The Eternal University (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2008

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AUTHORITATIVE ENGLISH TEXT

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND

REGULATION) ACT, 2008

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

Sections:

1. Short title and commencement.

2. Definitions.

3. The objects of the University.

4. Incorporation.

5. Powers and functions.

6. University to be self-financed.

7. No power of affiliation.

8. Endowment Fund.

9. General Fund.

10. Application of General Fund.

11. Officers of the University.

12. The Chancellor.

13. The Vice-Chancellor.

14. The Registrar.

15. The Chief Finance and Accounts Officer.

16. Other officers.

17. Authorities of University.

18. The Governing Body.

19. The Board of Management.

20. The Academic Council.

21. Other authorities.

22. Disqualifications.

23. Vacancies not to invalidate the proceedings of any authority or

body of the University.

24. Filling of casual vacancies.

25. Committees.

26. The First Statutes.

27. The subsequent Statutes.

28. The First Ordinances.

2 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

29. The subsequent Ordinances.

30. Regulations.

31. Admission.

32. Fee structure.

33. Examinations.

34. Declaration of results.

35. Convocation.

36. Accreditation of the University.

37. University to follow rules, regulations, norms etc. of the

regulating bodies.

38. Annual report.

39. Annual accounts and audit.

40. Powers of the Government to inspect the University.

41. Dissolution of the University by the sponsoring body.

42. Special powers of the Government in certain circumstances.

43. Power to make rules.

44. Power to remove difficulties.

45. Savings.

46. Repeal of Ordinance No. 4 of 2008 and savings.

____________

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND

REGULATION) ACT, 2008

(ACT NO. 3 OF 2009)
1

(Received the assent of the Governor on the 21
st
January, 2009 and

was published both in Hindi and English in the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh,

dated 27
th

January, 2009, pp. 7085-7144).

An Act to provide for establishment, incorporation and regulation of

Eternal University in the State for higher education and to

regulate its functioning and for matters connected therewith or

incidental thereto.

1. Passed in Hindi by the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. For Statement of Objects

and Reasons see the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh, dated 24
th
December, 2008, pp.

6516-6517 and 6544-6545.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 3

Amended, repealed or otherwise affect by,-

1. H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011
1
, assented to by the Governor on

the 31
st
January, 2011, published both in Hindi and

English in the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh on 5
th

February,

2011, pp. 8785-8788.

2. H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012
2
, assented to by the Governor on

the 3
rd

May, 2012, published both in Hindi and English in

the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh on the 7
th

May, 2012, pp.

862-867.

3. H.P. Act No. 7 of 2013
3
, assented to by the Governor on

the 5
th

January, 2013, published both in Hindi and English

in the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh on the 15
th

January,

2013, pp. 5966-5968, effective from 29
th

April, 2008.

4. H.P. Act No. 30 of 2013
4
, assented to by the Governor on

the 24
th

May, 2013, published both in Hindi and English in

the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh dated 5
th

June, 2013, pp.

1453-1454, effective from 29
th

April, 2008.

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh in the

Fifty-ninth Year of the Republic of India as follows:-

1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the

Eternal University (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2008.

(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on 29
th
day of April,

2008.

2. Definitions.- In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, -

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

constituted under section 19 of this Act;

(b) “campus” means the area of University within which it is

established;

combination of any two or more means of communication,

1. Passed in Hindi by the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. For Statement of Objects

and Reasons see the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh dated 21
st
December, 2010, pp.

7617 and 7621.

2. Passed in Hindi by the Himachal Pradesh VidhanSabha. For Statement of Objects

and Reasons see the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh dated 9
th
April, 2012, pp. 378

and 381-382.

3. Passed in Hindi by the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. For Statement of Objects

and Reasons see the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh dated 31
st
August, 2012, pp. 3329

and 3330-3331.

4. Passed in Hindi by the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. For Statement of Objects

and Reasons see the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh dated 3
rd

April, 2013, pp.78 and

79.

4 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

viz. broadcasting, telecasting, correspondence courses,

seminars, contact programmes and any other such

methodology;

(d) “employee” means any person appointed by the University

and includes teachers and other staff of the University;

(e) “fee” means monetary collection made by the University

or its colleges, institutions or study centers, as the case

may be, from the students by whatever name it may be

called, which is not refundable;

(f) “Government” or “State Government” means the

Government of Himachal Pradesh;

(g) “Governing Body” means the Governing Body constituted

under section 18 of this Act;

(h) “higher education” means study of a curriculum or course

for the pursuit of knowledge beyond 10+2 level;

(i) “hostel” means a place of residence for the students of the

University, or its colleges, institutions and study centres,

established or recognized to be as such by the University;

(j) “notification” means a notification published in the

Official Gazette;

(k) “off campus centre” means a centre of the University

established by it outside the main campus operated and

maintained as its constituent unit, having the University’s

complement of facilities, faculty and staff;

(l) “Official Gazette” means the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh;

(m) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this

Act;

(n) “regulating body” means a body established by the Central

Government for laying down norms and conditions for

ensuring academic standards of higher education, such as

University Grants Commission, All India Council of

Technical Education, National Council of Teacher

Education, Medical Council of India, Pharmaceutical

Council of India, National Council of Assessment and

Accreditation, Indian Council of Agriculture Research,

Distance Education Council, Council of Scientific and

Indian Research
1
[, the Himachal Pradesh Private

Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission] etc. and

includes the Government;

(o) “section” means a section of this Act;

1. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 5

(p) “sponsoring body” means the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib,

District Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, registered under the

Indian Trust Act, 1882;

(q) “State” means State of Himachal Pradesh;

(r) “statutes”, “ordinances” and “regulations” mean

respectively, the statutes, ordinances and regulations of the

University made under this Act;

(s) “student” means a person enrolled in the University for

taking a course of study for a degree, diploma or other

academic distinction instituted by the University, including

a research degree;

(t) “study centre” means a centre established and maintained

or recognized by the University for the purpose of

advising, counseling or for rendering any other assistance

required by the students in the context of distance

education;

(u) “teacher” means a Professor, Reader, Lecturer or any other

person required to impart education or to guide research or

to render guidance in any form to the students for pursuing

a course of study of the University;

(v) “University” means Eternal University, Himachal Pradesh,

Baru Sahib; and

1
[(w) “Regulatory Commission” means the Himachal Pradesh

Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission,

established under section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh

Private Educational Institutions (Regulatory Commission)

Act, 2010 (Act No. 15 of 2011).]

3. The objects of the University.- The objects of the University shall

include,-

(a) to provide instructions, teaching and training in higher

education with a view to create higher levels of intellectual

abilities;

(b) to establish facilities for education and training;

education programmes;

(d) to create centres of excellence for research and

development relevant to the needs of the State and for

sharing knowledge and its application;

(e) to establish campus in the State;

(f) to establish examination centres;

1 Clause (w) inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

6 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

(g) to institute degrees, diplomas, certificates and other

academic distinctions on the basis of examination or any

such other method; while doing so, the University shall

ensure that the standards of degrees, diplomas, certificates

and other academic distinctions are not lower than those

laid down by regulating bodies;

(h) to set up off campus centres, subject to applicable rules or

regulations;
1
[(i) to engage in areas of specialization with proven ability to

make distinctive contributions to the objectives of the

University education system that is academic engagement

clearly distinguishable from programmes of an ordinary

nature that lead to conventional degrees in arts, science,

engineering, medicine, dental, pharmacy, management,

etc. routinely offered by conventional institutions; and

(j) to establish broad-based and viable under graduate, post

graduate and research programmes in several disciplines

with firm interdisciplinary orientation and linkages;]

2
[(k) to make the University functional within one year from the

date of commencement of this Act.]

4. Incorporation.- (1) The first Chancellor and the first Vice-

Chancellor of the University and the first members of the Governing body,

Board of Management and the Academic Council and all persons who may

hereafter become such officers or members, so long as they continue to hold

such office or membership, are hereby constituted a body corporate by the

name of Eternal University Himachal Pradesh, Baru Sahib.

(2) The University shall have perpetual succession and a common seal

and shall sue and be sued by the said name.

(3) The University shall situate and have its headquarter at Baru

Sahib, District Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh.

5. Powers and functions.-
3
[(1)] The University shall have the

following powers and functions, namely:-

(i) to provide for instructions
4
[xxxxxxxxxxx] in such

branches of learning as the University may, from time to

time, determine, and to make provision for research and

for advancement and dissemination of knowledge and for

extension education;

(ii) to conduct innovative experiments in modern methods

and technologies in the field of technical education in

1. Clauses (i) and (j) inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

2. Clause (k) inserted vide H.P. Act No. 7 of 2013, effective from. 29
th

April, 2008.

3. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

4. The words “including the method of distant education” deleted vide H.P. Act No.

17 of 2011.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 7

order to maintain international standards of such

education, training and research;

(iii) to organize and to undertake extra-mural teaching and

extension services;

(iv) to hold examinations and grant diplomas and certificates

to and confer degrees and other academic distinctions on

persons, subject to recognition by any statutory body

under any law, if required, and to withdraw any such

diplomas, certificates, degrees or other academic

distinctions for good and sufficient cause;

1
[(v) the sponsoring body/university shall appoint full time

regular employees for the university and the salary of the

employees shall be deposited in the bank account of the

employees every month;]

(vi) to create such teaching, administrative and other posts as

the University may deem necessary, from time to time,

and make appointments thereto;

(vii) to institute and award Fellowships, Studentships and

Prizes;

(viii) to establish and maintain Hostel including Halls,

recognize guide, supervise and control Hostels including

Halls not maintained by the University and other

accommodation for the residence of the students, and to

withdraw any such recognition ;

(ix) to regulate and enforce discipline among students and

employees of the University and to take such disciplinary

measures as may be deemed necessary;

(x) to make arrangements for promoting health and general

welfare of the students and the employees of the

University and of the Colleges;

(xi) to determine the criterion for admission into the

University or its Colleges;

(xii) to recognize for any purpose, either in whole or in part,

any institution or members or students thereof on such

terms and conditions as may, from time to time, be

specified and to withdraw such recognition;

