The Bahawalpur Metropolitan University Act 2022

^{^[1]}THE BAHAWALPUR METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY ACT 2022

(ACT XXVIII OF 2022)

[31^st October 2022]

An Act to provide for the establishment of the Bahawalpur Metropolitan University, Bahawalpur.

Whereas it is expedient to provide for the establishment of the Bahawalpur Metropolitan University in the private sector and for matters connected therewith and ancillary thereto.

Be it enacted by Provincial Assembly of the Punjab as follows:

CHAPTER-I

PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and commencement.– (1) This Act may be called as the Bahawalpur Metropolitan University Act 2022.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Definitions.– In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions, shall have the meanings hereby respectively assigned to them, that is to say:-

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

(b) “Accreditation Committee” means the Accreditation Committee constituted by the Government under section 12 of Punjab Higher Education Commission Act 2014 (I of 2015);

(d) “Authority” means any of the Authority of the University specified in section 18;

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

(f) “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Board;

(g) “Chairperson” means the head of an academic department and includes the Principal of a constituent college or Director of a constituent institute;

(h) “Commission” means Higher Education Commission set up under the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002 (LIII of 2002);

(i) “Company” means Metropolitan Allied Services (Pvt.) Limited, a Company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017 (XIX of 2017) as the sponsoring body of the University;

(j) “Constituent college” or “constituent institute” means a college or institute established, owned, maintained and administered by the University;

(k) “Controller of Examinations” means the Controller of Examinations of the University;

(l) “Dean” means the head of a Faculty of the University;

(m) "Department” means a teaching or research department maintained and administered, or recognized by the University in the manner as may be prescribed by Regulations;

(n) “Faculty” means an academic unit of the University consisting of one or more teaching departments or constituent colleges or constituent institutes as may be prescribed by Regulations;

(o) “Government” means Government of the Punjab;

(p) “Officer” means an Officer of the University specified in terms of section 6;

(q) “Patron” means Governor of the Punjab;

(r) “prescribed” means prescribed by the Rules or Regulations made or framed under the Act;

(s) “Professor Emeritus” means a retired Professor working in a Faculty in an honorary capacity;

(t) “Pro Rector” means the Pro Rector of the University;

(u) “Punjab Higher Education Commission” means Punjab Higher Education Commission set up under the Punjab Higher Education Commission Act 2014 (I of 2015);

(v) “Rector” means the Rector of the University;

(w) “Registrar” means the Registrar of the University;

(x) “Search Committee” means the Search Committee constituted by the Board for making recommendations for the appointment of Rector;

(y) “Rules” and “Regulations” respectively mean the Rules and the Regulations made or deemed to have been made under the Act;

(z) “Student” means a student of the University;

(aa) “Teacher” includes a Professor, an Associate Professor, an Assistant Professor, a Lecturer, teaching assistant, demonstrator or instructor, engaged whole time by the University and also includes Part Time Teachers or any other person declared by the Regulations as teacher;

(bb) “Treasurer” means the Treasurer of the University; and

(cc) “University” means the Bahawalpur Metropolitan University.

CHAPTER-II

THE UNIVERSITY

3. Establishment of the University.– (1) The Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, establish a University in the private sector to be called the Bahawalpur Metropolitan University with its main campus located in Bahawalpur.

(2) The University shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, purchase, hold and dispose of property and shall, by the said name, sue and be sued.

(3) The University shall consist of the following:

(a) Patron;

(b) Chairman and Members of the Board;

(d) Pro-Rector;

(e) members of Authorities;

(f) Deans and Chairpersons;

(g) Teachers and Students of the University; and

(h) officers and members of the staff of the University.

4. Jurisdiction, powers and functions of the University.– (1) The jurisdiction of the University shall be whole of the Punjab Province and exercise the powers conferred on it by or under this Act within such territorial limits of Province of Punjab and shall open sub campuses with the approval of Board of Governors and patron.

