Sikkim Central University Act, 2006—A Prominent Step Towards Better Education

The Sikkim Central University Act, 2006 is an important legislation for establishing the Sikkim Central University in Sikkim, India. This Act is a considerable effort by the authorities towards encouraging and promoting higher education opportunities in the State by enabling an academic platform in diverse fields and facilitating holistic development of the youth in the State.

The Sikkim Central University Act outlines the framework for the establishment, objectives, autonomous functioning, powers conferred on the authorities, the procedure for creating statutes and ordinances, and the governance of the University established under the Act.

Establishment of the Sikkim Central University

Section 3 of the Sikkim Central University Act lays down the guidelines for the establishment of the Sikkim Central University. The Act outlines its name, location, and jurisdiction, among other details, thereby making the institution official.

The Act gives perpetual succession to the University and a common seal, meaning that the University can sue or be sued under the name of Sikkim University.

Objects of the Sikkim Central University

Section 4 of the Sikkim Central University Act outlines the key objectives of the Central University as follows:

• Advancement of learning
• Promotion of interdisciplinary studies
• Dissemination of knowledge
• Provide quality education
• Promote the cultural heritage of the State
• Provide research opportunities to the students
• Promote innovations, train manpower

Furthermore, the Act mandates the University to focus on the social and economic improvements of the State of Sikkim.

Powers of the Sikkim Central University

Section 5 of the Sikkim Central University Act lays down extensive powers vested in the Sikkim Central University, including the ability to confer degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions. The University, by this provision, can hire faculties, run programs in various disciplines, and establish schools, departments, centres, and other academic units.

Furthermore, Sikkim Central University has the following powers:

• Organise and undertake training and extramural studies;
• Extend services to provide distance learning opportunities to persons;
• Create any administrative, ministerial or other posts as required;
• Collaborate with other universities or institutions for specific purposes;
• Establish laboratories with due approvals;
• Determine the admission standards.
• Organise workshops and seminars
• Receive donations among other specified activities which are necessary, conducive, or incidental towards achieving the objective for which the University is established.

University Open to all Classes, Castes, and Creed.

Section 7 of the Act emphasises the Central University’s commitment towards inclusion and prohibits discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, race, or sex. This provision solidifies the University’s dedication and commitment towards equal opportunities for everyone. However, the provision also states that the University can make specific requirements for admission or employment of persons with disabilities, women, or persons belonging to weaker sections, including SCs and STs.

Authorities of the Sikkim Central University

Section 8 of the Sikkim Central University Act lays down that the Visitor, Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor are the governing authorities of the University. These authorities are empowered with significant roles in the administration, functioning, and growth of the University.

The Visitor, specifically, has the power to make appointments of individuals to review the progress and growth of the University, inspect the infrastructure and manner of conducting examinations and performing inspections or inquiries on the general administration of the University.

Power to Make Statutes

Section 28 of the Sikkim Central University Act empowers the Sikkim Central University to formulate and enact statutes to serve as the institutional framework for various operational aspects, including governance, administration and academic matters. These matters include the followings:

• Powers and functions of the authorities,
• Appointment of members of the office,
• Appointment of faculties, academic staff and teachers for joint projects,
• Conditions of service and terminations of its employees, among other matters necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the University.

Section 29 enlightens that the Executive Council can add and make new statutes or may edit or repeal the statutes already mentioned. However, the Executive Council shall not change, create, or repeal any Statutes that shall affect the status, powers or constitution of any authority of the Central University without allowing the authorities to express their opinion on the said changes suggested by the Council.

Power to Make Ordinances

Section 30 empowers the authorities, as explained in Section 8, the power to create ordinances, which as subsidiary regulations, would provide detailed guidelines on specific matters. These areas/matters may include admissions, examinations, awarding of degrees, fees to be charged for various disciplines offered by it, conditions for scholarships, residence conditions, manner of cooperation and collaboration with other institutions, disciplinary actions, and any other matters.

Such ordinances are to be made with the prior approval of the Central Government by the Vice Chancellor. The Executive Council can amend or make any ordinance at any time.

Power to Remove Difficulties

Section 44 of the Sikkim Central University Act empowers the University to address any concerns/difficulties that may arise in the initial stages of the implementation, ensuring a smooth transition and effective functioning of the University.

Section 44 grants the power to the Central Government to make provisions to remove any difficulty, provided that such provisions are consistent with the Act by publishing in the Official Gazette. Such order shall be laid before each House of Parliament, and if both Houses agree on any modifications, then such an order shall be effective only in the modified form.

Conclusion

The Sikkim Central University Act of 2006 is a testament to the Indian Government’s commitment to expanding the frontiers of education and research. By establishing Sikkim Central University and outlining its objectives, powers, and governance structure, the Act laid the foundation for an institution that contributes to the region’s educational landscape and the nation’s progress as a whole.

The Sikkim Central University Act provides a clear division of power between the University and the Government for various issues, which paves the way for a better administration of the higher education system in the University.

The Sikkim Central University Act grants the power related to necessary matters to the University to maintain a flexible management that will help the University flourish while ensuring the more complex issues are left to the authorities.