The Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act, 2016

--- Section 1. Section 1.Short title and commencement. --- (1) This Act may be called the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act, 2016. (2) It shall come into force on such date 1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. [Footnotes] 1. 7th October, 2016, vide notification S.O. 3184 (E), dated 7th October, 2016, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary Part II, s. 3 (ii) . --- Section 2. Section 2.Declaration of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University as an institution of national importance. --- Whereas the objects of the institution known as the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University are such as to make the institution one of the national importance, it is hereby declared that the institution known as the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University is an institution of national importance. --- Section 3. Section 3.Definitions. --- In this Act, and in all Statutes made hereunder, unless the context otherwise requires, --- (a) "Academic Council" means the Academic Council of the University; (b) "academic staff" means such categories of staff as are designated as academic staff by the Ordinances; (c) "agriculture" means the basic and applied sciences of the soil and water management, crop production including production of all garden crops, control of plants, pests and diseases, horticulture including floriculture, animal husbandry including veterinary and dairy science, fisheries, forestry including farm forestry, home-science, agricultural engineering and technology, marketing and processing of agricultural and animal husbandry products, land use and management; (d) "Board" means the Board of Management of the University; (e) "Board of Studies" means the Board of Studies of the University; (f) "Chancellor" means the Chancellor of the University; (g) "college" means a constituent college of the University whether located at the headquarters, campus or elsewhere; (h) "Department" means a Department of Studies of the University; (i) "employee" means any person appointed by the University and includes teachers and other staff of the University; (j) "extension education" means the educational activities concerned with the training of orchardists, farmers and other groups serving agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and improved practices related thereto and the various phases of scientific technology related to agriculture and agricultural production including post-harvest technology and marketing; (k) "Faculty" means Faculty of the University; (l) "Ordinances" means the Ordinances of the University; (m) "Regulations" means the Regulations made by any prescribed authority of the University; (n) "Research Advisory Committee" means the Research Advisory Committee of the University; (o) "Statutes" means the Statutes of the University; (p) "student" means a person enrolled in the University for undergoing a course of study for obtaining a degree, diploma or other academic distinction duly instituted; (q) "teachers" means Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Teaching Faculty Members and their equivalent appointed for imparting instruction or conducting research or extension education programmes or combination of these in the University, college or any institute maintained by the University and designated as teachers by the Ordinances; (r) "University" means the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University established under this Act; (s) "Vice-Chancellor" means the Vice-Chancellor of the University; and (t) "Visitor" means the Visitor of the University. --- Section 4. Section 4.Establishment and incorporation of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University. --- (1) The University established and incorporated under the Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987 (Bihar Act 8 of 1988), in so far as it relates to the Rajendra Agricultural University shall be established as a body corporate under this Act by the name of the "Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University". (2) The headquarters of the University shall be at Pusa in the State of Bihar and it may also establish campuses at such other places within its jurisdiction as it may deem fit; Provided that the University shall integrate the existing campus and other associated facilities of the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa and the effective date of take-over shall be as specified in the notification published in the Official Gazette. (3) The first Chancellor, the first Vice-Chancellor and the first members of the Board, 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 the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University. (4) The University shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall sue and be sued by the said name. --- Section 5. Section 5.Objects of the University. --- The objects of the University shall be--- (a) to impart education in different branches of agriculture and allied sciences as it may deem fit; (b) to further the advancement of learning and conducting of research in agricultural and allied sciences; (c) to undertake programmes of extension education in the country with particular attention to the State of Bihar; (d) to promote partnership and linkages with national and international educational institutions; and (e) to undertake such other activities as it may, from time to time, determine. --- Section 6. Section 6.Powers of the University. --- The University shall have the following powers, namely: — (i) to make provisions for instructions in agriculture and allied sciences; (ii) to make provisions for conduct of research in agriculture and allied branches of learning; (iii) to make provisions for dissemination of the findings of research and technical information through extension programmes; (iv) to grant, subject to such conditions as it may determine, diplomas or certificates to, and confer degrees or other academic distinctions on the basis of examination, evaluation or any other method of testing, on persons, and to withdraw any such diplomas, certificates, degrees or other academic distinction for good and sufficient cause; (v) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions in the manner prescribed by the Statutes; (vi) to provide lectures and instructions for field workers, village leaders and other persons not enrolled as regular students of the University and to grant certificates to them as may be prescribed by the Statutes; (vii) to co-operate or collaborate or associate with