(2) The University shall have the powers to:

(a) provide instructions in Arts & Humanities, Art & Design, Social Sciences, Business Education & Commerce, Law, Natural & Applied Sciences, Medical & Allied Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering & Technologies, Computer Sciences and Space Technology grouped into following faculties/schools but not limited to;

(i) Faculty of Arts & Humanities;

(ii) Faculty of Art & Design;

(iii) Faculty of Social Science;

(iv) Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences;

(v) Faculty of Law;

(vi) Faculty of Business Education & Commerce;

(vii) Faculty of Medical and Allied Health Sciences;

(viii) Faculty of Engineering & Technologies;

(ix) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences;

(x) Faculty of Computer Sciences & Space Technology

(xi) Faculty of Agriculture

Provided that the Board shall be competent to approve programs, departments/schools of national and international importance in the Faculties listed under sub-section (a) of section 4, subject to the prior approval of relevant statutory bodies where applicable.

Provided further that Faculties other than listed under sub-section (a) of section 4 may be approved by the Government, on the recommendations of the Board. The Board shall, on the recommendation of Academic Council, pass a resolution prior to submission of request to the Government for the addition of new Faculties.

(b) Establish, maintain and administer departments, constituent colleges, constituent institutes, centers of excellence, laboratories, workshops, offices, research or study centers and other facilities for the development of teaching and research and technological development as the Board may, determine;

(c) Make provisions for teaching, training, research, service to community and for the application, advancement and dissemination of knowledge in such manner as it may determine;

(d) Prescribe, approve and offer programs and courses of studies for meeting the national and international socio-economic needs;

(e) Decide teaching methods and strategies to provide for effective educational and training programs;

(f) Hold examinations in the prescribed manner and, if a person qualifies the examination, award degree, diploma, certificate and other academic distinction to the person;

(g) Confer degree upon a person who has successfully completed degree requirements in the prescribed manner;

(h) Award, in the prescribed manner, an honorary degree or other academic distinction on such a person as the Patron, on the recommendations of the Board, may approve;

(i) Prescribe the terms and conditions of employment of the officers, teachers and other employees of the University;

(j) Create posts in connection with teaching, research, development of technology, administration, and for any other purpose related thereto and to make appointment in the prescribed manner;

(k) Institute University Professorship, Associate Professorship, Assistant Professorship and Lectureship or any other post and to appoint persons thereto;

(l) Engage, where necessary, a person on contract for a specified duration and specify the terms of the engagement;

(m) Provide for and support the continuous professional development of the faculty of the University;

(n) Institute programs for the exchange of students and teachers between the University and any other national or international university, educational institution or research organization;

(o) Partner programs with National and International Universities and Institutes of Higher Education and Excellence.

(p) Accept an examination and the period of study spent by a student of the University at any other university or place of learning equivalent to an examination or period of study of the University and may withdraw such acceptance;

(q) Award financial assistance to students in need, fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, medals and prizes in the prescribed manner;

(r) Provide, establish and maintain halls of residence for the residence of the students and may approve or license a hostel, lodging or boarding place;

(s) Promote the co-curricular and recreational activities of the students and to make arrangements for the promotion of health and general welfare of the students;

(t) Take disciplinary action against, and impose penalty on, students in the prescribed manner;

(u) Demand and receive such fees and other charges from the students as it may determine;

(v) Provide career counseling and job-search services to the students and alumni;

(w) Arrange for internship and on hands job experiences for students

(x) Maintain linkages with alumni and other national and international universities, institutions and organizations;

(y) Maintain order, discipline and security in campuses of the University and the constituent colleges and constituent institutions;

(z) Develop and implement fund-raising plans for the betterment of students;

(aa) Maintain effective coordination with stakeholders on the establishment and enhancement of Endowment Fund contributions for the University in the prescribed manner;

(bb) Affiliate and disaffiliate educational institutions under prescribed conditions;

(cc) Admit educational institutions to its privileges and to withdraw such privileges under prescribed conditions;

(dd) Inspect colleges and other educational institutions affiliated or seeking affiliation with;

(ee) Receive and manage property (acquired or transferred), grants, bequests, trusts, gifts, donations, endowments and other contributions, made to the University, and to invest any fund representing such property, grants, bequests, trusts, gifts, donations, endowments or contributions, and to convert one kind of property into another in such manner as it may deem fit;

(ff) Make provision for research, advisory or consultancy services and to collaborate and enter into arrangements with other universities, research and educational institutions, and commercial or industrial organizations, in the public or private sector, or other public authorities in such manner and for such purposes as it may determine;

(gg) Cooperate with a public authority, university or private organization in the manner and for such purpose as may be prescribed;

(hh) Provide for the printing, recording, broadcasting, publication and distribution of teaching material, research reports, papers and other works which may be issued by the University;

(ii) Develop mechanism and system for Online Learnings and E Learning to support the Academic Excellence.