(xiii) to develop and maintain twinning arrangement with

centers of excellence in modern advanced technology in

the developed countries for higher education training and

research, including distance education subject to the

University Grants Commission Act and the regulations

made thereunder;

1. Clause (v) substituted vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

8 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

(xiv) to co-operate with any other University, authority or

association or any public body having purposes and

objects similar to those of the University for such

purposes as may be agreed upon, on such terms and

conditions as may, from time to time, be specified by the

University;

(xv) to co-operate with other National and International

institutions in the conduct of research and higher

education subject to the University Grants Commission

Act and the regulations made thereunder;

(xvi) to deal with property belonging to or vested in the

University in any manner which is considered necessary

for promoting the objects of the University;

(xvii) to enter into any agreement for the incorporation in the

University of any institution and for taking over its rights,

properties and liabilities and for any other purpose not

repugnant to this Act;

(xviii) to demand and receive payment of such fees and other

charges as may be specified from time to time;

(xix) to receive donations and grants
1
[except from parents and

students] and to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of any

property, movable or immovable, including trust or

endowed property within or outside Himachal Pradesh for

the purposes and objects of the University, and to invest

funds in such manner as the University thinks fit;

(xx) to make provisions for research and advisory services and

for that purpose to enter into such arrangements with

other institutions or bodies as the University may deem

necessary;

(xxi) to provide for the printing, reproduction and publication

of research and other work, including text books, which

may be issued by the University;

(xxii) to accord recognition to institutions and examinations for

admission into the University;

(xxiii) to do all such other things as may be necessary, incidental

or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the objects

of the University;

(xxiv) to frame statutes, ordinances and regulations for carrying

out the objects of the University in accordance with the

provisions of the Act;

1. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 9

(xxv) to provide for dual degrees, diplomas or certificates vis-à-

vis other Universities on reciprocal basis within and

outside the country;

(xxvi) to make provisions for integrated courses in different

disciplines in the educational programmes of the

University;

1
[(xxvii) to set-up colleges, institutions, off-campus centres, off-

shore campus, study centres or to start distance education,

after fulfilling the norms and regulations of the Central

Government Regulatory Bodies and Central Government,

issued from time to time, and after obtaining the specific

approval of the State Government;] and

(xxviii) to seek collaboration with other institutions on mutually

acceptable terms and conditions;

(2) In pursuit of its objects and in exercise of its powers and in

performing of its functions, the University shall not discriminate between any

person, whosoever, on the basis of caste, class, colour, creed, sex, religion or

race.

6. University to be self-financed.- The University shall be self-

financed and it shall not be entitled to receive any grant or other financial

assistance from the Government.

7. No power of affiliation.- The University shall have no power to

affiliate or otherwise admit to its privileges any other institution.

8. Endowment Fund.- (1) The sponsoring body shall establish an

Endowment Fund for the University with an amount of three crores rupees

which shall be pledged to the Government.

(2) The Endowment Fund shall be kept as security deposit to ensure

strict compliance of the provisions of this Act, rules, regulations, statutes or

ordinances made thereunder.

(3) The Government shall have the powers to forfeit, in the prescribed

manner, a part or whole of the Endowment Fund in case the University or the

sponsoring body contravenes any of the provisions of this Act, rules, statutes,

ordinances or regulations made thereunder.

(4) Income from Endowment Fund shall be utilised for the

development of infrastructure of the University but shall not be utilised to

meet out the recurring expenditure of the University.

(5) The amount of Endowment Fund shall be kept invested, until the

dissolution of the University, by way of Fixed Deposit Accounts in any

Scheduled Bank subject to the condition that this Fund shall not be withdrawn

without the permission of the Government.

1. Clause (xxvii) substituted vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

10 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

9. General Fund.- University shall establish a fund, which shall be

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

(a) fees and other charges received by the University;

(b) any contribution made by the sponsoring body;

undertaken by the University;

(d) bequests, donations,
1
[except from parents and students,]

endowments and any other grants; and

(e) all other sums received by the University.

10. Application of General Fund.- The General Fund shall be

utilized for the following purposes, namely:-

(a) for the payment of salaries and allowances of the employees

of the University and members of the teaching and research

staff, and for payment of any Provident Fund contributions,

gratuity and other benefits to such officers and employees;

(b) for the expenses to be incurred by the University for services

availed including services like electricity, telephone etc.;

(d) for up keeping of the assets of the University;

(e) for the payment of debts including interest charges thereto

incurred by the University;

(f) for the payment of travelling and other allowances to the

members of the Governing Body, the Board of Management,

the Academic Council etc.;

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

assistantships and other awards to students belonging to

economically weaker sections of the society or research

associates or trainees, as the case may be, or to any student

otherwise eligible for such awards under the statutes,

ordinances, regulations or rules made under this Act;

(h) for the payment of the cost of audit of the funds created under

sections 8 and 9 of this Act;

(i) for the meeting of expenses of any suit or proceedings to

which University is a party;

(j) for the purpose of movable and immovable assets;

(k) for the payment of any expenses incurred by the University

in carrying out the provisions of this Act or the statutes,

ordinances, regulations or rules made thereunder; and

1. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 11

(l) for the payment of any other expenses 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 its prior approval:

Provided further that the General Fund shall, for the purpose specified

under sub-clause (e), be applied with the prior approval of the Governing

Body:

1
[Provided further that no portion of income and property of the

University shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly, by way of

dividend, bonus or otherwise, howsoever, by way of profit to the persons who

were at any time or are members of the University or to any of them or any

person claiming through them; provided that nothing herein contained shall

prevent the payment in good faith of remuneration to any member thereof or

other person as consideration for any service rendered to the University or for

travelling or other allowances and such other charges.]