any other University or authority or institution of higher learning in such manner and for such purpose as the University may determine; (viii) to establish and maintain colleges relating to agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, forestry, veterinary and animal science, dairying, home-science and allied sciences, as necessary; (ix) to establish and maintain such campuses, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, special centres, specialised laboratories, libraries, museums or other units for research and institution as are, in its opinion, necessary for the furtherance of its objects; (x) to create teaching, research and extension education posts and to make appointments thereto; (xi) to create administrative, ministerial and other posts and to make appointments thereto; (xii) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; (xiii) to determine standards of admission to the University which may include examination, evaluation or any other method of testing; (xiv) to provide and maintain residential accommodation for students and employees; (xv) to supervise the residences of the students of the University and to make arrangements for promoting their health and general welfare; (xvi) to lay down conditions of service of all categories of employees, including their code of conduct; (xvii) to regulate and enforce discipline among the students and the employees and to take such disciplinary measures in this regard as it may deem necessary; (xviii) to fix, demand and receive such fees and other charges as may be prescribed by the Statutes; (xix) to borrow, with the approval of the Central Government on the security of its property, money for the purpose of the University; (xx) to receive benefactions, donations and gifts and to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of any property, movable or immovable including trust and endowment properties, for its purposes; and (xxi) to do all such other acts and things as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of its objects. --- Section 7. Section 7.Jurisdiction. --- (1) The jurisdiction and responsibility of the University with respect to teaching, research and programmes of extension education at the University level, in the field of agriculture and allied subjects shall extend to the whole country with special reference to the State of Bihar. (2) All colleges, directorates, research stations, experiment stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University and other institutions coming under the jurisdiction and authority of the University shall be constituent unit and no other units shall be recognised as affiliated units. (3) The University may assume responsibility for the training of field extension workers and others and may develop such training centres as may be required in various regions under its jurisdiction. --- Section 8. Section 8.University open to all classes, castes and creed. --- The University shall be open to persons of every sex, caste, creed, race or class, and it shall not be lawful for the University to adopt or impose on any person, any test whatsoever of religious belief or profession in order to entitle him to be appointed as a teacher of the University or to hold any other office therein or be admitted as a student in the University or to enjoy or exercise any privilege thereof: Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the University from making special provisions for the employment or admission of women, persons with disability or of persons belonging to the weaker sections of the society and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. --- Section 9. Section 9.The Visitor. --- (1) The President of India shall be the Visitor of the University. (2) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4) , the Visitor shall have the right to cause an inspection to be made, by such person or persons as he may direct, of the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, museums, workshops and equipments, and of any institution or college and also of the examination, instruction and other work conducted or done by the University, and to cause an inquiry to be made in like manner in respect of any matter connected with the administration and finances of the University. (3) The Visitor shall, in every case, give notice to the University of his intention to cause, an inspection or inquiry to be made and the University shall, on receipt of such notice, have the right to make, within thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice or such other period as the Visitor may determine, such representations to him as it may consider necessary. (4) After considering the representations, if any, made by the University, the Visitor may cause to be made such inspection or inquiry as is referred to in sub-section (2) . (5) Where an inspection or inquiry has been caused to be made by the Visitor, the University shall be entitled to appoint a representative who shall have the right to appear in person and to be heard on such inspection or inquiry. (6) The Visitor may address the Vice-Chancellor with reference to the results of such inspection or inquiry together with such views and advice with regard to the action to be taken thereon as the Visitor may be pleased to offer and on receipt of the address made by the Visitor, the Vice-Chancellor shall communicate forthwith to the Board, the results of the inspection or inquiry and the views of the Visitor and the advice tendered by him upon the action to be taken thereon. (7) The Board shall communicate through the Vice-Chancellor to the Visitor such action, if any, as it proposes to take or has been taken by it upon the results of such inspection or inquiry. (8) Where the Board does not, within reasonable time, take action to the satisfaction of the Visitor, the Visitor may, after considering any explanation furnished or representation made by the Board, issue such directions as he may think fit and the Board shall be bound to comply with such directions. (9) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this section, the Visitor may, by an order in writing, annul any proceeding of the University which is not in conformity with this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances: Provided that before making any such order, he shall call upon the University to show cause why such an order should not be made and, if any cause is shown within a reasonable time, he shall consider the same. (10) The Visitor shall have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 10. Section 10.Officers of the University. --- The following shall be the officers of the University, namely: — (1) the Chancellor; (2) the Vice-Chancellor; (3) the Deans; (4) the Directors; (5) the Registrar; (6) the Comptroller; (7) the University Librarian; and (8) such other officers as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 11. Section 11.The Chancellor. --- (1) The Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor in such manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) The Chancellor shall, by virtue of his office, be the Head of the University. (3) The Chancellor shall, if present, preside at the convocations of the University held for conferring degrees. --- Section 12. Section 12.The Vice-Chancellor. --- (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor in such manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (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 all the authorities of the University. (3) The Vice-Chancellor may, if he is of the opinion that immediate action is necessary on any matter, exercise any power conferred on any authority of the University by or under this Act and shall report to such authority the action taken by him on such matter: Provided that if the authority concerned is of opinion that such action ought not to have been taken, it may refer the matter to the Visitor whose decision thereon shall be final: Provided further that any person in the service of the University who is aggrieved by the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor under this sub-section shall have the right to appeal against such action to the Board within three months from the date on which decision on such action is communicated to him and thereupon the Board may confirm, modify or reverse the action taken by the ViceChancellor. (4) The Vice-Chancellor, if he is of the opinion that any decision of any authority of the University is beyond the powers of the authority conferred by the provisions of this Act, the Statutes of the Ordinances or that any decision taken is not in the interest of the University, may ask the authority concerned to review its decision within sixty days of such decision and if the authority refuses to review the decision either in whole or in part or no decision is taken by it within the said period of sixty days, the matter shall be referred to the Visitor whose decision thereon shall be final. (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes or the Ordinances. --- Section 13. Section 13.Deans and Director. --- Every Dean and every Director shall be appointed in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 14. Section 14.The Registrar. --- (1) The Registrar shall be appointed in such manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) The Registrar shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 15. Section 15.The Comptroller. --- The Comptroller shall be appointed in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 16. Section 16.Other officers. --- The manner of appointment and powers and duties of the other officers of the University shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 17. Section 17.Authorities of the University. --- The following shall be the authorities of the University, namely: — (1) the Board; (2) the Academic Council; (3) the Research Council; (4) the Extension Education Council; (5) the Finance Committee; (6) the Faculties and Board of Studies; and (7) such other authorities as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 18. Section 18.Board of Management. --- (1) The Board shall be the principal executive body of the University. (2) The constitution of the Board, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 19. Section 19.The Academic Council. --- (1) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic body of the University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and Ordinances, have the control and general regulation of, and be responsible for the maintenance of standards of learning, education, instruction, evaluation and examination within the University and shall exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be conferred or imposed upon it by the Statutes. (2) The constitution of the Academic Council and the term of office of its members shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 20. Section 20.The Research Council. --- The constitution, powers and functions of the Research Council shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 21. Section 21.The Extension Education Council. --- The constitution, powers and functions of the Extension Education Council shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 22. Section 22.The Finance Committee. --- The constitution, powers and functions of the Finance Committee shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 23. Section 23.Faculties. --- The University shall have such Faculties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 24. Section 24.The Board of Studies. --- The constitution, powers and functions of the Board of Studies shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 25. Section 25.Other authorities --- The constitution, powers and functions of other authorities of the University referred to in clause (7) of section 17 shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 26. Section 26.Power to make Statutes. --- Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely: — (a) the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities of the University, as may be constituted from time to time; (b) the appointment and continuance in office of the members of the authorities, the filling up of vacancies, and all other matters relating to the authorities for which it may be necessary or desirable to provide; (c) the appointment, powers and duties of the officers of the University and their emoluments; (d) the appointment of teachers, academic staff and other employees of the University and their emoluments; (e) the appointment of teachers and academic staff working in any other University or organisation for a specific period for undertaking a joint project; (f) the conditions of service of employees including provision for pension, insurance and provident fund, the manner of termination of service and disciplinary action; (g) the principles governing the seniority of service of employees of the University; (h) the procedure for arbitration in cases of dispute between employees or students and the University; (i) the procedure for appeal to the Board by any employee or student against the action of any officer or authority of the University; (j) the establishment and abolition of departments, centres, colleges and institutions; (k) the conferment of honorary degrees; (l) the withdrawal