Bill Summary

The Jharkhand Health Sciences University Bill, 2023 

• The Jharkhand Health Sciences University Bill, 2023, was introduced in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on August 4, 2023.  The Bill aims to establish a university for various branches of health sciences in the state.  Key features include:

• University of Health Sciences: The Bill establishes the Jharkhand Health Sciences University.  It comprises: (i) the Chancellor, (ii) the Vice-Chancellor, (iii) the Executive Council, and (iv) the Academic Council.  Objectives of the University include: (i) creating centres and institutions of excellence in health sciences, (ii) promotion of teaching and research in various branches of health sciences, and (iii) establishing uniformity in education standards in areas such as modern medicine, speech therapy, ayurveda, and health economy.  Existing government colleges or self-financed institutions that teach health sciences will be affiliated to the University.  The University may impose terms and conditions on the colleges/institutions as it deems necessary to achieve its objectives.

• Chancellor:  The Chief Minister of Jharkhand will serve as the Chancellor of the University by virtue of his office.  The Chancellor will be empowered to authorise inspection of the University, its affiliated institutions and assets, along with its administration and finances.

• Vice-Chancellor:   The Vice-Chancellor (VC) will serve as the principal executive and academic officer of the University.  He will exercise general supervision and control over the University’s activities.  In cases of emergency, the VC will have the power to take immediate action.  If any person is affected by such actions, he can appeal to the Chancellor within three months.

• Persons eligible to be appointed as the VC include: (i) academicians experienced in medical and health sciences education, (ii) eminent medical practitioners, or (iii) persons with academic background in health sciences and experience in human resource development.  The VC will be appointed by the Chancellor in consultation with the state government based on candidates suggested by a screening committee.  The Committee will include three persons nominated by: (i) the Executive Council, (ii) the Chancellor, and (iii) the state government.

• Governing Body:   The Governing Body will be the one of the authorities of the University under the Bill.  It will formulate and periodically review the University’s policies and programs.  It will also be empowered to consider and approve the budget and financial statements prepared by the executive council.  The Body will include: (i) The Chancellor, (ii) the VC, (iii) the Minister of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department, (iv) the Minister of Higher and Technical Education Department, and (v) the Director of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar.  The Body must meet at least twice a year at the date decided by the Chancellor.

• The Executive Council:  The Executive Council will be the principal executive body of the University.   Its duties include: (i) preparing the University’s financial accounts and budget for the academic year, (ii) ensuring availability of buildings, premises, equipment, and other resources for running the affairs of the University, and (iii) making a report on the functioning of the University.  Members of the Council include: (i) the VC, (ii) Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Health Department and the Finance Department, (iii) Director of medical education in the state, and (iv) three teachers nominated by the Chancellor.

• The Academic Council:   The Academic Council will be the main academic body of the University.  Its duties include: (i) preparing report on any matter assigned by the General Body or the Executive Council, (ii) conducting exams, (iii) recommending stipends and scholarships, and (iv) promoting research.  The members of the Council will include: (i) the VC (chairperson), (ii) all the Deans of various departments, and (iii) 10 principals of government medical/health science universities nominated by the state government on a rotational basis.

• Funding:  The Bill sets up a General Fund for the University.  Its funding sources will include: (i) fees, grants, and donations, (ii) endowment and other receipts, and (iii) any contribution or grants given by any national or international agency.  The funds will be managed as prescribed.