11. Officers of the University.- The following shall be the officers of

the University, namely: -

(i) the Chancellor;

(ii) the Vice-Chancellor;

(iii) the Registrar;

(iv) the Chief Finance and Accounts Officer; and

(v) such other persons in the service of the University as may be

declared by the statutes to be the officers of the University.

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

sponsoring body for a period of three years, with the approval of the

Government in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be

specified by the statutes.

(2) the Chancellor shall be the Head of the University.

(3) The Chancellor shall preside over at the meetings of the

Governing Body and convocation of the University for conferring degrees,

diplomas or other academic distinctions.

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

(a) to call for any information or record;

(b) to appoint the Vice-Chancellor;

provisions of sub-section (7) of section 13 of this Act; and

1. Third proviso inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

12 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

(d) such other powers as may be specified by the statutes.

13. The Vice Chancellor.- (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be

appointed by the Chancellor, on such terms and conditions as may be

specified by statutes, from a panel of three persons recommended by the

Governing Body and shall, subject to the provisions contained in sub-

section(7), hold office for a term of three years:

Provided that after the expiry of the term of three years, a person shall

be eligible for re-appointment for another term of three years:

Provided further that Vice-Chancellor shall continue to hold office

even after expiry of his term till new Vice-Chancellor joins, however, in any

case, this period shall not exceed one year.

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

academic officer of the University and shall have the general superintendence

and control over the affairs of the University and shall execute the decisions

of various authorities of the University.

(3) The Vice-Chancellor shall preside over at the convocation of the

University in the absence of the Chancellor.

(4) 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 officer

or authority as would have in the ordinary course dealt with the matter:

Provided that if in the opinion of the concerned officer or authority

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

case shall be referred to the Chancellor, whose decision thereon shall be final.

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

authority of the University is outside the powers conferred by this Act or

statutes, ordinances, regulations or rules made thereunder or is likely to be

prejudicial to the interests of the University, he shall request the concerned

authority to revise its decision within fifteen days from the date of decision

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

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

referred to the Chancellor and his decision thereon shall be final.

(6) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such powers and perform such

duties as may be specified by the statutes or the ordinances.

(7) If at any time upon representation made or otherwise and after

making such inquiry as may be deemed necessary, the situation so warrants

and if the continuance of the Vice-Chancellor is not in the interests of the

University, the Chancellor may, by an order in writing stating the reasons

therein, ask the Vice-Chancellor to relinquish his office from such date as may

be specified in the order:

Provided that before taking an action under this sub-section, the Vice-

Chancellor shall be given an opportunity of being heard.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 13

14. The Registrar.- (1) The Registrar shall be appointed by the

Chancellor in such manner and on such terms and conditions of service as

may be specified by the statutes.

(2) The Registrar shall have power to enter into agreement, contract,

sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University and shall

exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be specified by the

statutes.

(3) The Registrar shall be the Member-Secretary of the Governing

Body, Board of Management and Academic Council, but shall not have the

right to vote.

15. The Chief Finance and Account Officer.- (1) The Chief Finance

and Accounts Officer shall be appointed by the Chancellor in such manner

and on such terms and conditions of service as may be specified by the

statutes.

(2) The Chief Finance and Accounts Officer shall exercise such

powers and perform such duties as may be specified by the statutes.

16. Other officers.- (1) The University may appoint such other

officers as may be necessary for its functioning.

(2) The manner of appointment of other officers of the University and

their powers and functions shall be such as may be specified by the statutes.

17. Authorities of University.- The following shall be the authorities

of the University, namely:-

(i) the Governing Body;

(ii) the Board of Management;

(iii) the Academic Council; and

(iv) such other authorities as may be declared by the statutes to be

the authorities of the University.

18. The Governing Body.- (1) The Governing Body of the

University shall consist of the following, namely:-

(a) the Chancellor;

(b) the Vice-Chancellor;

whom two shall be eminent educationists;

(d) one expert of management or information technology from

outside the University, nominated by the Chancellor;

(e) two persons, nominated by the Government; and

(f) two members of the State Legislative Assembly, to be elected

by the State Legislature.

1. Substituted for the words “five” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

14 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

(2) The Governing Body shall be the supreme authority of the

University.