(jj) Establish a grievance redressed mechanism in such a manner as may be prescribed by Regulations; and

(kk) Do all other acts, whether incidental to the powers aforesaid or not, as may be requisite in order to further the objectives of the University as a knowledge house and place of education, learning, research and service to community.

5. University open to All.– Subject to the reasonable restrictions as may be prescribed, the University shall be open to all persons and admission to the University shall not be denied on the basis of gender, nationality, religion, race, creed, color or domicile.

CHAPTER-III

OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

6. Officers of the University.– The following shall be the officers of the University:

(a) Patron;

(b) Rector;

(d) Deans;

(e) Chairpersons;

(f) Registrar;

(g) Treasurer;

(h) Controller of Examinations;

(i) Librarian; and

(j) such other persons as may be prescribed by Regulations to be the officers of the University.

7. Patron.– (1) The Patron or his nominee shall preside over the convocation of the University.

(2) Every proposal to confer an honorary degree shall be subject to the confirmation by the Patron.

(3) In the performance of his functions under the Act, the Patron shall act and be bound in the same manner as the Governor of a Province acts and is bound under Article 105 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

8. Inspection and Inquiry.– (1) The Patron may cause monitoring, inspection, visitation or inquiry into the affairs of the University.

(2) The Patron shall convey his views with regard to the result of monitoring, inspection, visitation or inquiry to the Board and may, after ascertaining the views of the Board, recommend any remedial action to the Board.

(3) The Board shall, within the time specified by the Patron, submit a report to the Patron about the action taken on the recommendations of the Patron.

(4) If the Board fails to take action to the satisfaction of the Patron within the specified time, the Patron may issue such directions as he thinks fit and the Board shall comply with the directions.

(5) The Patron shall not take any action under subsection (5), unless the Chairman of the Board is afforded an opportunity of hearing.

(6) The Patron may set aside a decision or action of the Board, which, in the opinion of the Patron, is against the objectives of the University or against the interest of academic excellence, religious or cultural ideology or national integrity.

9. Rector.– (1) The Patron shall, on the recommendations of the Board, appoint a person as Rector.

(2) The Board shall constitute a Search Committee for making recommendations for the appointment of Rector.

(3) The Board shall determine the terms and conditions of service of the Rector.

(4) The Rector shall be the person who possesses the prescribed qualifications and experience.

(5) The Rector shall perform such functions as are given in the Act or as may be prescribed or assigned to him by the Board.

10. Powers and duties of the Rector.– (1) The Rector shall be the chief executive officer of the University responsible for all administrative and academic functions of the University and for ensuring that the provisions of the Act, Rules and Regulations are observed in all affairs of the University.

(2) The Rector may attend a meeting of any Authority or body of the University.

(3) Subject to the general supervision and control of the Board, the Rector may:

(a) direct a teacher, officer or other employee of the University to take up such assignment in connection with examination, administration or any other activities in the University as he may consider necessary;

(b) sanction by re-appropriation an amount for an unforeseen item not provided for in the budget of the University;

(c) make appointments of such categories of employees of the University and in such manner as may be prescribed by Regulations;

(d) suspend, punish or remove, in the prescribed manner, an officer, teacher or employee of the University except those appointed by the Board;

(e) take disciplinary action against a teacher, officer or any other employee of the University in the prescribed manner;

(f) appoint paper setters and examiners for all examinations of the University after receiving panels of names from the relevant authorities;

(g) relax Regulations in favor of a student in a case of real hardship subject to the approval of the Academic Council; and

(h) delegate, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, any of his powers to a teacher or officer of the University.

(4) The Rector may take in an emergency any appropriate action that she/he may consider necessary subject to present in the next meeting of the Board for approval.

(5) The Rector shall prepare an annual report containing information as regards the Preceding academic year including disclosure of all relevant facts pertaining to academics, research, administration and finances of the University for information of the Board.

