• The Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah on March 23, 2020.  The Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the Rashtriya Raksha University.  Key features of the Bill include:
   
• Establishment of the University:  The Bill establishes the Raksha Shakti University, Gujarat (established under the Raksha Shakti University Act, 2009) as a University called the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gujarat.  The Bill declares the University to be an institution of national importance.  The Bill also repeals the 2009 Act.  
   
• Authorities:  The Bill provides for several authorities under the University. These include: (i) the Governing Body, to frame the broad policies and programmes of the University, (ii) the Executive Council, which will be the principal executive body, and (iii) the Academic Council, which will specify the academic policies of the University. 
   
• Objectives:  The key objectives of the University include: (i) providing dynamic and high standards of learning and research, (ii) providing a working environment dedicated to advancing research, education and training in the domain of policing, and (iii) promoting and providing public safety. 
   
• Functions:  The functions of the University include: (i) providing instructions and research in police sciences, including coastal policing and cyber security, (ii) establishing and maintaining colleges, and (iii) prescribing courses, holding exams, and granting degrees and other distinctions. 
   
• Governing Body: The Governing Body will be responsible for all administrative affairs of the University.  It will consist of up to 15 members.  The members will include: (i) the Vice-Chancellor (appointed by the central government), (ii) one representative of Ministry of Home Affairs nominated by the central government, not below the rank Joint Secretary, (iii) one representative of State Police Universities by rotation, and (iii) three persons having expertise in defence, policing, internal security and allied fields.  Nominated members will hold office for three years.  
   
• Key functions of the Governing Body include: (i) formulating policies and programmes of the University, (ii) advising on matters relating to the duration of courses, conferment of degrees, and admission standards, and (iii) specifying   policies relating to the administration and working of the University and taking related decisions, and (iv) making statutes which will specify the establishment, composition, and powers of various authorities of the University, as well as the manner of recognition of an institution by the Executive Council as an affiliated college.  The first statutes of the University will require the approval of the central government. 
   
• Fund:  The University will maintain a Fund which will be applied towards its expenses. The following amounts will be credited to the Fund: (i) contributions by the central government or state governments, (ii) grants, gifts, and donations, (iii) income from fees, and (iv) amounts received from any other source.  These amounts will be invested based on the approval of the central government. 
   
• Dispute and appeals:  Any student or candidate whose name has been removed from the rolls of the University and who has been barred from appearing for examinations for more than one year may appeal to the Governing Body for review of the decision.  Any dispute arising out the disciplinary action taken by the University against a student may be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration (at the request of the student).  Disputes arising out of the contract between an employee and the University may also be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration.

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