Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education)

TWENTY-SECOND REPORT

STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE (2015-2016)

(SIXTEENTH LOK SABHA)

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION)

‘THE RAJENDRA CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY BILL, 2015’

Presented to Hon’ble Speaker on 31.03.2016

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI March, 2016/Chaitra, 1938 (Saka) COA No. 335

Price : ` 298.00

Published under Rule 382 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (Fifteenth Edition) and printed by Aegean Offset Printers, New Delhi. CONTENTS

PAGE

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (2015-2016)...... (iii)

INTRODUCTION ...... (v) REPORT PART I A. Introduction ...... 1 B. Salient Features of the University ...... 1 C. Chronology of events for establishment of RCAU ...... 3 D. Status of Research Institutes/Stations proposed to be brought under the ambit of RCAU ...... 12 E. Guidelines for Establishment of Central Agricultural Universities ...... 26 F. Board of Management ...... 27 G. Extension Education Council ...... 30 H. Finance for Establishment of RCAU ...... 31 I. Issues to be resolved in context of conversion of RAU to RCAU ...... 32 J. Direct Interaction with farmers ...... 34 K. Observations/Recommendations ...... 35 PART II Clause-wise Analysis ...... 41

ANNEXURES I. The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 ..... 46 II. Chronology of events for establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University ...... 111 III. State-wise List of ICAR Institutes ...... 218

APPENDICES I. Minutes of the Thirteenth Sitting of the Committee (2015-16) held on 1st February, 2016 ...... 223

(i) PAGE

II. Minutes of the Fifteenth Sitting of the Committee (2015-16) held on 2nd March, 2016 ...... 226 III. Extracts of Minutes of the Eighteenth Sitting of the Committee (2015-16) held on 28th March, 2016 ...... 229

(ii) COMPOSITION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE (2015-2016)

Shri Hukm Deo Narayan Yadav — Chairperson

MEMBERS

Lok Sabha

2. Prof. Ravindra Vishwanath Gaikwad 3. Prof. Richard Hay 4. Shri Sanganna Karadi 5. Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel 6. Md. Badaruddoza Khan 7. Shri C. Mahendran 8. Dr. Tapas Mandal 9. Shri Janardan Mishra 10. Shri Ajay Nishad 11. Shri Dalpat Singh Paraste 12. Shri Nityanand Rai 13. Shri Mukesh Rajput 14. Shri Konakalla Narayana Rao 15. Shri C.L. Ruala 16. Shri Arjun Charan Sethi 17. Shri Satyapal Singh (Sambhal) 18. Shri Virendra Singh 19. Shri Dharmendra Yadav 20. Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav 21. Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa

Rajya Sabha

22. Shri A.W. Rabi Bernard 23. Shrimati Renuka Chowdhury 24. Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa 25. Shri Janardan Dwivedi

(iii) 26. Shri Vinay Katiyar 27. Shri Mohd. Ali Khan 28. Shri Rajpal Singh Saini 29. Shri Ram Nath Thakur 30. Shri Shankarbhai N. Vegad 31. Shri Darshan Singh Yadav

SECRETARIAT

1. Shri U.B.S. Negi — Joint Secretary 2. Shri Arun K. Kaushik — Director 3. Smt. Juby Amar — Additional Director 4. Shri Sumesh Kumar — Under Secretary

(iv) INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairperson, Standing Committee on Agriculture (2015-16) having been authorized by the Committee to present the Report on their behalf, present this Twenty-second Report on “The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015”.

2. The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 23rd December, 2015. The Speaker under Rule 331E (1) (b) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha referred the Bill to the Committee on 07 January, 2016 for examination and Report.

3. The Committee were briefed by the representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) on the Bill on 01 February, 2016. Thereafter, the Committee took Oral Evidence of the representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) on 02 March, 2016. The Committee at their Sitting held on 28 March, 2016 considered and adopted the Report.

4. The Committee wish to express their thanks to the officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) for placing before them the material and information in connection with examination of the Bill.

