval.

(2) The Board of Governors shall consider the Annual Report in

its meeting and may approve the same with or without modification.

(3) A copy of the Annual Report duly approved by the Board of
Governors shall be sent to the Visitor and to the State Government

on or before 31st December following closure of the financial year

on the 31st March each year.

Account and

audit.

Mode of proof
of University
record.

50. (1) The Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet of the

University shall be prepared under the direction of the Board of

Management and all funds accruing to or received by the

University from whatever source and all amount disbursed or paid

shall be entered in the accounts maintained by the University.

(2) The Annual Accounts of the University shall be audited every

year by a chartered accountant, who is a member of the Institute of

Chartered Accountants of India.

(3) A copy of the Annual Accounts and the Balance Sheet
together with the audit report shall be submitted to the Board of

Governors on or before the 31st December following closure of the

financial year on the 31st March each year.
(4) The Annual Accounts, the Balance Sheet and the audit report

shall be placed before the Board of Governors at its meeting for
consideration and approval and the Board of Governors shall
forward the same to the Visitor and to the State Government on or

before the 31st December each year.
(5) In the event of any observation relating to deficiencies in

financial management in the Report of the Chartered Accountant,

the State Government may issue directions to the University, and

such directions shall be binding on the University.

51. A copy of any receipt, application, notice, order,

proceeding or resolution of any authority or committee of the

University or other documents in possession of the University or

any entry in any register duly maintained by the University, if

certified by the Registrar, shall be received as prima facie

evidence of such receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding,

resolution or document existence of entry in the register and shall

be admitted as evidence

of the matters and transaction therein recorded where the original

thereof would, if produced, have been admissible in evidence.

Dissolution of
University .

52. (1) If the Sponsoring Body proposes dissolution of the

University in accordance with the law governing its constitution or

incorporation, it shall give at least six months notice in writing to the

State Government.

(2) On identification of mismanagement, mal-administration,

indiscipline, failure in the accomplishment of the objects of the

University and economic hardships in the management systems of

the University, the State Government shall, subject to and in

accordance with relevant law, if any for the time being in force,

issue directions to the Sponsoring Body of the University and if the

direction are not followed within such time as may be prescribed,

the right to take decision for winding up of the University would vest

in the State Government.

(3) The manner of winding up of the University would be

such as may be prescribed by the State Government in this behalf.

(4) If the State Government considers it necessary to

suspend the Board of Management, it shall, by notification

published in the Official Gazette, order suspension of the Board of

Management and shall make such arrangements in consultation

with the Sponsoring Body for the administration of the business of

the University till the completion of investigation as it may consider

necessary:

Provided that no such action will be initiated without

affording a reasonable opportunity to show cause to the Sponsoring

Body.

36
(5) If the State Government considers it necessary to

suspend the Board of Governors, it shall, by notification

published in the official Gazette, order for suspension of the

Board of Governor with approval of Visitor of University and shall

make arrangement for the administration of the business of the

University till completion of investigation as it may consider

necessary:
Provided that no such action shall be initiated without

affording a reasonable opportunity to show cause to the

Sponsoring Body and

(6) On receipt of the notice referred to in sub-section (1)

or on a decision to wind up under sub-section (2), the State

Government shall, in consultation with the all India Council

for Technical Education, University Grants Commission and

other concerned Regulatory Bodies, make such arrangements for

administration of the University from the proposed date of

dissolution or winding up of the University until the last batch

of students in regular courses of studies of the University

complete their courses of studies in such manner as may be

prescribed.

Expenditure of

the University

during

dissolution.

53.(1) The expenditure for administration of the University

during the taken over period of its management under section 52

shall be met out of the Corpus Fund, the General Fund or the

Development Fund.

(2) If the fund referred to in sub-section (1) are not sufficient

to meet the expenditure of the University during the taken over

period of its management, such expenditure may be met by

disposing of the properties or assets of the University, by the State

Government.

Removal of

difficulties .
54. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of

this Act, the State Government may, by order make such

provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as

appear to it to be necessary or expedient, for removing the difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a

period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under sub- section (1) shall , as soon

as may be after it is made, be laid before the State Legislature.

By Order of the Governor

MANAS RANJAN BARIK

Principal Secretary to Government

Printed and Published by the Director, Printing, Stationery and Publication, Odisha, Cuttack-10
Printed and Published by the Director, Printing, Stationery and Publication, Odisha, Cuttack-10

OGP/SBP Ex.Gaz.1684-183+480

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About this act

Jurisdiction: Odisha
Enactment date: 2023-10-10
Sections available: Document reader

Commencement information from the source

15-11-2023

Source and version

India Code, Government of India. Text fetched 13 Oct 2026. Source metadata reports last modification: 2025-07-28. Check the linked official text and subsequent notifications when applying a provision.