(6) The Rector shall, within three months of the conclusion of an academic year, submit the annual report of the University to the Board.

(7) The Rector shall be responsible to the Board for the implementation of powers and functions of the University and its Authorities.

11. Pro-Rector.– (1) There shall be a Pro-Rector or Pro-Rectors of the University to be appointed by the Board in the prescribed manner.

(2) The Pro-Rector shall be deemed to be the officiating Rector to look after the office of the Rector only when the regular Rector is on leave for an academic visit abroad or any other purpose duly granted by the Board or when the post is vacant due to any reason which does not require appointment of regular Rector.

(3) The Pro-Rector shall be deemed to be the Acting Rector to perform all the functions and powers of the Rector, in case of expiration of the tenure of the regular Rector or any other case which requires appointment of regular Rector.

(4) The Pro-Rector shall perform such functions as may be assigned to him under the Act or the Regulations or by the Rector or the Board from time to time.

12. Dean.– (1) There shall be a Dean of each Faculty or a group of Faculties, as may be prescribed by Act, Rules or Regulations, who shall be the Convener of the Board of Faculty constituted in such manner as may be prescribed by Act, Rules or Regulations.

(2) The Dean of each Faculty or a group of Faculties shall be appointed by the Board from amongst the three senior most Professors in the Faculty or a group of Faculties, as the case may be, for such period as may be prescribed by the Board, and shall be eligible for re-appointment:

Provided that if no Professor is available in a Faculty, a Professor from some other Faculty may act as a Dean till a Professor of the Faculty itself is appointed.

(3) The Dean shall present candidates for admission to degree, except honorary degrees, in the courses falling within the purview of the Faculty.

(4) The Dean shall exercise such other administrative and academic powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by Regulations.

13. Chairpersons.– (1) The Chairperson of a teaching or research department, Principal of a constituent college or Director of a constituent institute shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendation of the Rector.

(2) The Principal of a constituent college or Director of a constituent institute shall be appointed from amongst the three senior most Professors of a constituent college or a constituent institute for such period as may prescribed by the Board, and shall be eligible for re-appointment but if, in a constituent college or a constituent institute, three Professors are not available, the appointment shall be made from amongst the three senior most Professors and Associate Professors of the constituent college or the constituent institute:

Provided that in a constituent college or a constituent institute, where there is no Professor or Associate Professor is available, no such appointment shall be made and constituent college or the constituent institute shall be looked after by the Dean of the Faculty with the assistance of the senior most teacher of the constituent college or the constituent institute.

(3) The Chairperson of a teaching or research department shall be appointed from amongst the Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors of the concerned department for such period as may prescribed by the Board, and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

(4) The Chairperson shall plan, organize and supervise the work of the department or the constituent college or the constituent institute and shall be responsible to the Dean for the work of his department or the constituent college or the constituent institute.

14. Registrar.– (1) The Board shall appoint a Registrar of the University.

(2) The experience, professional and academic qualifications necessary for appointment to the post of Registrar, method and manner of appointment as well as terms and conditions of appointment shall be as may be prescribed by Regulations.

(3) The Board shall not appoint a person as Registrar unless he possesses the prescribed qualifications and experience and other requirements of the post.

(4) The Registrar shall be a full-time officer of the University and shall:

(a) be the administrative head of the secretariat of the University and be responsible for the provision of secretarial support to the Board and the Rector;

(b) be the custodian of the common seal and the academic records of the University;

(d) prepare and update the Handbook of Rules and Regulations approved by Authorities, bodies or committees from time to time, and make them available to public, all respective members of the Authorities and Officers of the university;

(e) authenticate records on behalf of the University;

(f) supervise the process of appointment or nomination of a member to an Authority or body of the University in the prescribed manner; and

(g) perform such other duties as may be prescribed or as may be assigned to him by the Rector or the Board.

(5) When the office of the Registrar is vacant or the Registrar is absent or unable to perform his functions owing to any cause, the Board shall make temporary arrangements for the performance of duties of Registrar.

15. Controller of Examinations.– (1) The Board shall appoint a Controller of Examinations of the University.

(2) The experience, professional and academic qualifications necessary for appointment to the post of Controller of Examinations, method and manner of appointment as well as terms and conditions of appointment shall be as may be prescribed by Regulations.