5. The Committee would also like to place on record their deep sense of appreciation for the invaluable assistance rendered to them by the officials of Lok Sabha Secretariat attached to the Committee.

NEW DELHI; HUKM DEO NARAYAN YADAV, 30 March, 2016 Chairperson, 10 Chaitra, 1938 (Saka) Standing Committee on Agriculture.

(v)

REPORT

PART I

A. Introduction

The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 (Annexure-I) was introduced on 23 December, 2015 in Rajya Sabha. The Bill was referred by the Speaker, Lok Sabha in consultation with Chairman, Rajya Sabha, to the Committee on 7 January, 2016 for examination and Report.

1.2 The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 provides for the establishment and incorporation of a University by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar to Rajendra Central Agricultural University for the development of agriculture and for the furtherance of the advancement of learning and pursuit of research in agriculture and allied sciences and to declare it to be an institution of national importance.

1.3 The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Departmnet of Agricultural Research and Education) stated that agriculture is the mainstay of economy in the Eastern region but the production levels have remained low due to lack of appropriate production technologies to suit the needs of the farming community. The Eastern region, particularly the middle Gangetic plain of Bihar is well endowed with natural resources and holds promise for improving the productivity of major crops including rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, mustard, pulses, spices, jute, horticultural crops etc. This will lead to raising the socio- economic status of the farmers. This can be only accomplished through holistic management of land, water, crops, livestock and fisheries resources. To fulfil the desired goal and achieve excellence in teaching, research and frontline extension; strengthening of infrastructure, trained manpower and world class facilities are essential. Therefore, the present proposal is to convert Rajendra Agricultural University into Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

B. Salient features of the University

1.4 The proposed Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa will have a national mandate with focus to address the needs of eastern region of the country and particular attention to Bihar for achieving excellence in teaching, research and extension. Rajendra Central Agricultural University (RCAU) will be having the following existing colleges/research institutes/research stations/Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under its control:

I. Educational Institutes

(i) Faculty of Agriculture, Pusa (Samastipur) (ii) Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (Muzaffarpur) (iii) College of Home Science, Pusa (Samastipur) (iv) College of Agricultural Engineering, Pusa (Samastipur) (v) College of Fisheries, Dholi (Muzaffarpur) (vi) College of Basic Science & Humanities, Pusa (Samastipur)

II. Research Institutes/Stations

(i) Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa (Samastipur) (ii) Animal Production Research Institute, Pusa (Samastipur) (iii) Regional Research Station, Madhopur (West Champaran) (iv) Banana Research Station, Hajipur (Vaishali) (v) Regional Research Station for Flood Prone Rice, Jhanjharpur (Madhubani) (vi) Regional Research Station for Deep Water Rice, Biraul (Darbhanga) (vii) Horticultural Research Station, Birauli (Samastipur)

III. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

(i) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khodawandpur (Begusarai) (ii) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saraiya (Muzaffarpur) (iii) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jale (Darbhanga) (iv) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hariharpur (Vaishali) (v) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhagwanpur Hat (Siwan) (vi) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Madhopur (West Champaran) (vii) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birauli (Samastipur) (viii) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Manji (Saran) (ix) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Spay (Gopalganj) (x) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Piprakothi (East Champaran) (xi) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sheohar

2 1.5 The Central Government has the power to establish such a University by an Act of Parliament. The broad structure and pattern of the proposed University will be similar to the Central Agricultural University, Imphal (established under Act No. 40 of 1992) and the Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi (established under Act No. 10 of 2014). The President of India will be the ‘Visitor’ of the University and also constituted the first Board of Management as also other Statutory Bodies.

