The Sahara University Act 2022‎

^{^[1]}THE SAHARA UNIVERSITY ACT 2022

(ACT XXXV OF 2022)

[16^th November 2022]

An Act to provide for the establishment of the Sahara University

Whereas it is necessary to provide for the establishment of the Sahara University in the private sector and to provide 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 cited as the Sahara University Act 2022.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Definitions.− In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context–

(a) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University as specified in Section 21 of this Act;

(b) “Academic Department” means a teaching department maintained, administered and/or recognized by the University in the manner prescribed as specified in Clause 3 of First Statutes of this Act;

(d) “Authority” means any of the Authorities of the University as specified in Section 15 of this Act;

(e) “Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR)” means a Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) of the University as specified in Clause 4 of First Statutes of this Act;

(f) “Board of Faculty” means the Board of Faculty of the University as specified in Clause 2 of First Statutes of this Act;

(g) “Board” means the Board of Governors of the University as specified in Section 16 of this Act;

(h) “Budget and Finance Planning Committee” means the Budget and Finance Planning Committee of the University as specified in Clause 6 of First Statutes of this Act;

(i) “Campus” means the principal seat of learning of the University located at Narowal;

(j) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Academic Department of the University;

(k) “Chancellor” means the Chancellor of the University as specified in Section 8 of this Act;

(l) “Trust” means “SAHARA for Life Trust”;

(m) “Controller of Examinations” means Controller of Examinations of the University as specified in Section 13 of this Act;

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

(o) “Employee” means any full time/part-time/contractual Employee, by whatever name called, of the University;

(p) “Executive Board” means Executive Board of the University as specified in Section 20 of this Act;

(q) “Faculty Members” mean teachers, by whatever name called, that includes Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Lecturers, and Teaching Fellows engaged full time/part- time/adjunct/contractual by the University;

(r) “Faculty” means Faculty of the University as specified in Clause 1 of First Statutes of this Act;

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

(t) “Higher Education Commission (HEC)” means Higher Education Commission established under the Higher Education Commission Ordinance 2002 (LIII of 2002);

(u) “Prescribed” means prescribed by Statutes, Regulations or Rules made under this Act;

(v) “Principal Officer” means an officer of the University as specified in Section 7 of this Act;

(w) “Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC)” means the Punjab Higher Education Commission set up by the Punjab Higher Education Commission Act 2014 (I of 2015);

(x) “Registrar” means the Registrar of the University as specified in Section 11 of this Act;

(y) “Regulations” mean the Regulations as specified in Section 28 of this Act;

(z) “Rules” mean the Rules as specified in Section 25 of this Act;

(aa) “Schedule” means the Schedule appended to this Act;

(bb) “Statutes” mean the Statutes as specified in Section 26 of this Act;

(cc) “Student” means a student who is admitted to or enrolled at any degree program of the University;

(dd) “Treasurer” means the Treasurer of the University as specified in Section 12 of this Act;

(ee) “University” means the Sahara University constituted under this Act; and

(ff) “Vice Chancellor” means the Vice Chancellor of the University as specified in Section 10 of this Act;

3. Establishment of the University.− (1) The Government shall, by notification, in the official gazette, establish the Sahara University, in the private sector, with its campus located at Narowal.

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

(3) The University shall consist of the following–

(a) Vice Chancellor;

(b) Deans;

(d) Chairpersons of Academic Departments;

(e) Faculty Members;

(f) Students;

(g) Members of an Authority;

(h) Principal Officers and Members of the Staff; and

(i) Employees of the University.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the University shall have academic, financial and administrative autonomy, including the power to employ principal officers, faculty members and other employees on such terms and conditions as may deem fit, subject to the terms of this Act. In particular, and without prejudice to the authority granted to the HEC, PHEC, the Government, an authority and/or auditor(s) appointed by the Government/authority shall have no power to question the policy of the University regarding the decisions of the Board or the Executive Board about allocation of academic, financial and administrative resources or any other matter.

4. Jurisdiction.− (1) The jurisdiction of the University shall extend to Province of Punjab.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), the University shall not open any sub-campus for a period of ten years from the commencement of the Act, after which period it may open sub-campuses with the approval of the Board.