(3) The Board shall not appoint a person as Controller of Examinations unless he possesses the prescribed qualifications and experience and other requirements of the post.

(4) The Controller of Examinations shall be a full-time officer of the University and shall be responsible for all matters connected with evaluation and assessment records and the conduct of examinations and perform such other duties as may be prescribed or assigned to him by the Rector or the Board.

(5) When the office of the Controller of Examinations is vacant or the Controller of Examinations is absent or unable to perform his functions owing to any cause, the Board shall make temporary arrangements for the performance of duties of Controller of Examinations.

16. Treasurer.– (1) The Board shall appoint a Treasurer of the University.

(2) The experience, professional and academic qualifications necessary for appointment to the post of Treasurer, method and manner of appointment as well as terms and conditions of appointment shall be as may be prescribed by Regulations.

(3) The Board shall not appoint a person as Treasurer unless he possesses the prescribed qualifications and experience and other requirements of the post.

(4) The Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the University and shall:

(a) manage the assets, liabilities, receipts, expenditures, funds and investments of the University;

(b) prepare the annual and revised budget estimates of the University and present the estimates to the Board;

(d) ensure that the accounts of the University are audited annually and are available for submission to the Board within six months of the close of a financial year; and

(e) perform such other functions and duties as may be prescribed or assigned to him by the Board.

(5) When the office of the Treasurer is vacant or the Treasurer is absent or unable to perform his functions owing to any cause, the Board shall make temporary arrangements for the performance of duties of Treasurer.

17. Appointments.– The University may employ such other persons in its service as may be necessary, on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board or prescribed by the Regulations, as the case may be.

CHAPTER-IV

AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

18. Authorities of the University.– The following shall be the Authorities of the University:

(a) Board of Governors;

(b) Academic Council;

(d) Boards of Faculties;

(e) Board of Advanced Studies and Research;

(f) Boards of Studies;

(g) Departments;

(h) Selection Board;

(i) Finance and Planning Committee;

(j) Discipline Committee; and

(k) Such other Authorities as may be prescribed by the Regulations.

19. Board of Governors.– (1) The Board of Governors of the University shall consist of the following:

(a) Chief Executive of the Company “Metropolitan Allied Services Pvt.Ltd, who shall be the Chairman of the Board;

(b) Directors of the Company subject to a maximum of four members to be nominated by the Company;

(c) Three persons from academia and industry, each one of whom is having rich experience and an expert of any field of knowledge to be nominated by the Company;

(d) Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department or his nominee;

(e) Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or his nominee;

(f) Chairperson of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) or his nominee;

(g) A Vice Chancellor of a public sector university in Punjab to be nominated by the Patron;

(h) Rector of the University; and

(i) Registrar (Secretary).

(2) Members of the Board other than ex-officio members shall hold office for a term of three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment on the expiry of their term of office.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Board shall be one-half of the total number of members a fraction being counted as one.

(4) The Secretary shall, with the approval of the Chairman of the Board, call a meeting of the Board.

(5) The Board shall meet at least twice in a calendar year.

(6) Unless otherwise prescribed by this Act, all decisions of the Board shall be taken on the basis of the opinion of majority of the members present. In the event of the members being evenly divided on any matter, the Chairman of the Board shall have a casting vote.

(7) The Company may fill a casual vacancy occurring because of death or resignation of a member of the Board nominated by the Company to the extent of the remainder of the term of the former member.

20. Powers and duties of the Board.– (1) The administration, supervision and management of the affairs of the University shall vest in the Board. The Board shall have the power of general and specific supervision over the University and shall hold the Rector and the Authorities accountable for all the functions of the University. The Board shall have all the powers of the University not expressly vested in an Authority or Officer by this Act and all other powers not expressly mentioned in this Act that are necessary for the performance of its functions.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the aforesaid power, the Board may:

(a) formulate or approve the principles, policies and plans governing the activities and operations of the University so as to facilitate research, teaching and other academic work;

(b) create a component of the University such as department, faculty, constituent college, constituent institute, campuses, subject to the provisions of this Act;

(d) create, suspend or abolish such academic or administrative posts as it may deem necessary and to approve appointments to such posts as it may specify;

(e) hold, control and administer the property, funds and resources of the University and raise funds for the purpose of the University upon such security as may be required under the Regulations;

(f) Recommend Appointment, Reappointment of Rector to the Patron.

