The Haryana and Punjab Agricultural Universities Act, 1970

The Haryana and Punjab Agricultural Universities Act, 1970, is a legislation that provides for the establishment of two independent agricultural universities in the states of Haryana and Punjab, respectively. The Act aims to promote agricultural education, research, and extension activities in these regions. This article provides a summary of the Act, highlighting its background, key provisions, and governance structures.

1. Act Background and Ministry:

• Background: The Act was enacted to provide for the establishment of two independent agricultural universities in place of the Punjab Agricultural University, which was previously serving both Haryana and Punjab. This was done to better address the specific agricultural needs and challenges of each state.

• Ministry: The Act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, as it relates to agricultural education and research.

2. Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:

• Enactment Date: The Act was enacted on April 2, 1970.

• Number of Chapters: The Act is divided into eight chapters.

• Number of Sections: The Act contains 45 sections.

3. Act Governed By:

The Act is primarily governed by the respective State Governments of Haryana and Punjab, which have the authority to establish and regulate the agricultural universities within their territories. The Central Government also has a role in setting standards and providing guidance.

4. On Whom It Is Applicable:

The Act applies to:

• Haryana Agricultural University: The university established in the state of Haryana.

• Punjab Agricultural University: The university established in the state of Punjab.

• Officers and Employees: All officers, teachers, and employees of the respective universities.

• Students: Students enrolled in the universities.

• Board of Management: The governing bodies of the universities.

• Academic Council: The academic bodies responsible for academic matters.

• Colleges: Constituent colleges of the universities.

5. Penalties/Punishments:

The Act does not specify any direct penalties or punishments for violations. However, it empowers the universities to take disciplinary action against employees and students for misconduct or non-compliance with the rules and regulations.

6. Important Pointers:

• Establishment of Universities: The Act provides for the establishment of the Haryana Agricultural University and the Punjab Agricultural University.

• Dissolution of Existing University: The Act dissolves the existing Punjab Agricultural University and transfers its assets and liabilities to the new universities.

• Territorial Limits: The Act defines the territorial limits within which each university shall function.

• Objectives: The Act outlines the objectives of the universities, including providing education in agriculture and related sciences, furthering research, and undertaking extension activities.

• Authorities and Officers: The Act specifies the authorities and officers of the universities, including the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Board of Management, and Academic Council.

• Powers of the Universities: The Act grants the universities powers to provide education, conduct research, award degrees and diplomas, and manage their affairs.

• Colleges: The Act specifies the constituent colleges of each university.

• Services: The Act outlines provisions for the retirement and other conditions of service of university employees.

• Statutes and Regulations: The Act empowers the universities to make statutes and regulations for their functioning.

• Accounts and Audit: The Act requires the universities to maintain accounts and have them audited.

• Transfer of Employees: The Act provides for the transfer of employees from the existing university to the new universities.

• Annual Report: The Act requires the universities to submit an annual report to the government.

7. Act Copy: