The University of Layyah Act 2022

^{^[1]}THE UNIVERSITY OF LAYYAH ACT 2022

(ACT XXXIX OF 2022)

[8^th December 2022]

An Act to provide for establishment of the University of Layyah.

It is necessary in the public interest to make provisions for establishment of the University of Layyah, and to provide for the ancillary matters.

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 University of Layyah Act 2022.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Definitions.- In this Act:

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

(b) “Administrative Department” means the Higher Education Department of the Government;

(d) “Chairperson” means the head of a department of the University;

(e) “Chancellor” means Chancellor of the University;

(f) “college” means academic-cum-administrative unit established, administered and maintained by the University in the prescribed manner;

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

(h) “constituent college" means a college maintained and administered by the University;

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

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

(k) “department” means a teaching department established, administered and maintained by the University in the prescribed manner;

(l) “Director” means head of an institute appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(m) “Faculty” means an academic unit of the University consisting of one or more teaching departments, colleges or institutes;

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

(o) “institute” means an academic-cum-administrative unit established, administered and maintained by the University in the prescribed manner;

(p) “institution” means an institution imparting instruction or conducting research in public or private sector;

(q) “officer” means an officer of the University specified in this Act;

(r) “prescribed” means prescribed by the statutes or regulations or rules made under this Act;

(s) “Principal” means principal of a college established, administered and maintained by the University;

(t) “Pro-Chancellor” means Pro-Chancellor of the University;

(u) “Pro-Vice Chancellor” means Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University;

(v) “Punjab Higher Education Commission” means the Punjab Higher Education Commission established under the Punjab Higher Education Commission Act 2014 (I of 2015);

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

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

(y) “statutes”, “regulations” and “rules” respectively means the statutes, the regulations and the rules made or deemed to have been made under this Act;

(z) “student” means a student defined under section 7 of this Act;

(aa) “Syndicate” means Syndicate of the University;

(bb) “teacher” means a professor, an associate professor, an assistant professor, a lecturer and research staff, engaged on whole time basis by the University and includes any other person declared by Regulations as teacher;

(cc) “Treasurer” means Treasurer of the University;

(dd) “University” means the University of Layyah; and

(ee) “Vice Chancellor” means the Vice Chancellor of the University.

CHAPTER II

THE UNIVERSITY

3. Establishment and incorporation of the University.- (1) As soon as may be, after commencement of this Act, the Administrative Department shall, by notification in the official Gazette, reconstitute sub-campus of Baha-ud-din Zakaria University Multan at Layyah as the University of Layyah in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

(2) The University shall consist of the following:

(a) Chancellor;

(b) Pro-Chancellor;

(d) Pro-Vice Chancellor;

(e) members of the Authorities;

(f) Chairpersons and Deans;

(g) teachers and students; and

(h) officers and other employees of the University.

(3) The University shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal and may, by its name, sue and be sued.

(4) The University may acquire and hold property, both movable and immovable, and lease, sell, transfer and otherwise dispose of any property vested in it.

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the University shall have academic, financial and administrative autonomy including the powers to employ officers, teachers and other employees on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

(6) All properties, rights and interests of whatever kind used, enjoyed, possessed, owned or vested in the sub-campus of Baha-ud-din Zakaria University Multan, located at Layyah and all liabilities legally subsisting against the said sub-campus shall stand transferred to the University.

(7) All regular and contract employees serving the sub-campus of Baha-ud-din Zakaria University Multan, located at Layyah immediately before coming into force of this Act, shall be considered on deputation with the University and shall, subject to subsection (8), be liable to be transferred to their parent employer on expiry of deputation period.

(8) Subject to the procedure notified by the University, an employee at the disposal of the University under subsection (7), may at any time within three hundred and sixty five days of coming into force of this Act, opt for absorption in the service of the University on such terms and conditions and in such manner as may be prescribed but such terms and conditions shall not be less favourable than those admissible to such an employee while serving the sub-campus of Baha-ud-din Zakaria University Multan at Layyah immediately before his placement at the disposal of the university under subsection (7).

4. Jurisdiction of the University.- The jurisdiction of the University shall be limited to the territorial limits of the Province of the Punjab:

Provided that the Government may, by general or special order, modify scope of jurisdiction of the University with regard to the territorial limits.