(g) undertake the responsibility for the financial viability of the University including responsibility for ensuring effectiveness of its operations, their continuity and preservation of the autonomy of the University;

(h) transfer and accept transfer of movable and immovable property on behalf of the University;

(i) enter into, vary, carry out and cancel contracts on behalf of the University;

(j) invest any money belonging to the University including any unapplied income in any of the securities described in section 20 of the Punjab Trusts Act 2020 (XXI of 2020), or in the purchase of immovable property or in such other manner, as it may prescribe, with the like power of varying such investments;

(k) administer and utilize any funds placed at the disposal of the University for specified purposes;

(l) provide the buildings, libraries, premises, furniture, apparatus, equipment and other means required for carrying out the affairs of the University;

(m) establish and maintain halls of residence and hostels, as far as possible;

(n) institute Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships, Lecturer ships, and other teaching posts or to suspend or abolish such posts;

(o) confer, with prior approval of the Patron, an honorary degree on a person of eminence;

(p) consider and approve, the annual report, plan of work, statement of accounts and the annual budget estimates;

(q) consider and approve Regulations recommended by the Academic Council provided that the Board may frame Regulations at its own initiative and approve it after calling for the advice of the Academic Council;

(r) prescribe conditions under which the University may enter into agreements with other institutions or with public bodies for the purposes of research and advisory services;

(s) call for and consider reports relating to the activities of the University and may direct the Rector to furnish information relating to any matter specified by the Board;

(t) annul by order in writing the proceedings of any Authority or officer, if the Board is satisfied that such proceedings are not in accordance with the provisions of this Act, Rules or Regulations, after calling upon such Authority or officer to show cause why such proceedings should not be annulled;

(u) regulate the conduct and discipline of the students of the University;

(v) determine the form, provide for the custody and regulate the use of the common seal of the University; and

(w) take all such initiatives as it may consider necessary or desirable for efficient and effective management and functioning of the University.

(3) The Board may, subject to the provisions of this Act, delegate all or any of its powers and functions, to any Authority, Committee or Officer except the following:

(a) framing of Regulations;

(b) appointment of Rector, Registrar, Controller of Examination and Treasurer; and

21. Business of the Board.– (1) The meetings and business of the Board shall be conducted in such manner and in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed in the Regulations and until so prescribed, as may be determined by the Board.

(2) The Regulation or proceeding of the Board shall not be invalid by reason of any vacancy or defect in the constitution of the Board.

22. Academic Council.– (1) The Academic Council shall consist of:

(a) Rector (Convener);

(b) Pro-Rectors;

(d) Principals and Directors of constituent colleges and constituent institutes;

(e) Director, Quality Enhancement Cell of the University;

(f) Director ORIC of the University;

(g) Chairpersons of the academic departments;

(h) Three persons eminent in sciences, social sciences and Arts, of whom one shall be from each category, to be nominated by the Chairman of the Board;

(i) All Professors of the University;

(j) Two University teachers, other than Professors, one from each category of Associate professors and Assistant Professors, to be appointed by the Board;

(k) Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department or his nominee;

(l) Director Academics of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan;

(m) Controller of Examinations;

(n) Librarian of the University; and

(o) Registrar (Member/Secretary).

(2) Members of the Academic Council, other than ex-officio, shall hold office for three years; and, if the office of any such member becomes vacant before the expiry of the term, the vacancy shall be filled for the remaining period in the prescribed manner.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Academic Council shall be one-third of the total number of members, a fraction being counted as one.

(4) The Academic Council shall meet at least once in six months.