(3) The Governing Body shall have the following powers, namely: -

(a) to provide general superintendence and directions and to

control functioning of the University by using all such powers

as are provided by this Act or the statutes, ordinances,

regulations or rules made thereunder;

(b) to review the decisions of other authorities of the University

in case they are not in conformity with the provisions of this

Act or the statutes, ordinances, regulations or rules made

thereunder;

(d) to lay down the policies to be followed by the University;

(e) to recommend to the sponsoring body about the voluntary

liquidation of the University if a situation arises when smooth

functioning of the University does not remain possible, in

spite of all efforts; and

(f) such other powers as may be prescribed by the statutes.

(4) The Governing Body shall meet at least thrice in a calendar year.

(5) The quorum for meetings of the Governing Body shall be five.

19. The Board of Management.- (1) The Board of Management

shall consist of the following members, namely: -

(a) the Vice-Chancellor;

1
[(b) Deans of Faculties not exceeding two (by rotation based on

seniority);

amongst eminent educationists or from management field;

(d) two eminent academicians to be nominated by the

Government in consultation with the Regulatory

Commission;]

2
[(e) two persons from amongst the teachers (from Professors,

Associate Professors), by rotation based on seniority; and

(f) the Registrar shall be the Member Secretary.]

(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the Chairperson of the Board of

Management.

(3) The powers and functions of the Board of Management shall be

such as may be specified by the statutes.

1. Clauses (b) to (d) substituted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

2. Clauses (e) and (f) inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 15

(4) The Board of Management shall meet at least once in every two

months.

(5) The quorum for meetings of the Board of Management shall be

five.
1
[(6) The Board of Management of the University shall be

independent of the Sponsoring Body with full autonomy to perform its

academic and administrative functions.]

20. The Academic Council.- (1) The Academic Council shall consist

of the Vice-Chancellor and such other members as may be specified by the

statutes.

(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the Chairperson of the Academic

Council.

(3) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic body of the

University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules,

statutes and ordinances made thereunder, co-ordinate and exercise general

supervision over the academic policies of the University.

(4) The quorum for meetings of the Academic Council shall be such

as may be specified by the statutes.

21. Other authorities.- The composition, constitution, powers and

functions of other authorities of the University shall be such as may be

specified by the statutes.

22. Disqualifications.- A person shall be disqualified for being a

member of any of the authorities or bodies of the University, if he,-

(a) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent

court; or

(b) is an undischarged insolvent; or

(d) is conducting or engaging himself in private coaching classes;

(e) has been punished for indulging in or promoting unfair

practice in the conduct of any examination, in any form,

anywhere.

23. Vacancies not to invalidate the proceedings of any authority
or body of the University.- No act or proceeding of any authority or body of

the University shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or defect in

the constitution thereof.

24. Filling of casual vacancies.- In case there occurs any casual

vacancy in any authority or body of the University, due to death, resignation

or removal of a member, the same shall be filled, as early as possible, by the

1. Sub-section (6) inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

16 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

person or body who appoints or nominates the member whose place become

vacant and person appointed or nominated to a casual vacancy shall be a

member of such authority or body for the residue of the term for which the

person whose place he fills would have been member.

25. Committees.- (1) The authorities or officers of the University

may constitute committees with such terms of reference as may be necessary

for specific tasks to be performed by such committees.

(2) The constitution of such committees and their duties shall be such

as may be specified by the statutes.

26. The First Statutes.- (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, and

the rules made thereunder, the First Statutes of the University may provide for

all or any of the following matters, namely:-

(a) the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities and

other bodies of the University as may be constituted from time

to time;

(b) the terms and conditions of appointment of the Vice-Chancellor

and his powers and functions;

of the Registrar and Chief Finance and Accounts Officer and

their powers and functions;

(d) the manner of appointment and terms and conditions of service

of the employees and their powers and functions;

(e) the terms and conditions of service of employees of the

University;

(f) the procedure for arbitration in case of disputes between

employees, students and the University;

1
[ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]

(h) the provisions regarding exemption of students from payment

of tuition fee and for awarding to them scholarships and

fellowships;

(i) provisions regarding the policy of admissions, including

regulation of reservation of seats;

(j) provisions regarding fees to be charged from the students; and

(k) provisions regarding number of seats in different courses.

(2) The First Statutes shall be made by the Government and published

in the Official Gazette and a copy thereof shall be laid before the State

Legislative Assembly.

1. Clause (g) omitted vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 17

27. The subsequent Statutes.- (1) Subject to the provisions of this

Act and the rules made thereunder, the subsequent Statutes of the University

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

(a) creation of new authorities of the University;

(b) accounting policy and financial procedure;

(d) creation of new departments and abolition or restructuring of

existing department;

(e) institution of medals and prizes;

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

(g) revision of fees;

(h) alteration of the number of seats in different syllabi; and

(i) all other matters which under the provisions of this Act are to

be specified by the statutes.

(2) The statutes of the University other than the First statutes shall be

made by the Board of Management with the approval of the Governing Body.

(3) The Board of Management may, from time to time, make new or

additional statutes or may amend or repeal the statutes so made in the manner

hereinafter provided in this section:

Provided that Board of Management shall not make any statute or any

amendment of the statute affecting the status, powers or constitution of any

existing authority of the University until such authority has been given an

opportunity of expressing an opinion on the proposal and any opinion so

expressed shall be in writing and shall be considered by the Governing Body.