5. University to be open to all.- Subject to such reasonable restrictions as may be prescribed by the statutes and except where the University has been declared, by notification in the official Gazette, to be open only to persons of a specific gender, it shall be open to all persons irrespective of gender, religion, creed, caste, race, class, colour or domicile, who are academically qualified for admission to the courses of study offered by the University, and no such person shall be denied the privileges of the University on any such ground.

6. Teaching at the University.- (1) All recognized teaching in various courses at the University, a college, an institute and a constituent college shall be conducted in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations, and such teaching may include lectures, tutorials, discussions, seminars, demonstrations, distance learning and other methods of instructions as well as practical work in the laboratories, hospitals, workshops and fieldwork.

(2) The teaching in any prescribed course in the University, a college, an institute and a constituent college shall be organized by such Authority as may be prescribed by the regulations.

(3) The courses and the curricula for teaching in the University, a college, an institute and a constituent college shall be such as may be prescribed by the regulations.

(4) A degree, diploma or certificate shall be granted to a student who fulfils the prescribed requirements for that degree, diploma or certificate respectively.

7. Students of the University.- Any person enrolled in the University, a college, an institute or a constituent college as a learner for any academic degree, diploma, certificate or any other program shall be deemed to be the student of the University.

8. Fee and other charges.- The University may, from time to time, determine and revise fees and other charges as may be prescribed.

9. Powers and functions of the University.- The University shall have the powers to:

(a) provide for education and instructions in such branches of learning as it may deem fit, and 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;

(b) prescribe courses of studies to be conducted by it, the colleges, institutes, and constituent colleges;

(c) establish colleges, institutes, constituent colleges, departments, faculties, centers of advanced studies, centers of excellence, area study centers, laboratories, workshops, institutions, museums and other centers of learning for the development of teaching and research and technological development and make such arrangements for their maintenance, management and administration as it may determine;

(d) institute professorships, associate professorships, assistant professorships and lectureships and any other post and to appoint persons thereto;

(e) create posts for teaching, research, extension, administration, and for other related purposes and to appoint persons thereto in the prescribed manner;

(f) prescribe the terms and conditions of employment of the officers, teachers and other employees of the University, and to lay down such terms and conditions as may be different from those generally applicable to the employees of the Government;

(g) institute programs for the exchange of students and teachers between the University and any other university, educational institution or research organization within Pakistan or abroad;

(h) support the academic and professional development of the Faculty and other employees;

(i) hold examinations and to award and confer degrees, diploma certificates and other academic distinctions to and on persons who have been admitted to and have passed its examinations under such conditions as may be prescribed;

(j) 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 to withdraw such acceptance as may be prescribed;

(k) confer honorary degree or other academic distinctions on persons in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed;

(l) confer degrees on persons who have carried on independent research under the prescribed conditions;

(m) provide for such instruction and training for persons not being students of the University, and to grant certificates and diplomas to such persons in the prescribed manner;

(n) collaborate and cooperate with other universities, research and educational institutions and commercial or industrial organizations in the public or private sector, or other public authorities within Pakistan or abroad in such manner and for such purposes as may be prescribed;

(o) institute and award financial assistance to the students for fellowships, scholarships, medals, and prizes as may be prescribed;

(p) establish, control and maintain the University halls of residence for the students, and approve any place as hostel or lodging for the students;

(q) maintain order, discipline, and security on the campuses of the University, a college, an institute and a constituent college;

(r) promote co-curricular and recreational activities of the students and make arrangements for promoting their health and welfare;

(s) develop and implement fund-raising plans;

(t) undertake or engage in such commercial activities for the purpose of generating revenue as it may deem appropriate;

(u) carry out its development projects through public-private partnerships in the prescribed manner;

(v) undertake research, advisory or consultancy services and, for the purpose, enter into arrangements with public or private bodies as may be prescribed;

(w) charge and receive such fees and other payments as it may determine;

(x) enter into the contracts for carrying out the purposes of this Act;

(y) receive, transfer, invest and manage property, grants and contributions, 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 other contributions in such manner as may be approved by the Syndicate;

(z) 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;

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

(bb) maintain linkages with the alumni;

(cc) establish a grievance redressal mechanism in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations;

(dd) seek support from other universities in curricula, research, faculty development and other areas of mutual interest; and

(ee) do such other acts as may be necessary for carrying out the objectives of the University.