1.6 The estimated cost in this Plan period for the establishment of the University by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University to Rajendra Central Agricultural University would be Rs. 295.00 crore, of which a sum of Rs. 30.37 crore is already available with the University for civil works. The break-up of Rs. 295 crore includes Rs. 107.31 crore for Grants-in-Aid General, Rs. 64.82 crore for Grants- in-Aid Capital and Rs. 122.82 crore for Grants-in-Aid Salaries. Out of Rs. 295.00 crores recommended by the EFC for the remaining period of the Twelfth Five Year Plan, an amount of Rs. 62.5 crore has been proposed to be allocated for the year 2015-16 and Rs. 232.5 crore for the year 2016-17.

C. Chronology of events for establishment of RCAU

1.7 In pursuance of the suggestion of Special Task Force on Bihar in 2008, efforts were taken to convert the Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar into a Central Agricultural University. Based on this, a proposal to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central Government and Government of Bihar was pending from then onwards till 2014. Owing to vigorous efforts taken in the second half of 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Bihar and Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, in the presence of Chief Minister of Bihar and Union Minister of Agriculture at Patna on 25th January, 2015 to facilitate the conversion. When the Committee asked about the chronology of events leading to the decision regarding conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University (RCAU) into Central Agricultural University in Bihar region, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) responded in its written replies as under:—

“Detailed chronology of events (Annexure-I) leading to decision regarding setting up of Rajendra Central Agricultural University in Bihar Region are as follows:

• Special Task Force on Bihar constituted by the Planning Commission in its report entitled “Bihar’s Agriculture Development: Opportunities and Challenges (April, 2008)” 3 suggested that the “Headquarters of the University, Pusa, is a heritage for agriculture research and education. Therefore, the University should get the status of National University, which should not only meet the needs of the State but also contribute to the national agriculture”. (Annexure-II) • Chief Minister of Bihar had written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in June, 2008 for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a National/Central Agricultural University. (Annexure-III) • DARE intimated to the PMO that it would be a good proposition if the Rajendra Agricultural University is taken over by the Central Government and upgraded as a Central Agricultural University. (Annexure-IV) • Planning Commission “in-principle” agreed to convert the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University, Pusa vide letter No. M13044/4/2008- Agri. Pt. dated 06.03.2009. (Annexure-V) • DPR and draft bill for conversion for the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University was submitted by Government of Bihar vide letter No. PPM&30/ 09-SF-8455 Patna dated 22.12.2009. (Annexure-VI) • In the DPR and EFC submitted by the Government of Bihar, a budgetary outlay of Rs. 966.57 crore for five years was proposed. It was suggested that the existing RAU, Pusa will be converted into a CAU with the name Rajendra Central Agricultural University (RCAU), Pusa. Out of 11 colleges/ faculties, 2 academic programmes, 16 research institutes/ stations/sub-stations and 30 KVKs of existing RAU, 6 colleges, 7 research institutes/stations and 11 KVKs will be with the RCAU. The proposed Central Agricultural University and the BAU, Sabour are proposed to have the jurisdiction over whole of Bihar. • A letter dated 31.03.2010 written by DG, ICAR to Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Member, Planning Commission, Government of India regarding modalities to establish of new CAU in Bihar, in the manner proposed by the Government of Bihar. (Annexure-VII) • A letter dated 05.05.2010 written by the Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary, ICAR to Agriculture Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar regarding present staff strength, financial liabilities, other liabilities, recruitment procedures, number of legal cases and present sources of funding. (Annexure-VIII) 4 • A letter dated 23.11.2010 written by DS (DARE) to Joint Advisor (Agriculture), Planning Commission, Government of India alongwith information provided by the Agriculture Production Commission, Government of Bihar. Guidance was sought from the Planning Commission. (Annexure-IX) • A letter dated 30.12.2011 issued to Agriculture Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar regarding a meeting with the AS (D) & Secretary, ICAR to discuss the issues related to conversion of RAU, Pusa to a CAU. (Annexure-X) • The transfers of University liabilities, manpower and resources from RAU, Pusa to RCAU, Pusa were decided with Agriculture Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar in the Council on 09.01.2012, subject to the confirmation of both the Governments i.e. the Government of Bihar and Central Government in the matter vide letter No. 12-1/2010-EQR dated 14.02.2012. (Annexure-XI) • The Government of Bihar was requested to prepare a draft MoU and to finalize the same before sending it to respective Law Ministries for vetting vide D.O. letter No. 12-1/2010-EQR (Edn.) dated 03.05.2012. (Annexure-XII) • The draft MoU was suggested to Government of Bihar vide letter No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. dated 25.09.2012. • The draft MoU with suggestions for modification, was received from Government of Bihar vide letter No. PPM-30/2009-6537/ Agril., Patna dated 07.12.2012. • With the approval of Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, the revised draft MoU was again sent to the Government of Bihar on 26.12.2012 for necessary action. (Annexure-XIII) • The revised draft MoU with suggestions for modifications in Para 11(b) and (c) was received from Government of Bihar vide letter No. PPM-30/2009-1203/Agril., Patna dated 28.02.2013. (Annexure-XIV) • A meeting of the Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR with the Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar and VC, RAU was held on 07.03.2013 on the matter of finalization of draft MoU for the conversion. Minutes of the meeting dated 07.03.2013 has been sent to the Secretary, Deptt. of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar & VC, RAU on 25.04.2013 for necessary action. (Annexure-XV)

