• The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Bill, 2013 was passed by Parliament and received the Presidential assent on September 18, 2013.  The Act provides for establishment of the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University at Raebareli as a central university. The University shall be under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

• Objectives:  The University’s objectives include: (i) promoting of aviation studies, teaching, training and research, (ii) providing institutional and research facilities, (iii) ensuring and regulating the quality of aviation education programmes in India, (iv) facilitating the development of skilled aviation manpower and (v) developing programmes for aviation service providers and training of manpower.

• Powers:  The University’s powers include the power to: (i) provide and conduct educational programmes or courses for award of degrees and diplomas, (ii) recognise aviation training colleges and institutes and make provisions for maintenance of their standards, (iii) acquire, hold, manage and dispose any property, (iv) create and appoint teaching or other positions, (v) regulate conduct of the students and employees and  (vi) obtain co-operation from the aviation industry.

• Administrative structure:  The central government shall appoint a Visitor of the University to review its work and progress.  His directions shall be binding on the University.  The Visitor shall also appoint the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor.  The Chancellor shall be the head of the University.  The Act also provides for the establishment, powers and functions of: (i) the Court of the University, (ii) the Executive Council, (iii) the Academic Council, (iv) the Board of Affiliation and Recognition, (v) the Boards of Schools, (vi) the Finance Committee and (vii) other authorities.

• Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations:  The Act provides for powers to make Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations.  It specifies the matters regarding which these powers may be exercised.

• Finances:  All funds received by the University, including contributions and grants from the central government, the state government and the aviation industry shall be credited to the University Fund.  The University shall also have the power to borrow, with the approval of the central government.

• Annual report:  The annual report of the University would include the steps taken by the University towards the fulfilment of its objects.  It shall be tabled in Parliament by the central government.  The annual accounts and balance-sheet of the University shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and shall also be laid before Parliament.

• Employees:  The University shall enter into a written contract of service with every employee.  The University shall have the power to constitute a provident or pension fund or provide insurance schemes for its employees.  The Act provides for the constitution of a Tribunal of Arbitration for resolution of any dispute arising out of contracts between the University and its employees.

• Appeals:  Every employee or student of the University shall have the right to appeal to the Executive Council against any decision of any officer or authority of the University or of the Principal of any affiliated College or Institution.

• Power to issue directions:  The central government shall have the power to issue binding directions to the University on policy matters.

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