(4) Every such statute or addition to the statutes or any amendment or

repeal of the statutes shall be subject to the approval of the Government:

Provided that no statute shall be made by the Board of Management

affecting the discipline of students and standards of instruction, education and

examination except in consultation with the Academic Council.

28. The First Ordinances.- (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act

or the rules or statutes made thereunder, the Board of Management may make

such First Ordinances with the approval of the Governing Body as it deems

appropriate for the furtherance of the objects of the University and such

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

(a) the admission of students to the University and their enrolment

as such;

(b) the courses of study to be laid down for the degrees, diplomas

and certificates of the University;

academic distinctions, the minimum qualifications for the same

18 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

and the means to be taken relating to the granting and obtaining

of the same;

(d) the conditions for awarding of fellowships, scholarships,

stipends, medals and prizes;

(e) the conduct of examinations, including the terms of office and

manner of appointment and the duties of examining bodies,

examiners and moderators;

(f) fees to be charged for the various courses, examinations,

degrees and diplomas of the University;

(g) the conditions of residence of the students in the hostels of the

University;

(h) provision regarding disciplinary action against the students;

(i) the creation, composition and functions of any other body

which is considered necessary for improving the academic life

of the University;

(j) the manner of co-operation and collaboration with other

Universities and institutions of higher education; and

(k) all other matters which by this Act or statutes made thereunder

are required to be provided by the ordinances.

(2) The Board of Management shall either modify the ordinances

incorporating the suggestion of the Governing Body or give reasons for not

incorporating any of the suggestions made by the Governing Body and shall

return the ordinances alongwith such reasons, if any, to the Governing Body

and on receipt of the same, the Governing Body shall consider the comments

of the Board of Management and shall approve the ordinances of the

University with or without such modifications and then the ordinances, as

approved by the Governing Body shall come into force.

29. The subsequent Ordinances.- (1) All ordinances other than the

First Ordinances shall be made by the Academic Council which after being

approved by the Board of Management shall be submitted to the Governing

Body for its approval.

(2) The Academic Council shall either modify the ordinances

incorporating the suggestions of the Board of Management and the Governing

Body or give reasons for not incorporating the suggestions, and shall return

the Ordinances alongwith such reasons, if any, the Board of Management and

the Governing Body shall consider the comments of the Academic Council

and shall approve the Ordinances of the University with or without such

modification and then the ordinances, as approved by the Governing Body

shall come into force.

30. Regulations.- The authorities of the University may, subject to

the prior approval of the Board of Management, make regulations, consistent

with this Act, the rules, statutes and the ordinances made thereunder, for the

conduct of their own business and of the committees appointed by them.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 19

31. Admission.- (1) Admission in the University shall be made

strictly on the basis of merit.

(2) Merit for admission in the University may be determined either on

the basis of marks or grade obtained in the qualifying examination for

admission and achievements in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities or

on the basis of marks or grade obtained in the entrance test conducted at State

level either by an association of the Universities conducting similar courses or

by any agency of the State:

Provided that admission in professional and technical courses shall be

made only through entrance test.

(3) Seats for admission in the University, for the students belonging to

Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes and

handicapped students, shall be reserved as per the policy of the State

Government.

(4) At least 25% seats for admission to each course shall be reserved

for students who are bonafide Himachalis.

1
[(5) The University shall seek prior approval of the

2
[Regulatory

Commission] for admitting new students in subsequent years in the existing

courses or for starting new courses which shall be subject to recommendations

of the inspection committee set up for the purpose. This shall be applicable till

the first batch of final year students are admitted.]

32. Fee Structure.- (1) The University may, from time to time,

prepare and revise, its fee structure and send it to the Government for its

approval
3
[before 31

st
December of every preceding academic year alongwith

the approval of courses granted by the Regulatory Commission] and the

Government shall convey the approval within
4
[three months] from the receipt

of the proposal:

5
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]

Provided that the fee structure for each course shall be decided before

the issue of prospectus and shall be reflected in the prospectus:

Provided further that the fee structure shall not be revised or modified

during the academic year.

(2) The fee structure prepared by the University shall be considered

by a committee to be constituted by the State Government, in the manner as

may be prescribed, which shall submit its recommendations to the

Government after taking into consideration whether the proposed fee is, -

(a) sufficient for generating -

1. Sub-section (5) Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

2. Substituted for the words “State Government” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

3. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.
4. Substituted for the words “ one month” vide H.P. Act No. 17 of 2011.

5. Proviso deleted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

20 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

(i) resources for meeting the recurring expenditure of the

University; and

(ii) the savings required for the further development of the

University; and

(b) not unreasonably excessive.

(3) After receipt of the recommendations under sub-section (2), if the

Government is satisfied, it may approve the fee structure.

(4) The fee structure approved by the Government under sub-section

(3) shall remain valid until next revision.

33. Examinations.- At the beginning of each academic session and

in any case not later than 30
th
of August of every calendar year, the University

shall prepare and publish a semester-wise or annual, as the case may be,

Schedule of Examinations for each and every course conducted by it and shall

strictly adhere to such Schedule.