5 • Letter dated 14.05.2013 was issued to the Chief Minister of Bihar from Hon’ble AM to expedite the matter for finalization of draft MoU for the conversion of the University. (Annexure- XVI) • Reminder letters dated 26.07.2013 from DDG (Edn.) and 12.08.2013 from Secy. (DARE) & DG, ICAR were issued to the Deptt. of Agriculture, Government of Bihar to expedite the matter. (Annexures-XVII & XVIII) • Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR met Agricultural Production Commissioner of Bihar on 17.08.2013 at Patna and held discussions regarding the modified MoU sent by ICAR, New Delhi. • Government of Bihar vide letter dated 30.08.2013 has sent the few modifications added in the draft MOU to the Council for concurrence, which was examined and the modifications suggested in the draft MoU were not accepted. (Annexure- XIX) • Accordingly a MoU was prepared, signed by Secretary, DARE and sent to Government of Bihar vide letter dated 29.11.2013 for their signature. (Annexure-XX) • A letter dated 25.12.2013 was received from Hon’ble C.M., Bihar to make certain amendments in the draft MoU proposed by the Government of India. (Annexure-XXI) • Hon’ble AM vide letter dated 22.01.2014 replied to Hon’ble C.M., Bihar. It was suggested that the court cases can be pursued better by the Government of Bihar and therefore need to be attended by a special cell created by the Government of Bihar. (Annexure-XXII) • A further clarification regarding setting up a special cell by the Government of Bihar in RAU, Pusa and handle all court cases related to RAU has been given vide letter dated 14.3.2014 by Secretary, ICAR. (Annexure-XXIII) • Letter dated 29.5.2014 was issued to the Principal Secretary, Deptt. of Agriculture, Government of Bihar regarding signing of the MoU by Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR and uploaded on the website of ICAR. (Annexure-XXIV) • A letter dated 18.7.2014 written by Sh. Radha Mohan Singh, Minister of Agriculture, Government of India to Shri Narendra Singh, Minister, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar regarding setting up a special cell by the Government of Bihar in RAU, Pusa and handle all court cases related to RAU and requested for signing of the MoU. (Annexure-XXV) 6 • A letter dated 26.9.2014 was received from Sh. Narendra Singh, Minister, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar requesting to seek legal opinion on the issue. Accordingly a request sent to Additional Solicitor-General of India seeking legal opinion on the issue in October, 2014. (Annexure-XXVI) • Legal Opinion was received from the Additional Solicitor-General of India vide letter dated 18.11.2014. (Annexure-XXVII) • A letter dated 22.12.2014 written by Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary, ICAR to Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar regarding concurrence for the MoU. (Annexure-XXVIII) • MoU was signed between Government of Bihar and Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) on 25th January, 2015. (Annexure-XXIX) • Subsequently, a team of officials from ICAR visited RAU, Pusa during 14-17 February, 2015 and facilitated preparation of “Assets and Liabilities” of the RAU, Pusa in order to transfer to the proposed RCAU, Pusa. (Annexure-XXX) • Detailed Project Report (DPR) and EFC, as prepared by the Vice-Chancellor, RAU, Pusa received and forwarded to DARE on 20th March, 2015 for further necessary action. • EFC was prepared with a budgetary requirement of Rs. 400.00 crore during 12th Plan for meeting the Salary of Staff, Revenue and Capital expenditure of all the existing units and also for additional provisions for the proposed new colleges and a research centre. • After obtaining all the required internal concurrence, as a mandatory requirement, the EFC for establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University has been circulated on 5 June, 2015 to NITI Aayog, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Law & Justice and Ministry of Human Resource Development. • Draft Bill was also prepared for introduction in the Parliament under entry 63/64 of the Constitution of India to establish Central Agricultural University in the name of Rajendra Central Agricultural University through conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University as an Institution of National Importance. • Cabinet Note for establishment of Central Agricultural University through conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) to Rajendra Central Agricultural University 7 (RCAU) has been submitted to the Cabinet on 20 July, 2015 after the recommendation of SFC meeting held on 16 July, 2015. (Annexure-XXXI) • A letter dated 24 July, 2015 of Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India has communicated the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 21 July, 2015 wherein the Cabinet has approved the paragraph 7 of the Cabinet Note dated 20 July, 2015 with Rs. 295.00 crore as grants-in-aid for capital and revenue expenditure for the remaining two years of the 12th Five Year Plan. • Draft Bill was circulated by DARE to all the concerned Ministries/Departments on 18 August, 2015. • A letter dated 18th December, 2015 of Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India has communicated the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 16th December, 2015 wherein the Cabinet has approved the paragraph 7 of the Cabinet Note dated 15.12.2015. • The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 was introduced in the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) on 23 December, 2015. • The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 was referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture by the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha for examination and Report.”