5. Functions and Powers of the University.− The University shall be an autonomous body and shall have the powers to–

(a) provide for teaching and training in faculties of Science & Information Technology, Law, Management Sciences, and Social Sciences & Humanities, and any other branches of knowledge as the Board may determine and, where applicable, subject to the prior approval of the relevant statutory body of professional education;

(b) decide teaching methods and strategies in order to ensure the most effective educational and training programs that may include virtual, on- campus, online, distance learning, lectures, tutorials, discussions, courses of studies, seminars, demonstrations and other methods of instructions as well as practical work, workshops, internship, apprenticeship in the industries, financial institutions, laboratories, hospitals, and other organizations etc.;

(d) award degree, diploma, certificate and other academic distinction to the person who fulfilled all the mandatory prerequisites for this purpose;

(e) confer honorary degree on a person of eminence subject to the prior approval of the Chancellor;

(f) offer employment/promotion as Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Teaching Fellow, Research Associate, Research Assistant, Principal Officers and other employees for teaching/research/administrative work in the University;

(g) provide career counseling and job search services to the students and alumni;

(h) allow the credit transfer of study spent by a student of the University at any other university or place of learning equivalent to credit transfer of study of the University and may withdraw such acceptance as per prevalent policy;

(i) promote extracurricular and recreational activities of the students and make arrangements for promoting the health and general welfare of the students;

(j) University and collaborate with a national or international university/authority, public/private research/commercial/industrial enterprise for the students/faculty exchange faculty training/research/advisory/consultancy services in the manner and for such purpose as may be prescribed;

(k) Sandwich Programs and Split Programs between National and International Universities;

(l) create a post for teaching/administration/training/research or other related purpose;

(m) may enter into, carry out, vary or cancel contracts where necessary;

(n) print and publish Research or other Intellectual Patents; and perform any other prescribed Ancillary Function;

(o) make provision for Research, Advisory or Consultancy Services, sign MoUs and enter into arrangements with any other Institution, Public or Private Body, Commercial or Industrial enterprise in the prescribed manner; receive and manage property transferred and grants, contributions made to the University and to invest any fund in the manner as it may deem fit;

(p) develop and implement fundraising plans;

(q) demand and receive such fees and other charges from the students as it may determine from time to time;

(r) start financial aid programs for students in need, to the extent considered feasible by the Board given the resources available, so as to enable admission and access to the University and the various opportunities provided by it to be based on merit rather than ability to pay;

(s) receive, manage, transfer and dispose of property, grants, contributions made to the University and to invest any fund in the manner as it may be prescribed;

(t) maintain order, discipline and security in the campus of the University; and

(u) perform any other prescribed or ancillary function.

6. University open to all.− Subject to Reasonable Restrictions as may be prescribed, the University shall be open to all Persons; and, Admission to, or Privileges of, the University shall not be denied merely on the basis of Gender, Religion, Race, Class or Colour.

7. Principal Officers of the University.− The following shall be the Principal Officers of the University, and shall hold their respective posts–

(a) Vice Chancellor;

(b) Deans;

(d) Chairperson of Academic Departments;

(e) Registrar;

(f) Treasurer;

(g) Controller of Examinations; and

(h) such other persons as may be prescribed by the statutes or regulations.

8. Chancellor.− (1) The Governor of the Punjab shall be the Chancellor of the University.

(2) The Chancellor or his nominee shall preside at the convocation of the University.

9. Inspection and Inquiry.− (1) The Chancellor may direct inspection or inquiry into the affairs of the University.

(2) The Chancellor shall convey his views with regard to the result of the inspection or inquiry to the Board and may, after ascertaining the views of the Board, direct the Board to take the remedial action.

(3) The Board shall, within the time specified by the Chancellor, submit a report to the Chancellor about the action taken on his direction.

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

(5) The Chancellor may, on the recommendation of the Committee constituted by him and comprising of a nominee of the Board, a nominee of Higher Education Department not below the rank of Additional Secretary and a Professor Emeritus or Vice Chancellor of any university, take such action against the University as he may deem appropriate.

(6) The Chancellor shall not take any action under subsection (7) of this Act unless the Chairman of the Board has been given an opportunity of being heard.

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

10. Vice Chancellor.− (1) The Chancellor shall, on the recommendations of the Board, appoint a person as Vice Chancellor for a period of four years on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine.

(2) The Vice Chancellor shall, under the general supervision of the Board and the Executive Board, exercise all designated administrative and academic powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed or be assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

(3) In the absence of the Vice Chancellor, for whatever reason, a nominee of the Board shall act for him.

11. Registrar.− (1) The Executive Board shall appoint a Registrar of the University on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

(2) The Registrar shall be a full-time principal 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 Executive Board and the Vice Chancellor;

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

(d) perform such other duties as may be prescribed or be assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

(3) In the absence of the Registrar, for whatever reason, a nominee of the Executive Board shall act for him.

12. Treasurer.− (1) The Executive Board shall appoint a Treasurer of the University on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

(2) The Treasurer shall be a full-time principal 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 Executive Board;

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

(e) perform such other duties as may be prescribed or be assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

(3) In the absence of the Treasurer, for whatever reason, a nominee of the Executive Board shall act for him.