10. Integration of public sector institutions.- (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law, notification, contract or instrument, the Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, integrate with the University any sub-campus or college or institute of another university or a public sector institution situated anywhere in the Punjab or transfer any college or institute of the University to the Government.

(2) On the publication of a notification under subsection (1):

(a) all rights, properties, assets and liabilities vested in or undertaken by the Government or the University in respect of such sub-campus, college, institute or public sector institution shall respectively become the rights, properties, assets and liabilities of the University or the Government, as the case may be; and

(b) all persons serving in connection with the affairs of such sub-campus, college, institute, or public sector institution in any capacity shall stand transferred to the University or the Government on such terms and conditions as the Government may determine:

Provided that such terms and conditions shall not be less favorable than those admissible to such persons immediately before their transfer to the University or the Government.

(3) Any question arising under the proviso to subsection (2) shall be referred to the Government and the decision of the Government on such question shall be final.

11. Association and disassociation of colleges.- (1) The Government may associate or disassociate any college with or from the University.

(2) In case of association of a college with the University, employees of such college shall remain at the strength of their parent department but shall serve in the associated college as long as the Administrative Department so directs.

(3) An employee shall cease to be the employee of the parent department if he is absorbed in the University in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the University.

12. Students representational system.- There shall be a student’s representational system in the University which shall be established and managed in such manner as may be determined by the Government.

CHAPTER III

OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

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

(a) Pro-Chancellor;

(b) Vice Chancellor;

(d) Deans;

(e) Chairpersons;

(f) Director General or Director of an institute or center;

(g) Registrar;

(h) Treasurer;

(i) Controller of Examinations;

(j) Resident Auditor;

(k) Librarian; and

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

14. Chancellor.- (1) Governor of the Punjab shall be the Chancellor of the University.

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

(3) The University may, with the prior approval of the Chancellor, confer an honorary degree on a person of eminence.

(4) The Chancellor shall have the powers to assent to such statutes as are required by this Act to be submitted to him by the Syndicate or refer them back for reconsideration.

(5) Where the Chancellor is satisfied that the proceedings of any Authority or the orders of any officer are not in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the statutes, regulations or rules, he may direct such Authority or officer that specified proceedings or orders be reconsidered and appropriate action be taken within one month of the direction having been issued:

Provided that if the Chancellor is satisfied that either no reconsideration has been carried out or that the reconsideration has failed to address the concern expressed, he may, after calling upon the Authority or the officer to show cause why such proceedings should not be annulled by order in writing, annul the proceedings.

(6) In the performance of his functions under this Act, the Chancellor shall act and shall 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.

(7) The Chancellor shall review the performance of the Vice Chancellor periodically in accordance with the key performance indicators as may be determined by the Government in consultation with Punjab Higher Education Commission, and shall pass appropriate directions thereon.

15. Revisional powers of the Chancellor.- The Chancellor may, on his own motion or otherwise, call for and examine the record of any proceedings in which an order has been passed by any Authority for purposes of satisfying himself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of any finding or order and may pass such orders as he may deem fit but no order shall be so passed unless the person likely to be affected thereby is afforded an opportunity of being heard.

16. Visitation.- (1) The Chancellor may cause a visitation or an inspection or inquiry to be made in respect of any matter connected with the University, and shall, from time to time, appoint such person or persons as he may deem fit, for the purposes of carrying out inspection of:

(a) the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, museums, workshops and equipment;

(b) a college, an institute, a constituent college or a hostel maintained or recognized by the University;

(d) conduct of examinations held by the University.

(2) The Chancellor shall, in every such case, give notice to the Syndicate of his intention to cause a visitation or an inspection or inquiry to be made under subsection (1), and the Syndicate shall be entitled to be represented in the matter.

(3) The Chancellor shall communicate to the Syndicate his views with regard to the results of such inspection or inquiry and shall, after ascertaining the views thereon of the Syndicate, advise the Syndicate on the action to be taken.

(4) The Syndicate shall communicate to the Chancellor an action taken or proposed to be taken upon the results of the inspection or inquiry, and such communication shall be submitted to the Chancellor within such time as may be specified by the Chancellor.

(5) Where the Syndicate does not, within a reasonable time, take action to the satisfaction of the Chancellor, the Chancellor, may, after considering any explanation furnished or representation made by the Syndicate, issue such directions as he thinks fit, and the Vice Chancellor shall comply with such directions.