1.8 During the oral evidence of the Department on 1 February, 2016, the Secretary of the Department briefed the Committee on the issue as under: ^^Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k dh o`f¼ esa Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k fodkl vuqla/ku dh [kkl Hkwfedk jgh gS igys gfjr Økafr iatkc vkSj gfj;k.kk rd lhfer Fkh] ;g ikap n'kd igys gqvkA vxys gfjr Økafr iwjs Hkkjro"kZ esa laHko gS] tgka ikuh dh miyC/rk gS] tgka tyok;q Hkh Bhd gS] baMks&xaxsfVd esa iwohZ mÙkj izns'k ls ysdj caxky rd tkrh gS fcgkj jkT; esa 80 izfr'kr ls T;knk yksx o`Qf"k ls ykHkkfUor gksrs gSa] yxHkx 40 izfr'kr mRiknu o`Qf"k ls gksrk gS] 95]000 LdkWo;j fdyksehVj esa ls 80]000 LdkWo;j fdyksehVj esa vHkh Hkh [ksrh gksrh gS] NksVs fdlkuksa dh la[;k fcgkj esa 60» gSA buosQ ikl Hkwfe yxHkx ,d ,dM+ ls Hkh de gSA 10 djksM+ ls T;knk vkcknh dh xzksFk jsV 2 izfr'kr dh nj ls c<+ jgh gS bldks ns[krs gq, jk"Vªh; vkSlr 80]000 gtkj ls T;knk gSA bdksukWeh esa o`Qf"k gh izkslfifjVh yk ldrs gSa vkSj yksxksa dh fLFkfr lgh gks ldrh gS vkSj yksxksa dks T;knk ykHk igqapk ldrs gSaA o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; dks bruk egRo D;ksa fn;k tk jgk gS bl ckjs esa vkidks crk jgk