of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions; (m) the institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; (n) the delegation of powers vested in the authorities or officers of the University; (o) the maintenance of discipline among the employees and students; and (p) all other matters which are to be, or may be, prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 27. Section 27.Statutes how to be made. --- (1) The first Statutes are those set out in the Schedule. (2) The Board may from time to time make Statutes or may amend or repeal the Statutes referred to in sub-section (1) : Provided that the Board shall not make, amend or repeal any Statute affecting the status, powers or constitution of any authority of the University until such authority has been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion in writing on the proposed changes, and any opinion so expressed shall be considered by the Board. (3) Every Statute or any amendment or repeal of a Statute shall require the assent of the Visitor who may assent thereto or withhold assent therefrom or remit it to the Board for consideration. (4) A Statute or a Statute amending or repealing an existing Statute shall have no validity unless it has been assented to by the Visitor. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections, the Visitor may amend or repeal the Statutes referred to in sub-section (1) during the period of three years immediately after the commencement of this Act. (6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections, the Visitor may direct the University to make provisions in the Statutes in respect of any matter specified by him and if the Board is unable to implement such direction within sixty days of its receipt, the Visitor may, after considering the reasons, if any, communicated by the Board for its inability to comply with such direction, make or amend the Statutes suitably. --- Section 28. Section 28.Power to make Ordinances --- (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and Statutes, the 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 all degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University; (c) the medium of instruction and examination; (d) the award of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions, the qualifications for the same and the means to be taken relating to the granting and obtaining of the same; (e) the fees to be charged for courses of study in the University and for admission to the examinations, degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University; (f) the conditions for award of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; (g) the conduct of examinations, including the term of office and manner of appointment and duties of examining bodies, examiners and moderators; (h) the conditions of residence of the students; (i) the special arrangements, if any, which may be made for the residence, discipline and teaching of women students and the prescribing of special courses of studies for them; (j) the appointment and emoluments of employees other than those for whom provision has been made in the Statutes; (k) the establishment of special centres, specialised laboratories and other committees; (l) the manner of co-operation and collaboration with other Universities and authorities including learned bodies or associations; (m) the creation, composition and functions of any other body which is considered necessary for improving the academic life of the University; (n) such other terms and conditions of service of teachers and other academic staff as are not prescribed by the Statutes; (o) the management of colleges and institutions established by the University; (p) the setting up of a mechanism for redressal of grievances of employees; and (q) all other matters which by this Act or the Statutes may be provided for by the Ordinances. (2) The first Ordinances shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor with the previous approval of the Central Government and the Ordinances so made may be amended or repealed at any time by the Board in the manner prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 29. Section 29.Regulations. --- The authorities of the University may make Regulations, consistent with this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances for the conduct of their own business and that of the Committees appointed by them and not provided for by this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances in the manner prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 30. Section 30.Annual report. --- (1) The annual report of the University shall be prepared under the direction of the Board, which shall include, among other matters, the steps taken by the University towards the fulfilment of its objects and shall be submitted to the Board on or after such date as may be prescribed by the Statutes and the Board shall consider the report in its annual meeting. (2) The Board shall submit the annual report to the Visitor along with its comments, if any. (3) A copy of the annual report as prepared under sub-section (1) shall also be submitted to the Central Government, which shall, as soon as may be, cause the same to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament. --- Section 31. Section 31.Annual accounts. --- (1) The annual accounts of the University shall be prepared under the directions of the Board and shall, once at least every year and at intervals of not more than fifteen months, be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or by such persons as he may authorise in this behalf. (2) A copy of the annual accounts together with the audit report thereon shall be submitted to the Board and the Visitor along with the observations of the Board. (3) Any observations made by the Visitor on the annual accounts shall be brought to the notice of the Board and observations of the Board, if any, shall be submitted to the Visitor. (4) A copy of the annual accounts together with the audit report as submitted to the Visitor, shall also be submitted to the Central Government, which shall, as soon as may be, cause the same to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament. (5) The audited annual accounts after having been laid before both the Houses of Parliament shall be published in the Official Gazette. --- Section 32. Section 32.Conditions of service of employees. --- (1) Every employee of the University shall be appointed under a written contract which shall be lodged with the University and a copy of which shall be furnished to the employee concerned. (2) Any dispute arising out of the contract between the University