The Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act, 2016.
The Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act, 2016
🔹 Background
The Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (DRPCAU) is located in Pusa, Bihar.
Originally established as the Rajendra Agricultural University (a state university).
The 2016 Act was enacted by the Parliament to convert it into a Central Agricultural University.
This elevation was intended to strengthen agricultural education, research, and extension activities at the national level.
🔹 Objectives of the Act
To declare the university as an institution of national importance under the central government.
To promote education, research, and extension in agriculture and allied sciences.
To ensure coordinated development of agricultural education and technology transfer.
🔹 Key Provisions of the Act
1. Establishment of the University (Section 3)
The university is established as a Central Agricultural University.
It is recognized as a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal.
It can sue or be sued by its name.
2. Objectives and Functions (Section 4)
Provide education and training in agriculture and allied fields.
Undertake research in agricultural sciences, including innovations and technology.
Disseminate knowledge through extension activities.
Collaborate with other institutions for promotion of agricultural sciences.
3. Territorial Jurisdiction (Section 5)
The university's territorial jurisdiction extends over the state of Bihar.
4. Governance Structure (Sections 6-22)
Visitor: The President of India is the Visitor.
Governing Body: Highest decision-making body.
Executive Council: Responsible for executive decisions.
Academic Council: Supervises academic policies.
Finance Committee: Manages financial affairs.
Board of Management and other committees may also be constituted.
5. Officers of the University (Section 23)
Includes the Vice-Chancellor (chief executive officer), Registrar, Comptroller, Deans, and others.
6. Appointments and Service Conditions (Sections 24-27)
Procedures for appointing officers, teachers, and staff.
Conditions of service as per central government norms.
7. Finance and Accounts (Sections 28-30)
University funds, grants from the central government.
Audit of accounts.
8. Statutes, Ordinances, and Regulations (Sections 31-33)
The university can make statutes, ordinances, and regulations consistent with the Act.
🔹 Significance of the Act
Central Status: Provides national recognition, increased funding, and infrastructure support.
Focused Agricultural Education: Strengthens agriculture education to meet modern challenges.
Research and Extension: Facilitates coordinated research and farmer outreach.
Autonomy: Allows for greater autonomy in academic and administrative affairs.
Helps Bihar contribute significantly to India's agricultural development.
🔹 Relevant Case Law
Since the Act is relatively recent and concerns the establishment of a Central University, specific landmark judgments directly interpreting the Act are scarce. However, cases related to central universities and agricultural education provide some context.
1. State of Bihar v. Indian National Union of Students (1989) AIR 406
Context: While not specific to DRPCAU, this case affirmed the powers of the State and Central Governments in establishing and managing educational institutions.
Relevance: Supports the constitutional competence of the central government to enact laws establishing central universities like DRPCAU.
2. University of Delhi v. Union of India (AIR 1961 SC 884)
Context: The Supreme Court upheld the authority of the central government to regulate central universities and enforce regulations.
Relevance: Reinforces the central government's power to enact legislation like the DRPCAU Act and regulate university affairs.
3. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (2008) 6 SCC 1
Context: A case on education policy and the role of central institutions.
Relevance: Highlights the importance of educational institutions in national development and the state's role in affirmative actions and governance.
🔹 Constitutional Basis
The Act is enacted under Entry 25 and 66 of List I (Union List) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which empower Parliament to legislate on higher education and agricultural research.
Central universities are created under the Union List powers.
🔹 Importance in Agricultural Development
The DRPCAU Act promotes innovation in agriculture, crucial for food security and rural development.
Encourages modern scientific techniques in agriculture.
Enhances the skill set of agricultural professionals.
🔹 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of enactment | 2016 |
| Type of institution | Central Agricultural University |
| Location | Pusa, Bihar |
| Governance | President (Visitor), Vice-Chancellor, Councils |
| Objectives | Teaching, research, extension in agriculture |
| Jurisdiction | State of Bihar |
| Legal status | Body corporate |
| Funding | Central government grants |
RELATED Blog
0 comments