8 FkkA fcgkj jkT; esa [kklrkSj ij xsgwa] eDdk] nygu vkSj frygu dh izeq[krk gS blosQ vykok xUuk] vkyw] rackowQ vkSj frygu] I;kt vkSj oqQN elkyksa dk bEiksVs±V LFkku jgk gSA iwlk laLFkku leLrhiqj osQ ikl gS] lc tkurs gSa fd iwlk ls gh igyk o`Qf"k vuqla/ku 'kq: gqvk FkkA 1905 esa vesfjdk ls feLVj fiQIil vk, Fks] muosQ ,UMksesaV ls 'kq: gqvkA 1911 esa bEihfj;y ,xzhdYpj fjlpZ baLVhVÔwV 'kq: gqvkA ;g vktknh ls igys dh ckr gSA ,d cgqr cM+k HkwoaQi vk;k blfy, 1936 esa bl laLFkku dks fnYyh esa VªkaliQj djuk iM+k] rc ls ;gka dke py jgk gSA bl ifjos'k dks ns[krs gq, 1970 esa ogka o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; dh LFkkiuk gqbZ] ;g jktsUnz ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh gSA oqQN lkyksa ls ;g ckr py jgh gS fd iwohZ Hkkjr esa o`Qf"k dks c<+kok nsus osQ fy, D;k gks ldrk gSA fcza¯xx xzhu fjokY;w'ku Vw bZLVuZ bafM;k ,d Ldhe fMikVZesaV vkWiQ ,xzhdYpj dksvkijs'ku ls py jgh gSA ;g o`Qf"k f'k{kk ,oa vuqla/ku foHkkx gSA blesa egRoiw.kZ dk;ZØe f'k{kk gS] gk;j ,xzhdYpj ,tqosQ'ku gSA bldh Hkwfedk esa ns[kk x;k gS fd D;k jktsUnz ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh lSaVªy ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh esa dUoVZ gks ldrh gS\ Lis'ky VkLd iQkslZ] fcgkj esa 2008 ls ckr 'kq: gqbZA eSa crkuk pkgrk gwa fd ;kstuk vk;ksx ls 2009 ls bu fizafliy ,izwoy feyk vkSj rc ls dbZ phtksa ij ckr gqbZA orZeku esa lc phtksa dks ns[kk tk jgk gS fd fdl rjg Þ;qesu fjlkslZ c<+k ldrs gSa] lSosaQMªh ,tqosQ'ku ftlls oSY;q ,Mh'ku dgrs gSa] o`Qf"k mRiknu gh ugha cfYd izlaLdj.k Hkh gks] ,xzh fctusl oSUpj fdl rjg gks ldrk gSA tsaMj esu LVªhfeax D;ksafd o`Qf"k esa efgykvksa dk ;ksxnku de ls de 50 izfr'kr gS] budks fdl rjg IysViQkeZ ns ldrs gSaA ;g lc lksprs gq, lSaVªy ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh dk izk:i cukA 2015 esa fMlD'ku gqbZ vkSj fcgkj ljdkj osQ lkFk Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k foKku ifj"kn~] Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqlaèkku foHkkx us feydj ckr dh fd fdl rjg dUotZu gks ldrk gSA gekjs ikl ,d mnkgj.k lSaVªy ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh dk gS] ,d bEiQky dk mnkgj.k ukFkZ bZLV osQ fy, gSA nwljs osQ ckjs esa vki lc tkurs gSa fd cqaysn[kaM osQ fy, lSaVªy ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh cuh gSA Dyk”k 25 esa gqvk Fkk] ckn esa cqansy[kaM dh ;qfuoflZVh cuh] lcdks ekywe gS fd vkfVZdy 64 esa gqvk FkkA ;g blfy, gqvk D;ksafd baLVhV;wV vkWiQ us'kuy bEikVs±l gks tk,A orZeku esa jktsUnz ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh iwlk fcgkj osQ lkFk pkj dkWyst gSa vkSj yxHkx 11 vuqla/ku laLFkku gSa vkSj blosQ lkFk o`Qf"k foKku osaQnz Hkh gaSA lcdks ,d lkFk ysdj c<+rs gq, u, ftys fdl rjg lkFk gksa] pkj dkWystksa esa ,xzhdYpj] oSVfjujh lkbal] gkWVhZdYpj gks] blosQ ckjs esa ckr gks jgh gSA ,d vuqla/ku laLFkku osQys dk gS] osQys dk ml {ks=k esa cgqr mRiknu gksrk gSA bl lcdks feykdj jktsUnz ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh dk izk:i cuk gSA fiNys l=k esa 30 fnlacj] 2015 dks ,d fcy jkT; lHkk esa jktsUnz lSaVªy ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh dk baVªksMÔwt gqvk FkkA ekuuh; lfefr osQ le{k vc ;g fcy vk;k gSA 9 eSa T;knk le; u ysrs gq, crkuk pkgrk gwa fd ogka dh D;k t:jrsa gSa] o`Qf"k esa D;k laHkkouk,a gSa] fdl rjg dh fLdy MsoyiesaV pkfg,A eSaus igys crk;k gS fd gk;j ,tqosQ'ku Hkh gks] fLdy MsoyiesaV Hkh gks] fdl rjg ls csfufiQV dks eSfDlekbt dj ldrs gSaA eSaus ;g Hkh crk;k gS fd efgykvksa dk D;k ;ksxnku gSA ogka osQ yksxksa osQ o`Qf"k osQ lius dks fdl rjg lkdkj fd;k tk,A yxHkx 45 lky ls jktsUnz ,xzhdYpj ;qfuoflZVh jgh gS] mldh D;k LVªSaFk Fkk] D;k gS] mls fdl rjg ls gk;j ysoy ij ys tk ldrs gSaA bl lcdks lksprs gq, ;g fcy jkT; lHkk esa baVªksMÔwt gqvk gSA**