and any employee shall, at the request of the employee, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration consisting of one member appointed by the Board, one member nominated by the employee concerned and an umpire appointed by the Visitor. (3) The decision of the Tribunal shall be final, and no suit shall lie in any civil court in respect of the matters decided by the Tribunal. (4) Every request made by the employee under sub-section (2) shall be deemed to be a submission to arbitration upon the terms of this section within the meaning of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (26 of 1996). (5) The procedure for regulating the work of the Tribunal shall be prescribed by the Statutes. --- Section 33. Section 33.Procedure of appeal and arbitration in disciplinary cases against students. --- (1) Any student or candidate for an examination whose name has been removed from the rolls of the University by the orders or resolution of the Vice-Chancellor, Discipline Committee or Examination Committee, as the case may be, and who has been debarred from appearing at the examinations of the University for more than one year, may, within ten days of the date of receipt of such orders or copy of such resolution by him, appeal to the Board and the Board may confirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Vice-Chancellor or the Committee, as the case may be. (2) Any dispute arising out of any disciplinary action taken by the University against a student shall, at the request of such student, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration and the provisions of subsections (2) , (3) , (4) and (5) of section 32 shall, as far as may be, apply to a reference made under this sub-section. --- Section 34. Section 34.Right to appeal. --- Every employee or student of the University or of a college or institution maintained by the University shall, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, have a right to appeal, within such time as may be prescribed by the Statutes, to the Board against the decision of any officer or authority of the University or any college or an institution, as the case may be, and thereupon the Board may confirm, modify or reverse the decision appealed against. --- Section 35. Section 35.Provident and pension funds. --- (1) The University shall constitute for the benefit of its employees such provident or pension fund or provide such insurance schemes as it may deem fit in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) Where such provident fund or pension fund has been so constituted, the Central Government may, if deem fit, declare that the provisions of the Provident Funds Act, 1925 (19 of 1925), shall apply to such fund, as if it were a Government provident fund. --- Section 36. Section 36.Disputes as to constitution of University authorities. --- If any question arises as to whether any person has been duly appointed as, or is entitled to be, a member of any authority of the University, the matter shall be referred to the Visitor whose decision thereon shall be final. --- Section 37. Section 37.Constitution of committees. --- Where any authority of the University is given power by this Act or the Statutes to appoint Committees, such Committees shall, save as otherwise provided, consist of the members of the authority concerned and of such persons, if any, as the authority in each case may think fit. --- Section 38. Section 38.Filling of casual vacancies --- All casual vacancies among the members (other than ex officio members) of any authority or other body of the University shall be filled, as soon as may be, by the person or body who appoints or co-opts the member whose place has become vacant and the person or body appointed or co-opted 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 a member. --- Section 39. Section 39.Proceedings of University authorities not invalidated by vacancy --- No act or proceedings of any authority of the University shall be invalid merely by reason of the existence of a vacancy or vacancies among its members. --- Section 40. Section 40.Protection of action taken in good faith --- No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Board, Vice-Chancellor, any authority or officer or other employee of the University for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances. --- Section 41. Section 41.Mode of proof of University records. --- A copy of any receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding, 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 verified by the Registrar, shall be received as prima facie evidence of such receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding, resolution or documents or the existence of entry in the register and shall be admitted as evidence of the matters and transactions therein where the original thereof would, if produced, have been admissible in evidence, notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), or in any other law for the time being in force. --- Section 42. Section 42.Effect of establishment of University --- (1) On and from the date of commencement of this Act,— (a) any reference to the Rajendra Agricultural University in any contract or other instrument shall be deemed as a reference to the University; (b) all property, movable and immovable, of or belonging to the Rajendra Agricultural University shall vest in the University; (c) all rights and liabilities of the Rajendra Agricultural University shall be transferred to, and be the rights and liabilities of, the University. (2) Every person permanently employed in the Rajendra Agricultural University immediately before the commencement of the Act who meets the requisite qualification and criteria of recruitment in the University shall be provided an opportunity to be employed as such: Provided that every member of the academic staff and member of Faculty who does not meet the requisite qualification and criteria shall be given an opportunity for two years to upgrade the qualification and to meet the criteria: Provided further that every other person permanently employed shall be given an opportunity to upgrade the qualification and to meet the criteria, in the manner provided by the Regulations: Provided also that the tenure, remuneration, terms and conditions, rights and privileges as to pension, leave, gratuity, provident fund and all other matters of every other person permanently employed by the Rajendra Agricultural University shall be determined by the State Government of Bihar. (3) All efforts shall be made by the State Government of Bihar to engage any surplus or temporary academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee