The Indian Institute Of Petroleum And Energy Bill, 2017

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas introduced the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) Act 2017. The milestone legislative bill aspires to set up the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, introduced this bill in the Lok Sabha on 18th July 2017.

The Institute was founded to encourage cutting-edge research and high-quality education in the hydrocarbons, petroleum, and energy fields. The IIPE Act declares the institution to be of prime importance and is pivotal for future national development.

IIPE Act

Amidst the fast-paced evolution of India’s energy landscape, the IIPE Act 2017 is a piece of legislation created to empower the country with a formidable resource of skilled professionals in the energy domain. The Act is a milestone in India’s journey to satisfy the increasing demand for proficient individuals in its dynamic energy sector.

IIPE aims to produce a generation of experts capable of handling problems related to the energy sector by immersing them in groundbreaking research and equipping students with specialised education. IIPE goes beyond the study of conventional hydrocarbons and focuses on non-conventional energy sources such as biofuels, renewables, liquified natural gas, and the evolving energy landscape.

IIPE Act 2017 promotes advanced research, and specialised education is a step towards the nation’s commitment to enhancing its energy capabilities and being self-reliant in this critical sector.

Objective and Nature Of The Act

The primary objective of IIPE is to create an institution dedicated to providing exceptional education and research opportunities in the energy, hydrocarbons, and petroleum fields. In cognisance of the ever-changing energy landscape, IIPE wants to develop expertise in both conventional and non-conventional forms of energy, including biofuels, natural gas, and renewable sources.

The nature of the Act is to create IIPE as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, granting it the power to receive, hold, and dispose of possessions, enter agreements, and sue and be sued.

Constitutional Provisions Of The Act

The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Act 2017 lays down the core governance and administrative authorities for IIPE. They include the following:

1. The General Council: Responsible for reviewing the Institute’s policies and programs and suggesting steps for expansion, improvement, and development.
2. The Board of Governors: They are in charge of the general direction, superintendence, and control of the Institute’s affairs. It comprises 13 members, including the President, the Director of the Institute, professors from the Institute, and experts in petroleum technology and energy.
3. The Senate: They are tasked with upholding the Institute’s quality of education and conducting examinations.

Authorities of the Institute

IIPE Act 2017 lays the foundation for a well-structured and empowered governing body for IIPE, endowing the Institute with several key authorities to fulfil its vision effectively. These authorities help to shape the Institute’s direction, academic excellence, and overall impact in the energy industry.

Listed are the authorities granted to IIPE under the legislative Act:

1. Designation as an Institution of National Importance:

Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Act 2017 bestows upon the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy the prestigious status of an ‘institution of National Importance’. This designation is because of the Institution’s crucial role in developing expertise and knowledge in the energy, hydrocarbons, and petroleum fields.

The Act’s vision of IIPE as an institution of national importance underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering indigenous expertise and self-sufficiency in the critical arena. Being recognised as an institute of national importance results in a heightened sense of responsibility and expectation, encouraging IIPE to excel in providing high-quality education and conducting groundbreaking research in the energy domain.

This recognition also establishes and elevates the standing of the institute in the academic and research communities nationally and globally.

2. Powers of the Board of Governors:

Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Act 2017 entrusts the Board of Governors with significant decision-making authority and administrative responsibilities. Comprising 13 members, the Board plays a pivotal role in the general superintendence, direction, and control of IIPE’s affairs. The Board’s diverse composition, including eminent experts from the petroleum and energy sector, ensures a well-rounded perspective in the Institute’s governance.

Among the crucial powers vested in the Board of Governors is the authority to establish various courses of study, set academic standards, and lay down proficiency levels and other academic distinctions. This autonomy allows IIPE to provide specialised and industry-relevant programs tailored to satisfy the emerging needs of the energy sector. Additionally, the Board is responsible for considering proposals for taking loans for the Institute, providing the necessary financial backing for its growth and operations.

The Board of Governors holds the authority to fix fees and other charges for the Institute. The autonomy allows IIPE to set rates that work with the quality of education and facilities it provides, ensuring affordability for students while maintaining the Institute’s financial sustainability.

Another essential function of the Board is the creation of academic, administrative, technical, and other positions within IIPE. This allows the Institute to build a robust faculty and executive team, ensuring the smooth functioning of all academic and operational aspects.

3. Powers of General Council:

The Act establishes the General Council as the body for reviewing and implementing broad policies and programs of the Institute. Comprising up to 20 members, including representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and other key stakeholders, the Council provides valuable insights and guidance to IIPE’s governing authorities.

The General Council ensures that IIPE’s academic and research activities are aligned with the nation’s energy goals and evolving technological advancements. The Council’s involvement in the Institute’s fiscal management also helps promote efficient resource allocation and utilisation.

The General Council connects IIPE and the industry, facilitating collaborations and fostering synergies with diverse energy-related stakeholders. This engagement with industry experts and policymakers ensures that IIPE remains at the forefront of relevant and cutting-edge research and educational initiatives, addressing real-world challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.

With the powers vested in its Board of Governors and General Council, IIPE is well-equipped to drive innovation, foster research, and produce skilled professionals who will contribute to India’s energy sector growth and sustainable development.

Issues And Challenges In Implementations

Despite the enactment of the IIPE Act 2017, the commission of IIPE has faced challenges. One of the pivotal issues has been funding and resource allocation. The association of the Institute involves significant capital expenditure, and securing adequate funds has been a hurdle. Additionally, infrastructural development and recruitment delays have led to student protests and concerns.

Conclusion

The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Act 2017 is a commendable stride towards meeting the escalating requirements of the Indian energy sector. By conferring IIPE the status of an institution of national importance, the Act seeks to foster excellence in petroleum technology and energy studies. The IIPE is guided by a strong intent of purpose and dedication to the nation’s energy security and progress.