17. Pro-Chancellor.- (1) The Minister in charge of the Administrative Department shall be the Pro-Chancellor of the University, and shall aid and advise the Chancellor in such manner as may be required by the Chancellor.

(2) The Pro-Chancellor shall perform such other duties and functions and exercise such powers as may be assigned and delegated to him by the Chancellor.

18. Vice-Chancellor.- (1) A person who is eligible and who is not more than sixty five years of age on the last date fixed for submission of applications for the post of the Vice Chancellor may apply for the post.

(2) The Government shall determine the terms and conditions of service of Vice Chancellor.

(3) The Government shall determine, by notification in the official Gazette, the qualifications, experience and other relevant requirements for the post of the Vice Chancellor.

(4) The Government shall constitute, for a term of two years from the date of its constitution, a Search Committee consisting of not less than three and not more than five members for making recommendations for appointment of the Vice Chancellor.

(5) The Search Committee shall follow such procedure and criteria for selection of the panel for the post of the Vice Chancellor as the Chancellor may by notification, determine.

(6) The Search Committee shall recommend, in order of merit, a panel of three persons who, in its opinion, are suitable for appointment as the Vice Chancellor.

(7) The Chancellor shall appoint the Vice Chancellor for each term of four years.

(8) If the office of the Vice Chancellor is vacant or the Vice Chancellor is absent or is unable to perform the functions of the Vice Chancellor owing to any cause, the Pro-Vice Chancellor shall perform the functions of the Vice Chancellor but, if at any time the office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor is also vacant or the Pro-Vice Chancellor is absent or is unable to perform the functions of the Vice Chancellor owing to any cause, the Chancellor shall make such temporary arrangements for the performance of the duties of the Vice Chancellor as he may deems appropriate.

(9) The Chancellor may remove the Vice Chancellor before the expiry of term if he:

(a) has become of unsound mind; or

(b) has become subject to any incapacity which prevents him from functioning as the Vice Chancellor; or

(d) has accepted any assignment which involves his absence from the country for a continuous period of more than six months without intimation to the concerned Authority; or

(e) has been guilty of misconduct including use of position for personal advantage of any kind or gross inefficiency in the performance of his functions.

(10) The Chancellor may cause inquiry, on account of any or all grounds aforementioned, during or after the incumbency of the tenure, as the case may be, of the Vice Chancellor, and he may advise, censure, remove or direct any agency, in case of financial corruption, to prosecute the Vice Chancellor:

Provided that the Chancellor shall not impose any penalty without affording an opportunity to the Vice Chancellor of being heard.

(11) The process of selection of a new Vice Chancellor shall be initiated six months prior to the expiry of the existing term of the incumbent.

19. Powers and duties of the Vice Chancellor.- (1) The Vice Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University, and shall ensure that the provisions of this Act, statutes, regulations and rules are faithfully observed in order to promote teaching, research, publication, administration and the general efficiency and good order of the University.

(2) For purposes of subsection (1), the Vice Chancellor shall have all powers prescribed by and under this Act, statutes, regulations and rules including administrative control over all officers, teachers and other employees of the University.

(3) The Vice Chancellor shall preside at the meetings of the Authorities of which he is the Chairperson.

(4) Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the statutes, the Vice Chancellor may, in an emergency, take an action which is not otherwise in his competence but in the competence of any other authority:

Provided that meeting of such authority shall be convened within forty-five days of the action taken and detailed description of the emergency and merit of the action taken be presented to the Authority for a permanent decision.

(5) The Vice Chancellor shall also have the powers to:

(a) direct officers, teachers and other employees of the University to take up such assignments in connection with teaching, research, examination, administration and such other activities in or for the University as he may consider necessary for the purposes of the University;

(b) sanction all expenditures provided for in the approved budget in the prescribed manner;

(c) make appointments in basic pay scale 16 and below in such manner as may be prescribed by the statutes, subject to reporting all such appointments to the Syndicate in its next meeting:

Provided that the Selection Committee for recommendations of suitable candidates for appointment in basic pay scale 16 and below shall be constituted by the Syndicate in such manner as may be prescribed by the statutes;

(d) suspend, punish, remove and dismiss from service employees of the University in basic pay scale 1 to 16 in such manner as may be prescribed by the statutes;

(e) delegate, subject to such conditions as may be determined, any of his powers under this Act to an officer of the University;

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

(g) appoint foreign and local referees for evaluation of candidates for faculty positions from the panel of names in the prescribed manner;

(h) appoint visiting Professors in various disciplines for a period not more than one academic year on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the statutes; and

(i) exercise and perform such other powers and functions as may be prescribed by the statutes.