Explanation:- Schedule of Examination means a table giving details

about the time, day and date of the commencement of each paper which is a

part of a Scheme of Examinations and shall also include the details about the

practical examinations:

Provided that if, for any reason whatsoever, University is unable to

follow this Schedule, it shall, as soon as practicable, submit a report to the
1
[Regulatory Commission] giving the detailed reasons for making a departure

from the published Schedule of Examination. The
2
[Regulatory Commission]

may, thereon, issue such directions as it may deem fit for better compliance in

future.

34. Declaration of results.- (1) The University shall strive to declare

the results of every examination conducted by it within thirty days from the

last date of the examination for a particular course and shall in any case

declare the results latest within forty-five days from such date:

Provided that if, for any reason whatsoever, the University is unable

to finally declare the results of any examination within the period of forty-five

days, it shall submit a report incorporating the detailed reasons for such delay

to the
3
[Regulatory Commission]. The

4
[Regulatory Commission] may,

thereon, issue such directions as it may deem fit for better compliance in

future.

(2) No examination or the results of an examination shall be held

invalid only for the reasons that the University has not followed the Schedule

of Examination as stipulated in section 33 and in this section.

1. Substituted for the words “Government” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

2. Substituted for the words “Government” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

3. Substituted for the words “Government” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

4. Substituted for the words “Government” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 21

35. Convocation.- The convocation of the University shall be held in

every academic year in the manner as may be specified by the statutes for

conferring degrees, diplomas or for any other purpose.

1
[36. Accreditation of the University.- The University shall obtain

accreditation from the National Council of Assessment and Accreditation

(NAAC), Bangalore, as per the guidelines issued by the National Assessment

and Accreditation Council from time to time and inform the Government and

such other regulating bodies which are connected with the courses taken up by

the University about the grade provided by NAAC to the University and the

University shall get renewed such accreditation after such period as may be

prescribed.]

37. University to follow rules, regulations, norms etc. of the
regulating bodies.- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the

University shall be bound to comply with all the rules, regulations, norms, etc.

of the regulating bodies and provide all such facilities and assistance to such

bodies as are required by them to discharge their duties and carry out their

functions.

38. Annual report.- (1) The annual report of the University shall be

prepared by the Board of Management which shall include among other

matters, the steps taken by the University towards the fulfillment of its objects

and shall be approved by the Governing Body and copy of the same shall be

submitted to the sponsoring body.

(2) Copies of the annual report prepared under sub-section (1) shall

also be presented to
2
[the Regulatory Commission and] the Government.

39. Annual accounts and audit.- (1) The annual accounts including

balance sheet of the University shall be prepared under the directions of the

Board of Management and the annual accounts shall be audited at least once

in every year by the auditors appointed by the University for this purpose.

(2) A copy of the annual accounts together with the audit report shall

be submitted to the Governing Body.

(3) A copy of the annual accounts and audit report alongwith the

observations of the Governing Body shall be submitted to the sponsoring

body.

(4) Copies of annual accounts and balance sheet prepared under sub-

section (1) shall also be presented to the
3
[Regulatory Commission and the]

Government.

(5) The advice of
4
[Regulatory Commission and the Government], if

any, arising out of the accounts and audit report of the University shall be

placed before the Governing Body and the Governing Body shall issue such

1. Section 36 substituted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

2. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

3. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

4. Substituted for the words “Government” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

22 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

directions, as it may deem fit and compliance thereof shall be reported to
1
[the

Regulatory Commission and the Government].

40. Powers of the Government to inspect the University.- (1) For

the purpose of ascertaining the standards of teaching, examination and

research or any other matter relating to the University, the Government
2
[or

the Regulatory Commission], may,
3
[XXXXXXXXX] cause an assessment to

be made in such manner as may be prescribed, by such person or persons as it

may deem fit.

(2) The Government
4
[or the Regulatory Commission, as the case may

be,] shall communicate to the University its recommendations in regard to the

result of such assessment for corrective action and the University shall take

such corrective measures as are necessary so as to ensure the compliance of

the recommendations.

(3) If the University fails to comply with the recommendations made

under sub-section (2) within a reasonable time, the Government
5
[or the

Regulatory Commission, as the case may be,] may give such directions as it

may deem fit which shall be binding on the University.

41. Dissolution of the University by the sponsoring body.- (1) The

sponsoring body may dissolve the University by giving a notice to this effect

to the Government, the employees and the students of the University at least

one year in advance:

Provided that dissolution of the University shall have effect only after

the last batches of students of the regular courses have completed their

courses and they have been awarded degrees, diplomas or awards, as the case

may be.

(2) On the dissolution of the University all the assets and liabilities of

the University shall vest in the sponsoring body:

Provided that in case the sponsoring body dissolves the University

before
6
[fifty years] of its establishment all the assets of the University

7
[including assets of the sponsoring body pertaining to the University] shall

vest in the Government free from all encumbrances.

42. Special powers of the Government in certain circumstances.-
(1) If it appears to the Government that the University has contravened any of

1. Substituted for the words “Government” vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

2. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.
3. The words “after consultation with the Vice-Chancellor,” deleted vide H.P. Act

No. 17 of 2011.

4. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.

5. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 23 of 2012.
6. The words “twenty five years” substituted for the words “fifteen years,” vide H.P.

Act No. 17 of 2011 again the words “fifty years” substituted for the words

“twenty five years” vide H.P. Act No. 30 of 2013 effective from. 29
th

April,

2008.

7. Inserted vide H.P. Act No. 7 of 2013, effective from 29
th

April, 2008.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 23

the provisions of this Act or the rules, statutes or ordinances made thereunder

or has contravened any of the directions issued by it under this Act or has

ceased to carry out any of the undertakings given under sub-section (1) of

section 5 of the Himachal Pradesh Private Universities (Establishment and

Regulation)Act, 2006 or a situation of financial mis-management or mal-

administration has arisen in the University, it shall issue notice requiring the

University to show cause within forty five days as to why an order of its

liquidation should not be made.

(2) If the Government, on receipt of reply of the University on the

notice issued under sub-section (1), is satisfied that there is a prima facie case

of contravening all or any of the provisions of this Act or the rules, statutes or

ordinances made thereunder or of contravening directions issued by it under

this Act or of ceasing to carry out the undertaking given under sub-section (1)

of section 5 of the Himachal Pradesh Private Universities (Establishment and

Regulation) Act, 2006 or of financial mis-management or mal-administration,

it shall make an order of such enquiry as it may consider necessary.

(3) The Government shall, for the purpose of any enquiry under sub-

section (2), appoint an inquiry officer or officers to inquire into any of the

allegations and to make report thereon.

(4) The inquiry officer or officers appointed under sub-section (3)

shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of

Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) while trying a suit in respect of the

following matters, namely: -

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and

examining him on oath;

(b) requiring the discovery and production of any such document or

any other material as may be predicable in evidence;

(d) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(5) The inquiry officer or officers inquiring under this Act, shall be

deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter 26 of

the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

(6) On receipt of the enquiry report from the officer or officers

appointed under sub-section (3), if the Government is satisfied that the

University has contravened all or any of the provisions of this Act or the rules,

statutes, or ordinances made thereunder or has violated any of the directions

issued by it under this Act or has ceased to carry out the undertakings given

by it under sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Himachal Pradesh Private

Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2006 (12 of 2006) or a

situation of financial mis-management and mal-administration has arisen in

the University which threatens the academic standard of the University, it

shall issue orders for the liquidation of the University and appoint an

administrator.

24 THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008

(7) The administrator appointed under sub-section (6) shall have all

the powers and be subject to all the duties of the Governing Body and the

Board of Management under this Act and shall administer the affairs of the

University until the last batch of the students of the regular courses have

completed their courses and they have been awarded degrees, diplomas or

awards, as the case may be.

(8) After having awarded the degrees, diplomas or awards, as the case

may be, to the last batches of the students of the regular courses, the

administrator shall make a report to this effect to the Government.

(9) On receipt of the report under sub-section(8), the Government

shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, issue an order dissolving the

University and from the date of publication of such notification, the

University shall stand dissolved and all the
1
[assets of the University including

assets of the sponsoring body pertaining to the University shall vest in the

Government free from all encumbrances] from such date.

43. Power to make rules.- (1) The Government may, by notification

in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such

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

(a) matter to be prescribed under clause (d) of sub-section (4) of

section 42; and

(b) other matters which are required to be, or may be, prescribed by

rules under this Act.

(3) All the rules made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be

after they are so made, before the State Legislative Assembly, while it is in

session, for a period of not less than ten days which may be comprised in one

session or in two or more successive sessions and if before the expiry of the

session in which it is so laid or the successive sessions aforesaid, the

Legislative Assembly agrees in making modification in any of such rules or

agrees that any such rules should not be made, such 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 thereunder.

44. Power to remove difficulties.- (1) If any difficulty arises in

giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by order

published in the Official Gazette, make provisions, not inconsistent with the

provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for

removing the difficulty.

(2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after

it is made, be laid before the State Legislative Assembly.

1. Substituted for the words “assets and liabilities of the University shall vest in the

sponsoring body” vide H.P. Act No. 7 of 2013, effective from 29
th

April, 2008.

THE ETERNAL UNIVERSITY (ESTABLISHMENT AND REGULATION) ACT, 2008 25

45. Savings.- Notwithstanding repeal of the Himachal Pradesh

Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2006 (12 of 2006),

under the Chitkara University (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2008, any

action taken or anything done under the said Act so repealed shall be deemed

to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Act.

46. Repeal of Ordinance No. 4 of 2008 and savings.- (1) The

Eternal University (Establishment and Regulation) Ordinance, 2008 is hereby

repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal any action taken or anything done

under the Ordinance so repealed shall be deemed to have been done or taken

under the corresponding provisions of this Act.

_________

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About this act

Jurisdiction: Himachal Pradesh
Enactment date: 2009-01-27
Sections available: Document reader

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India Code, Government of India. Text fetched 10 Oct 2026. Source metadata reports last modification: 2025-05-17. Check the linked official text and subsequent notifications when applying a provision.