23. Powers and duties of Academic Council.– (1) The Academic Council shall be the academic body of the University and may, subject to the Regulations, lay down proper standards of instructions, academic standards, research, publication and examination and to regulate and promote the academic life of the University.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers and subject to the provisions of the Act, Rules and Regulations, the Academic Council may:

(a) advise the Board on all academic matters;

(b) to make Regulations, on the recommendations of the Boards of Faculties and the Boards of Studies, prescribing the courses of studies, the syllabi and the outlines of tests for all University examinations;

(d) regulate the admission of students to the courses of studies and examinations in the University;

(e) regulate the award of studentships, scholarships, exhibitions, medals and prizes;

(f) regulate the conduct and discipline of the students of the University;

(g) propose to the Board, schemes for the constitution and organization of faculties, teaching departments, constituent colleges, constituent institutes and other academic bodies;

(h) recommend policies and procedures pertaining to the quality of academic programs to the Board;

(i) consider or formulate proposals for the planning and development of teaching and research in the University;

(j) recommend to the Board, the Regulations prescribing the courses of studies, the syllabi and outlines of tests for examinations;

(k) recognize the examinations of other Universities or examining bodies as equivalent to the corresponding examinations of the University;

(l) frame academic Regulations for submission to the Board;

(m) institute programs for the continuous professional development of University Teachers at all levels;

(n) prepare an annual report on the academic performance of the University;

(o) appoint or nominate members to various Authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Act; and

(p) perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Regulations or assigned by the Board.

24. Faculties.– There shall be a Faculty or a group of Faculties for a teaching department or a group of teaching departments as may be prescribed by the Act, Rules or Regulations.

25. Board of Faculty.– (1) There shall be a Board of Faculty for each Faculty which shall consist of:

(a) Dean of the Faculty (Convener);

(b) Professors and the Chairpersons in the Faculty;

(d) two experts, in the field from outside the University to be appointed by the Board; and

(e) one member from amongst the officers of the University to be nominated by the Rector.

(2) The members other than ex-officio members of a Board of Faculty shall hold office for a period of three years.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of a Board of Faculty shall be one half of the total number of members, a fraction being counted as one.

(4) A Board of Faculty, subject to the general control of the Board and Academic Council, may:

(a) co-ordinate the teaching and research work in the subjects assigned to the Faculty;

(b) scrutinize the recommendations of the Board of Studies with regard to the appointment of paper setters and examiners for graduate and postgraduate examinations and to forward the panels of suitable paper setters and examiners for each examination to the Rector;

(d) prepare a comprehensive annual report regarding the performance of each department or constituent college or institute comprising the Faculty for presentation to the Academic Council; and

(e) perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

26. Board of Advanced Studies and Research.– (1) The Board of Advanced Studies and Research shall consist of:

(a) Rector (Convener);

(b) All Deans;

(d) Controller of Examinations;

(e) One senior Professor from each Faculty other than Dean to be nominated by the Academic Council;

(f) one member from amongst the officers of the University to be nominated by the Rector; and

(g) Registrar (Secretary).

(2) The term of office of the members of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research, other than ex-officio members, shall be three years.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research shall be one half of the total number of members, a fraction being counted as one.

27. Functions of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research.– The Board of Advanced Studies and Research shall:

(a) advise an Authority on all matters connected with the promotion of advanced studies and research in the University;

(b) to make Regulations, on the recommendations of the Academic Council for prescribing courses of studies for research degrees and rules for conducting research and propose regulations regarding the award of a research degree;

(d) appoint supervisors for a postgraduate research student and to approve title and synopsis of a thesis or dissertation;

(e) recommend panels of names of examiners for evaluation of a research examination; and

(f) perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Regulations.

28. Boards of Studies.– (1) There shall be a separate Board of Studies for each subject or group of subjects as may be prescribed by Regulations.

(2) A Board of Studies shall consist of:

(a) the Chairperson of the teaching departments;

(b) Three senior most teachers of the department concerned; and

(c) a maximum of two experts or teachers, other than University teachers, to be appointed by the Board according to the need of each Board of Studies.

(3) The term of office of members of a Board of Studies other than ex-officio members shall be three years.

(4) The quorum for meeting of the Board of Studies shall be one-half of the number of members, a fraction being counted as one.

(5) The Chairperson of the concerned University Teaching Department shall be the Convener of the Board of Studies.

29. Functions of Boards of Studies.– A Board of Studies shall perform the following functions:

(a) advise the Authorities on all academic matters connected with instructions, publications, research and examinations in the subject or subjects concerned;

(b) propose curricula and syllabi for all degree, diploma and certificate courses in the subject or subjects concerned;

(d) undertake such other functions as may be prescribed by Regulations.