(6) The Vice Chancellor shall present an annual report to the Chancellor through the Administrative Department within three months of the closure of an academic year, and the annual report shall present such information as regards the academic year under review including disclosure of all relevant facts pertaining to the following:

(a) academics;

(b) research;

(d) finances including audited statement of accounts and management.

(7) The annual report shall be made available, prior to its presentation before the Chancellor, to all officers and teachers, and shall be published in such number of copies as are required to ensure its wide circulation and uploaded to the website of the University.

(8) The Vice Chancellor shall be responsible for implementation of powers and functions of the University and its Authorities.

20. Pro-Vice Chancellor.- (1) There shall be a Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University to be appointed by the Chancellor from amongst the three senior most Professors of the University for a period of three years.

(2) The Pro-Vice Chancellor shall be deemed to be the acting Vice Chancellor to perform all the functions and powers of the Vice Chancellor in case of expiration of the tenure of the regular Vice Chancellor or in case of vacancy of the office of Vice Chancellor owing to any other reason.

(3) The Pro-Vice Chancellor, in addition to his duties as Professor, shall perform such other functions as may be assigned to him under this Act, the statutes or regulations.

21. Dean.- (1) There shall be a Dean of each Faculty, who shall be the Convener of the Board of Faculty.

(2) The Dean of each Faculty shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendation of Vice Chancellor from amongst the three senior most Professors in the Faculty for a period of three years, and shall be eligible for re-appointment for not more than two consecutive terms:

Provided that where a Professor is not available in the respective Faculty, a Professor from another Faculty may be appointed as Dean till the appointment of the Professor of the respective Faculty.

(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 the statutes.

22. Registrar.- (1) The Registrar shall be the whole time officer of the University and shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendations of the Syndicate for a term of three years in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the statutes.

(2) No person shall be appointed as Registrar unless he possesses the prescribed experience, qualifications and other requirements of the post.

(3) The Registrar shall:

(a) be the administrative head of the secretariat of the University, and be responsible for the provision of secretariat support to the Authorities of the University and the Vice Chancellor;

(b) act as Secretary to the Syndicate, Academic Council, Selection Board and such other Authorities, bodies and committees of the University;

(c) be the custodian of academic records, the common seal and such other properties of the University as the Syndicate may commit to his charge;

(d) have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University subject to the decision of Authorities;

(e) maintain a register of registered graduates in the prescribed manner;

(f) supervise the process of appointment or nomination of members to the various Authorities and other bodies in the prescribed manner;

(g) prepare and update the handbook of the statutes, regulations and rules approved by the officer, 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; and

(h) exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by or under this Act or assigned to him, from time to time, by the Syndicate or the Vice Chancellor.

(4) The Chancellor may, on the advice of the Syndicate or otherwise, cause an inquiry to be conducted in the prescribed manner on account of gross misconduct, inefficiency, corruption, moral turpitude or physical or mental incapacity during or after the incumbency of the tenure of the Registrar, and he may advise, censure, remove or direct any agency, in case of financial corruption, to prosecute the Registrar.

(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 Chancellor shall make temporary arrangements, on the recommendations of the Syndicate, for performance of duties of the Registrar but the period of such temporary arrangements shall not exceed six months, and the Registrar shall be appointed during that period.

(6) Before the six months of expiry of term of the Registrar, the Vice Chancellor shall cause to initiate process for recruitment of the Registrar.

23. Treasurer.- (1) The Treasurer shall be a whole time officer of the University and shall be taken from the officers of Finance Department of the Government or from officers of Auditor General of Pakistan on deputation on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed, or appointed for a term of three years by the Chancellor on the recommendation of the Syndicate in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the statutes.

(2) No person shall be appointed as Treasurer unless he possesses the prescribed experience, qualifications and other requirements of the post.