13. Controller of Examinations.− (1) The Executive Board shall appoint a Controller of Examinations of the University on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

(2) The Controller of Examinations shall be a full-time principal officer of the University and shall be responsible for all matters connected with the conduct of examinations and perform such other duties as may be prescribed or assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

(3) In the absence of the Controller of Examinations, for whatever reason, a nominee of the Executive Board shall act for him.

14. Appointments.− The University may appoint such persons in its services as may be necessary on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Executive Board.

15. Authorities of the University.− The following shall be the Authorities of the University–

(1) the Board of Governors as specified in Section 16 of this Act;

(2) the Executive Board as specified in Section 20 of this Act;

(3) the Academic Council as specified in Section 21 of this Act;

(4) the Board of Faculties as specified in Clause 2 of First Statutes of this Act;

(5) the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) as specified in Clause 4 of First Statutes of this Act;

(6) the Budget and Finance Planning Committee as specified in Clause 6 of First Statutes of this Act; and

(7) such other authorities as may be prescribed by the Statutes and Rules and Regulations of the University.

16. The Board of Governors.− (1) The Board of Governors of the University shall consist of the following–

(a) Chairman of the Trust;

(b) Members of the Trust subject to maximum of five members to be nominated by the Chairman of the Trust;

(d) One expert from financial sector appointed by the Chairman of the Trust;

(e) Chairperson of Higher Education Commission or his nominee not below the rank of a director;

(f) Vice Chancellor of a Public University in the Punjab nominated by the Chairperson of the Board;

(g) Secretary to Government of the Punjab, Higher Education Department or his nominee not below the rank of Additional Secretary; and

(h) Vice Chancellor.

(2) The Chairman of the Trust shall be the Chairperson of the Board and the Vice Chancellor shall be the Secretary of the Board.

(3) The Chairperson of the Board may add member(s) to the Board as and when required.

(4) The nominee members of the Board, other than ex-officio members, may be replaced by their respective nominee authority, as and when required.

(5) The Chairperson of the Board may invite any person to attend the meeting(s) of the Board.

(6) The Board shall meet at least once in a year on the dates to be fixed by the Chairperson of the Board.

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

(8) The Chairperson of the Board may fill a casual vacancy occurring because of death or resignation of a member of the Board other than ex-officio to the extent of the remainder of the term of the former member.

(9) The decision of the Board shall be expressed in terms of the views of the majority of the quorum and if the members are equally divided, the Chairperson of the Board shall have and exercise a casting vote.

17. Powers and Duties of the Board.− (1) The Board shall recommend Statutes to the Chancellor and the Statutes shall come into force if the same is approved by the Chancellor.

(2) The Board shall form a Search Committee to shortlist suitable candidates for the post of the Vice Chancellor.

(3) The Board shall recommend to the Chancellor to appoint or remove a person as Vice Chancellor, pursuant to a resolution in this behalf passed by at least one-third of its members.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of the aforementioned powers, the Board may exercise powers and perform functions as follows–

(a) to strategize the vision and mission of the University;

(b) to approve the strategic and operational policies of the University;

(c) to create a component of the University such as Faculties/Academic Departments/Support Departments, under its jurisdiction;

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

(e) to consider and pass through a resolution the annual report, plan of work, statement of accounts and the annual budget estimates.

18. 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 these matters are prescribed, as may be determined by the Board.

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

19. Delegation of Powers of the Board.− The Board may, by notification, delegate to Executive Board any of its powers, duties or functions as specified in Section 17(4) of this Act with the prior approval of the Trust through a resolution, except the functions specified in section 17(4)(e).

20. Executive Board.− (1) The Executive Board shall be constituted by the Chairperson of the Board.

(2) The Chairperson of the Board shall nominate a Chairperson of the Executive Board.

(3) The Executive Board shall consist of a minimum of three members (including Chairperson), all of them shall be nominated by the Chairperson of the Board.

(4) The Chairperson of the Board may add or remove member(s) to the Executive Board as and when required.

(5) The Chairperson of the Executive Board may invite any person to attend the meeting(s) of the Executive Board.

(6) The Chairperson of the Executive Board shall appoint a Secretary to the Executive Board who shall, with the approval of the Chairperson of the Executive Board, call the meeting of the Executive Board.

(7) The Executive Board shall meet, as and when required, on the dates to be fixed by the Chairperson of the Executive Board.

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

(9) The decision of the Executive Board shall be expressed in terms of the views of majority of the members.

(10) The meeting of the Executive Board may be held by using any communication equipment and the member shall be deemed to have participated in the meeting.