30. Teaching Departments.– There shall be a Teaching Department or an Institute for each subject or a group of subjects, as may be prescribed by the Regulations and each Teaching Department or an Institute as the case may be, shall be, headed by the Chairperson.

31. Selection Board.– (1) The Selection Board shall consist of:

(a) Rector (Convener);

(b) Dean of the Faculty concerned;

(d) One subject experts to be nominated by the Board; and

(e) Registrar (Secretary).

(2) The members, other than ex-officio members, shall hold office for a period of three years.

(3) Three members of the Selection Board shall constitute the quorum for a meeting of the Selection Board.

(4) No member who is a candidate or whose family member is a candidate, for a post to which appointment is to be made, shall take part in the proceedings of the Selection Board for selection of a candidate on such post.

32. Functions of the Selection Board.– The Selection Board shall:

(a) consider the applications and recommend to the Board, the names of suitable candidates for appointment to teaching and other posts and recommend suitable salary for the selected candidate; and

(b) consider all cases of promotion of officers of the University and recommend the names of suitable candidates for such promotion to the Board.

33. Finance and Planning Committee.– (1) The Finance and Planning Committee shall consist of:

(a) Rector (Convener);

(b) Two Deans to be nominated by Chairman of the Board;

(d) One member of the Board to be nominated by the Board;

(e) Director ORIC of the University;

(f) Registrar; and

(g) Treasurer (Secretary)

(2) The term of office of the nominated members shall be three years.

(3) Five members of the Finance and Planning Committee shall constitute the quorum for a meeting of the Finance and Planning Committee.

34. Functions of the Finance and Planning Committee.– The Finance and Planning Committee shall:

(a) prepare the annual statement of accounts and propose annual budget estimates and make recommendations to the Board;

(b) review periodically the financial position of the University;

(d) perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Regulations.

35. Discipline Committee.– (1) The Discipline Committee shall consist of:

(a) the Chairperson to be nominated by the Rector;

(b) one Professors to be nominated by the Academic Council;

(d) the teacher or officer-in-charge of students’ affairs, by whatever name called (Member/Secretary).

(2) The term of office of the members of the Discipline Committee, other than ex officio members, shall be three years.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of Discipline Committee shall be three members.

36. Functions of the Discipline Committee.– The functions of the Discipline Committee shall be to:

(a) propose Regulations to the Academic Council relating to the conduct of University students, maintenance of discipline and breach of discipline; and

(b) perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

37. Appointment of Committees by certain Authorities.– (1) The Board, the Academic Council and other Authorities may, from time to time, appoint such standing, special or advisory committees, as they may deem fit, and may place on such committee persons who are not members of the Authorities appointing the Committees.

(2) The constitution, functions and powers of the Authorities for which no specific provision has been made in this Act shall be such as may be prescribed by Regulations.

CHAPTER-V

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

38. University Fund.– (1) The Board shall establish a Fund to be known as the Bahawalpur Metropolitan University Fund which shall vest in the University and to which shall be credited all sums received by the University.

(2) The University may accept donations in the shape of money, land, vehicles, equipment or any other item that may facilitate the functioning of the University and all such donations shall be used, maintained and disposed of by the University in the prescribed manner.

39. Budget, Audit and Accounts.– (1) The budget of the University shall be approved and its accounts shall be maintained and audited in such manner as may be determined by the Board.

(2) The Board may approve the budget of the University; appropriations of accounts of the University and settle an audit para relating to the audit of the University.

CHAPTER-VI

RULES AND REGULATIONS

40. Rules.– The Board and other bodies of the university may make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act to meet the academic and research demands of 21^st century onward.

41. Regulations.– Subject to the provisions of this Act, and the rules, the Board and other concerned bodies may frame Regulations for the proper administration and management of the affairs of the University.

42. Removal of difficulties.– If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of this Act, the Board may, with the approval of the Government, give such directions, not inconsistent with the Act, as it may consider necessary for the removal of such difficulty.

[1]This Act was passed by the Punjab Assembly on 09 March 2021; assented to by the Governor of the Punjab on 22 September 2022; and was published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 31 October 2022; pages 1691-1705.