(3) The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the University and shall:

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

(b) prepare the annual and revise budget estimates of the University and present them to the Finance and Planning Committee and Syndicate for approval;

(d) have the account of the University audited annually so as to be available for submission to the Syndicate within six months of the close of the financial year; and

(e) perform such other duties as may be determined by the Syndicate.

(4) The Chancellor may on the advice of the Syndicate or otherwise cause inquiry in the manner prescribed on account of gross misconduct, inefficiency, corruption, moral turpitude or physical or mental incapacity during or after the incumbency of the tenure of a Treasurer, and he may advise, censure, remove or direct any agency, in case of financial corruption, to prosecute a Treasurer.

(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 Chancellor shall make temporary arrangements on the recommendations of the Syndicate for performance of duties of the Treasurer, but the period of such temporary arrangements shall not exceed six months, and the Treasurer shall be appointed during that period.

(6) Before the six months of expiry of term of Treasurer, the Vice Chancellor shall cause to initiate process for recruitment of the Treasurer.

24. Controller of Examinations.- (1) The Controller of Examinations shall be a whole time officer of the University, and shall be appointed by the Chancellor on recommendation of the Syndicate for a term of three years in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the statutes.

(2) No person shall be appointed as the Controller of Examinations unless he possesses the prescribed experience, qualifications and other requirements of the post.

(3) The Controller of Examinations 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 determined by the Syndicate.

(4) The Chancellor may, on the advice of the Syndicate or otherwise, cause inquiry in the manner prescribed on account of gross misconduct, inefficiency, corruption, moral turpitude or physical or mental incapacity during or after the incumbency of the tenure of a Controller of Examinations, and he may advise, censure, remove or direct any agency, in case of financial corruption, to prosecute a Controller of Examinations.

(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 Chancellor shall make temporary arrangements on the recommendations of the Syndicate for performance of duties of the Controller of Examinations but the period of such temporary arrangements shall not exceed six months, and the Controller of Examinations shall be appointed during that period.

(6) Before the six months of expiry of term of Controller of Examinations, the Vice Chancellor shall cause to initiate the process for recruitment of the Controller of Examinations.

25. Resident Auditor.- (1) The Resident Auditor shall be a whole time officer of the University and shall be taken from the officers of Finance Department of the Government or from the officers of Auditor General of Pakistan on deputation on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the statutes.

(2) The Resident Auditor of the University shall be responsible for pre-auditing of all bills and documents for all payments to be made by the University and to carry out internal audit of all units including colleges, institutes, constituent colleges, administrative sections and developmental projects.

(3) The Resident Auditor shall perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

(4) The Vice Chancellor may, with the approval of the Syndicate, repatriate the services of the Resident Auditor on grounds of allegation of gross misconduct, inefficiency, corruption, moral turpitude or physical or mental incapacity in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the statutes before completion of his tenure.

(5) Before the six months of expiry of the term of the Resident Auditor, the Vice Chancellor shall cause to initiate process for deputation of the Resident Auditor.

26. Other Officers.- Subject to the provisions of this Act, the terms and conditions of the service and the powers and duties of other officers including but not limited to the Deans, Chairpersons, Principals, Directors, Librarian of the University shall be such as may be prescribed by the statutes.

CHAPTER IV

AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

27. Authorities of the University.- The following shall be the Authorities of the University:

(a) Syndicate;

(b) Academic Council;

(d) Board of Advanced Studies and Research;

(e) Boards of Studies;

(f) Selection Board;

(g) Finance and Planning Committee;

(h) Discipline Committee; and

(i) such other Authorities as may be prescribed by the statutes.

28. Syndicate.- (1) The Syndicate shall consist of:

(a) the Pro-Chancellor

(b) the Vice Chancellor;

(d) a serving Vice Chancellor of a public sector university to be nominated by the Government;

(e) three members of Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, including at least one female member to be nominated by the Speaker of the Assembly;

(f) Secretary of the Administrative Department or his nominee not below the rank of a Deputy Secretary;

(g) Secretary to the Government, Finance Department or his nominee not below the rank of a Deputy Secretary;

(h) Secretary to the Government, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department or his nominee not below the rank of a Deputy Secretary;

(i) Chairman of the Commission or his nominee not below the rank of a Director;

(j) Chairperson, Punjab Higher Education Commission or his nominee not below the rank of a Director;

(k) two persons from society at large being persons of distinction in the fields of administration, management, education, academics, law, accountancy, medicine, fine arts, architecture, industry, agriculture, science, technology and engineering with a view to create diversity and balance across the various fields, to be nominated by the Government;

(l) one Dean of the Faculties of the University to be nominated by the Government;

(m) one Professor, one Associate Professor and one Assistant Professor of the University to be elected by teachers of their respective cadres in such manner as prescribed by the statutes; and

(n) the Registrar who shall act as Secretary to the Syndicate.