(11) Without prejudice to the generality of the aforementioned powers, the Executive Board may exercise powers and perform functions as follows–

(a) to implement the vision and mission of the University by managing the day to day operations;

(b) to call for and consider reports relating to the activities of the University and to direct the concerned Principal Officers to furnish information relating to any matter specified by the Executive Board;

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

(e) to create such academic or administrative posts as it may deem necessary and to approve appointments to such posts as it may specify;

(f) to constitute such standing committees, councils and other administrative or academic advisory bodies as it deems necessary, and review their work;

(g) to recommend to the Board, the regulations and policies governing the activities and operations of the University so as to facilitate research, teaching and other academic work;

(h) to hold, control and administer the property, funds and resources of the University and raise funds for the purpose of the University; and

(i) to perform any other task assigned by the Board.

21. Academic Council.− (1) The Academic Council of the University shall consist of–

(a) the Vice Chancellor (Chairperson);

(b) all the Deans;

(d) the Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization;

(e) the Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell;

(f) all Professors and Associate Professors;

(g) up-to five persons from the corporate/industrial sector to be appointed by the Vice Chancellor on the recommendation of Deans;

(h) up-to six persons to be appointed by the Executive Board;

(i) Controller of Examinations;

(j) nominee of the Punjab Higher Education Commission not below the rank of Assistant Director; and

(k) the Registrar (Secretary).

(2) The nominee members of the Academic Council, other than ex-officio members, may be replaced by their respective nominee authority, as and when required.

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

(4) The Academic Council shall meet at least twice a year on the dates to be fixed by the Chairperson of the Academic Council.

(5) The decision of the Academic Council shall be expressed in terms of the views of the majority of the quorum and if the members are equally divided, the Chairperson of the Academic Council shall have and exercise a casting vote.

22. Powers and Duties of the Academic Council.− The Academic Council shall be the academic body of the University and subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes shall have the powers to advise the Executive Board to make regulations regarding–

(a) all academic matters including teaching, research, publications, admissions, examinations, discipline;

(b) scheme for the constitution/organization of Faculties/Academic Departments;

(d) perform such other functions as may be prescribed or assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

23. University Fund.− (1) There shall be a fund to be known as the “Sahara 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 land & building, vehicles, equipment, furniture & fixtures, cash, cheque, demand draft or any other instrument or asset 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.

24. 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 prescribed by the Executive Board.

(2) The Executive 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.

(3) The Executive Board may delegate the power of appropriation or re- appropriation of funds to any of the principal officers of the University.

(4) The accounts of the University shall be maintained in such form and manner as may be determined by the Executive Board and shall be audited each year within six months of the closing of the financial year of the University by an independent Chartered Accountant or a firm of Chartered Accountants appointed by the Executive Board.

(5) The accounts, together with the report of the auditor thereon, shall be submitted to the Board for approval.

(6) The auditor’s report shall certify that the auditor has complied with the auditing standards adopted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan.

25. Rules.− The Government may, by notification in the official gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

26. Statutes.− Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board may approve statutes to provide for and to regulate any matter relevant to the University.

27. First Statutes.− Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, the statutes set out in the Schedule shall be deemed to be the First Statutes made under Section 26 of this Act and shall continue to remain in force until amended or repealed in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

28. Regulations.− The Executive Board may, by notification, frame Regulations for the administration and management of the affairs of the University.

29. Removal of Difficulties.− If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of this Act, the Government may, in consultation with the Board, give such directions, not inconsistent with the said provisions, as it may consider necessary for the removal of such difficulty.

30. Proceedings of Authorities not Invalidated by Vacancies.− No Act, proceeding, resolution or decision of any Authority shall be invalid by the only reason of any vacancy or defect in the constitution, or in the appointment or nomination of any member of the Authority.

31. Bar of Jurisdiction.− No court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any proceedings, grant any injunction or make any order in relation to anything done in good faith or purported to have been done or intended to be done under this Act.

32. Indemnity.− No suit or legal proceedings shall lie against Government, the University or any Authority or any employee of Government or the University or any person, in respect of anything which is done or purported to have been done in good faith or intended to, or have been done in good faith under this Act.