of the Rajendra Agricultural University, by or against whom any dispute is pending. (4) Any dispute or litigation, the cause of action for which has arisen between any member of academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee and the Rajendra Agricultural University before the commencement of this Act shall be instituted, prosecuted or continued between the academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee and the Rajendra Agricultural University, as if this Act had not been enacted, and all such cases shall be managed by a special cell to be constituted by the State Government of Bihar and all expenses relating to the management of such cases including any compensation payable to any person thereof shall be borne by the State Government. (5) Any academic course, programme or scheme as on the date of commencement of the Act shall be continued, till the completion of the course, programme or scheme with such modifications as the University may deem fit. (6) The State Government of Bihar and the University shall bear the proportionate cost of pension and other liabilities of every academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee, proportionate to the extent of the respective period of service of the person and the State Government shall provide its contribution to the University which may discharge any liability on account of this. (7) Any matter relating to permanent record of students, teachers, academic staff, Faculty and every other employee shall be provided by Regulations. (8) Pension and all other post-retirement benefits including medical benefits of every academic staff, teacher, faculty member and every other employee who has superannuated before the commencement of this Act shall be borne by the State Government of Bihar, the payment of which shall be made through the University and shall be governed by the rules relating thereof made by the State Government of Bihar in this behalf. (9) The retirement age of every teacher, academic staff, Faculty and every other employee of the University shall be governed by any law for the time being in force. (10) Any matter governing the conditions of service relating to the teacher, academic staff, Faculty and every other employee for which no provision has been made in this Act, shall be determined by the corresponding provisions made by the Central Government. --- Section 43. Section 43.Power to remove difficulties. --- (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provision of this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulties: Provided that no such order shall be made under this section after the expiry of three years from the commencement of this Act. (2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament. --- Section 44. Section 44.Transitional provisions. --- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, and the Statutes,— (a) the first Chancellor and the first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor and shall hold office for a term of five years; (b) the first Registrar and the first Comptroller shall be appointed by the Visitor and each of the said officers shall hold office for a term of three years; (c) the first members of the Board shall be nominated by the Visitor and shall hold office for a term of three years; (d) the first members of the Academic Council shall be nominated by the Visitor and shall hold office for a term of three years: Provided that if any vacancy occurs in the above offices or authorities, the same shall be filled by appointment or nomination, as the case may be, by the Visitor, and the person so appointed or nominated shall hold office for so long as the officer or member in whose place he is appointed or nominated would have held office, if such vacancy had not occurred. --- Section 45. Section 45.Repeal of Bihar Agricultural University Act. --- (1) The Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987 (Bihar Act 8 of 1988), in so far as it relates to the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding the repeal,— (a) all appointments made, orders issued, degrees and other academic distinctions conferred, diplomas and certificates awarded, privileges granted or other things done under the Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987 (Bihar Act 8 of 1988), in so far as it relates to the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, shall be deemed to have been respectively made, issued, conferred, awarded, granted or done under the corresponding provisions of this Act, and, except as otherwise provided by or under this Act or the Statues, continue in force unless and until they are superseded by any order made under this Act or the Statues; and (b) all proceedings of Selection Committees for the appointment or promotions of teachers that took place before the commencement of this Act and all actions of the Governing Body in respect of the recommendations of such Selection Committees where no orders of appointment on the basis thereof were passed before the commencement of this Act, in so far as it relates to Rajendra Agricultural University, shall, notwithstanding that the procedure for selection has been modified by this Act, be deemed to have been valid but further proceeding in connection with such pending selections shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of this Act and be continued from the stage where they stood immediately before such commencement, except if the concerned authorities take, with the approval of the Visitor, a decision to the contrary. --- Section 46. Section 46.Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations to be published in the Official Gazette and to be laid before Parliament. --- (1) Every Statute, Ordinance or Regulation made under this Act shall be published in the Official Gazette. (2) Every Statute, Ordinance or Regulation made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the Statutes, Ordinance or Regulation or both Houses agree that the Statute, Ordinance or Regulation should not be made, the Statute, Ordinance or Regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that Statute, Ordinance or Regulation. (3) The power to make Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations shall include the power to give retrospective effect from a date not earlier than the date of commencement of this Act, to the Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations or any of them but no retrospective effect shall be given to any Statute, Ordinance or Regulation so as to prejudicially affect the interests of any person to whom such Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations may be applicable.