(2) The meetings of the Syndicate shall be presided over by the Pro-Chancellor or his nominee from amongst the members of the Syndicate.

(3) The members of the Syndicate, other than ex-officio members, shall hold office for three years:

Provided that no person, other than an ex-officio member, may serve on the Syndicate for more than two consecutive terms:

Provided further that the University teachers appointed to the Syndicate may not serve for two consecutive terms.

(4) The quorum for a meeting of the Syndicate shall be two-third of its total members a fraction being counted as one excluding the vacant categories, wherever applicable.

(5) At least three members of the Syndicate shall be women.

(6) The Syndicate shall meet at least once in each quarter of the year, and the Registrar shall, with the approval of the Vice Chancellor, summon a meeting of the Syndicate.

(7) Unless otherwise prescribed by this Act, all decisions of the Syndicate shall be taken on the basis of the opinion of majority of the members present, and in event of the members being evenly divided on any matter, the person presiding over the meeting shall have a casting vote.

29. Powers and functions of the Syndicate.- (1) The Syndicate shall be the executive body of the University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the statutes, exercise general supervision over the affairs and management of the University.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, and subject to the provisions of this Act, the statutes, the Syndicate shall have the powers to:

(a) consider the annual report and annual plan of work including key performance indicators to be set up by the University, and to submit these to the Chancellor;

(b) approve the annual and revised budget estimates with due regard to the advice of the Finance and Planning Committee;

(c) review the performance of authorities and officers, and pass appropriate direction for the purpose of improvement in management, administration and financial discipline;

(d) review the quality and relevance of the University’s academic programs and review the academic affairs and performance of the University in general;

(e) approve strategic plans and policies;

(f) consider and approve the statutes, rules and regulations falling within its authority to approve, and recommend the statutes required to be approved by the Chancellor for his approval;

(g) recommend to the Government removal of any person, other than ex-officio member, from the membership of any Authority, if such person:

(i) has become unsound mind; or

(ii) has become incapacitated to function as member of such Authority; or

(iii) has been convicted by a court of law for an offence involving moral turpitude; and

(iv) has been proven guilty of misconduct under the statutes made for ensuring efficiency and discipline in the University; or

(v) remains continuously absent from three consecutive meetings without any intimation.

(h) hold, control and lay down policy for the administration of the property, funds and investments of the University including the approval of the sale and purchase or acquisition of immovable property;

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

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

(k) cause proper books of account to be kept for all sums of money received and expended by the University and for the assets and liabilities of the University;

(l) invest any money belonging to the University including any unapplied income in any of the securities described in section 33 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;

(m) receive and manage any property transferred, and grants, bequests, trust, gifts, donations, endowments, and other contributions made to the University;

(n) administer any funds placed at the disposal of the University for specified purposes;

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

(p) establish and maintain halls of residence and hostels;

(q) arrange for the inspection of colleges, institutes, constituent colleges and the departments;

(r) institute professorships, associate professorships, assistant professorships, lectureships and other teaching posts or to abolish such posts;

(s) subject to this Act, appoint teachers, officers and other employees on the recommendation of the Selection Board in basic pay scale 17 and above in accordance with the statutes;

(t) suspend, punish, remove and dismiss from the service, the officers and teachers of the University in basic pay scales 17 to 21 in accordance with the statutes;

(u) promote the officers of the administrative cadre to the next higher scale on such terms and conditions as provided in the statutes;

(v) appoint Professor Emeritus on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed;

(w) create, or abolish such administrative or other posts as may be necessary;

(x) prescribe powers and duties of officers, teachers and other employees of the University and of those working in the University on deputation or on contract;

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

(z) approve admission of educational institutions to the privileges of the University and withdraw such privileges;

(aa) appoint members to various Authorities, committees and bodies in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

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

(cc) take actions necessary for the good administration of the University in general and to this end exercise such powers as are necessary;

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

(ee) perform such other functions as have been assigned to it by the provisions of this Act or the statutes.