SCHEDULE

THE FIRST STATUTES

(Section 27)

1. Faculties.− (1) Each Faculty will consist of one or more Academic Department(s).

(2) The University shall include the following Faculties and such other Faculties as may be prescribed–

(a) Faculty of Science & Information Technology;

(b) Faculty of Law;

(d) Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities; and

(e) Such other branches of knowledge, as the Board may determine, given on the recommendations of the academic council, where applicable, subject to the prior approval of the relevant statutory body of professional education;

2. Board of Faculty.− (1) There shall be a Board of Faculty of the University for each Faculty which shall consist of–

(a) the Dean of the Faculty (Chairperson);

(b) the Chairpersons of the Academic Departments in the Faculty;

(d) the Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell;

(e) all Professors and Associate Professors of the Academic Departments in the Faculty;

(f) up-to three Assistant Professors and up-to three Lecturers to be appointed by the Chairperson of the Department;

(g) up-to three persons nominated by the Vice Chancellor, who may be members of other faculties, or may be experts in the field from outside the University;

(h) up-to three persons nominated by the Executive Board; and

(i) the Registrar (Secretary).

(2) The Board of Faculty for each Faculty shall, subject to the general control of the Academic Council and the Executive Board, have the powers to–

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

(b) consider any other academic matter relating to the faculty members and to submit its report to the Academic Council;

(d) perform such other duties as may be prescribed or be assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

(3) The nominee members of the Board of Faculty, other than ex-officio members, may be replaced by their respective nominee authority, as and when required.

(4) The quorum for a meeting of the Board of Faculty for each Faculty shall be one half of the total number of members.

(5) The Board of Faculty for each Faculty shall meet at least once in a quarter on the dates to be fixed by the concerned Dean of the Faculty.

(6) The decision of the Board of Faculty for each Faculty shall be expressed in terms of the views of the majority of the quorum and if the members are equally divided, the concerned Dean of the Faculty shall have and exercise a casting vote.

3. Academic Departments.− (1) There shall be an Academic Department for each subject or a group of subjects, as may be prescribed.

(2) Each Academic Department shall be headed by a Chairperson.

4. Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR).− (1) The Board of Advanced Studies and Research shall consist of–

(a) the Vice Chancellor (Chairperson);

(b) all the Deans;

(d) all the Professors;

(e) the Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization;

(f) the Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell;

(g) one member to be nominated by the Vice Chancellor;

(h) up-to three members from the relevant field, research organizations and Government, to be nominated by the Vice Chancellor;

(i) up-to three persons nominated by the Executive Board; and

(j) the Registrar (Secretary).

(2) The nominee members of the BASR, other than ex-officio members, may be replaced by their respective nominee authority, as and when required.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of BASR shall be one half of the total number of members.

(4) BASR shall meet as and when required on the dates to be fixed by Vice Chancellor.

(5) The decision of BASR shall be expressed in terms of the views of the majority of the quorum and if the members are equally divided, the Vice Chancellor shall have and exercise a casting vote.

5. Functions of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR).− (1) Advise the Authorities on all matters connected with the promotion of advanced studies and research publications in the University.

(2) Consider and report to an Authority with regard to a research degree of the University.

(3) Propose Regulations regarding the award of research degrees.

(4) Appoint supervisors for Postgraduate research students to approve titles and synopsis of their thesis/dissertations.

(5) Recommend a panel of examiners for evaluation of research examination(s).

(6) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed or be assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

6. Budget and Finance Planning Committee.− (1) The Budget and Finance Planning Committee shall consist of–

(a) the Chairperson of the Executive Board (Chairperson);

(b) the Vice Chancellor;

(d) minimum one member of the Executive Board;

(e) up-to three persons to be nominated by the Executive Board;

(f) the Treasurer; and

(g) the Registrar (Secretary).

(2) The nominee members of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee, other than ex-officio members, may be replaced by their respective nominee authority, as and when required.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee shall be half of the total number of members, a fraction being counted as one.

(4) The Budget and Finance Planning Committee shall meet at least once a quarter on the dates to be fixed by the Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee; provided that a special meeting may be called at any time on the direction of the Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee or on a requisition made by not less than one-half members of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee to consider a matter of urgent nature.

(5) The decision of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee shall be expressed in terms of the views of the majority of the members present and if the members are equally divided, the Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee shall have and exercise a casting vote.

7. Functions of the Budget and Finance Planning Committee.− (1) Consider the annual statement of accounts.

(2) Review periodically the financial position of the University.

(3) Consider annual budget estimates.

(4) Advise the Executive Board on all matters relating to finance, investments and accounts of the University.

(5) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed or be assigned by the Rules and Regulations of the University.

[1]This Act was originally passed by the Punjab Assembly on 13 September 2022; The Governor returned the Bill for reconsideration by the Assembly. The Assembly again passed on 1^st day of November 2022; Since the Governor has not assented within the stipulated period of ten days, the same is deemed to have been assented to in terms of clause (3) of Article 116 of the Constitution, and is published as an Act of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on 16 November 2022,; pages 2203-14.