(3) The Syndicate may delegate any of its functions to an Authority or officer or a committee except for legislative and budgetary functions.

30. Appointment and removal of members of the Syndicate: (1) The members of the Syndicate shall be appointed and notified by the Government on the recommendations of the Vice Chancellor.

(2) The Government may, on its own motion or on the recommendation of the Vice Chancellor, remove any member of the Syndicate other than ex-officio members, if he has:

(a) become of unsound mind; or

(b) become subject to any incapacity which prevents him from functioning as member of the Syndicate; or

(d) absented himself from three consecutive meetings of the Syndicate without just cause; or

(e) accepted any assignment which involves his absence from the country for a continuous period of more than six months without intimation to the Vice Chancellor; or

(f) been guilty of misconduct including use of position for personal advantage of any kind or gross inefficiency in the performance of his functions:

Provided that before passing such orders, the member concerned shall be afforded a fair opportunity of being heard by the Chancellor.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Government shall also nominate members other than ex-officio members of the Syndicate.

31. Academic Council.- (1) The Academic Council shall consist of:

(a) Vice Chancellor (Chairperson);

(b) Pro-Vice Chancellor;

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

(e) Director, Board of Advanced Studies and Research;

(f) two senior most professors, other than ex-officio members, from each academic department;

(g) all Professors Emeritus and Meritorious Professors;

(h) Chairpersons of the academic departments;

(i) four University teachers other than Professors, two from each category of Associate professors and Assistant Professors to be appointed by the Syndicate;

(j) three persons eminent in sciences, social sciences and Arts, of whom one shall be from each category and shall include at least one woman from any of the categories, to be nominated by the Chancellor;

(k) Secretary to the Government, Administrative Department or his nominee not below the rank of a Deputy Secretary;

(l) Director Public Instructions (Colleges) of the Government or his nominee;

(m) Librarian of the University;

(n) Controller of Examinations; and

(o) Registrar (Member/Secretary).

(2) The members of the Academic Council, other than ex-officio, shall hold office for a term of 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.

32. Powers and duties of the Academic Council.- (1) The Academic Council shall be the academic body of the University and may lay down proper standards of instructions, research, publication and examination and regulate and promote the academic life of the University and its constituent colleges.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the Academic Council may:

(a) advise the Syndicate on academic matters;

(b) regulate conduct of teaching, research and examinations;

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

(e) propose to the Syndicate schemes for the constitution and organization of faculties, institutes and other academic bodies;

(f) recommend policies and procedures pertaining to the quality of academic programs to the Syndicate;

(g) propose regulations on the recommendations of the Boards of Faculties and the Boards of Studies for consideration and approval of the Syndicate;

(h) propose for each academic year, on the recommendations of the Boards of Studies, regulations prescribing the courses of studies, the syllabi and the outlines of tests for all examinations; provided that, if the recommendations of a Board of Faculties or the Board of Studies are not received by the prescribed date, the Academic Council may, subject to the approval of the Syndicate, permit such regulations to continue for the following years;

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

(j) institute programs for the continued professional development of the teachers at all levels;

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

(l) appoint members to the Authorities in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and

(m) perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the statutes or assigned by the Syndicate.

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

(a) Dean of the Faculty (Chairperson);

(b) Professors and the Chairpersons in the Faculty;

(c) two members to be nominated by the Academic Council on the basis of their specialized knowledge of the subjects which, though not assigned to the Faculty, have in the opinion of the Academic Council important bearing on the subjects assigned to the Faculty;

(d) two experts, including at least one woman, in the field from outside the University to be appointed by the Syndicate; and

(e) one member from amongst the officers of the University to be nominated by the Vice Chancellor on recommendations of the Principal of the constituent college or Director of an institute.

(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 Syndicate and Academic Council, may:

(a) coordinate the teaching and research work in the subjects assigned to the Faculty;

(b) scrutinize the recommendations of a Board of Studies comprising a Faculty 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 Vice Chancellor;

(d) prepare a comprehensive annual report regarding the performance of each department in the Faculty for presentation to the Academic Council; and

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

34. Departments and Chairpersons.- (1) There shall be a department, college or an institute for each subject or a group of subjects as may be prescribed