1.9 When asked to explain the various constraints/challenges presently being faced by the Indian Agriculture and as to how the proposed Rajendra Central Agricultural University would be able to take these constraints/ challenges and drive the Indian agriculture for sustainable growth and productivity particularly in the State of Bihar and adjoining agro-climatic zones of the country, the Department in its written reply submitted as under:—

“Indian agriculture faces the issues of sustainable agriculture, food and nutritional security, climatic change and mitigation of its effects on crop and animals health and productivity, generation and transfer of technology, enhancement in resource use efficiency and water productivity, provision of incentives for agriculture, promotion of investments in agriculture, strengthening of institutional infrastructure, better risk management, corporate agriculture, peri- urban agriculture, human resource development and tapping the potential and introduction of management reforms.

The eastern States comprising of Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, occupy about 21.85% geographical area and supports 34% human and 31% livestock population of India. Agriculture is the mainstay of economy in the eastern States, and of the total geographical area of 71.84 million ha, the net sown area is 31.43 million ha with a cropping intensity of 150%. However, High population density (604 persons/km2 compared to 382 persons/km2 at national level), poor supply of electricity to the agricultural sector, lowest per capita income (Rs. 38,328/- per annum compared to the national average of Rs. 60,972/-), maximum number of economically most backward districts (69 out of 150 at national level) exert tremendous pressure on the natural resources of this region. Some notable challenges to agriculture include population pressure on land, skewed distribution of operational holdings, land 10 degradation, imbalance use of water and nutrients, low fertilizer consumption, low productivity, low level of mechanization, climate change impact, non-remunerative prices and post-harvest losses. The production levels of agriculture, livestock and fisheries have remained low mainly due to lack of location-specific production technologies, natural calamities like floods, water logging, drought and social constraints. Nevertheless, the eastern region of the country holds promise for the second Green Revolution, which can be accomplished through holistic management of land, water, crops, biomass, horticultural, livestock, fishery and human resources.

Being endowed with bountiful natural resources of fertile soil, abundant water, varied climate and rich cultural and heritage, the whole country is looking towards Bihar for the second green revolution. To make this happen, there is need to expedite the technology led knowledge intensive inclusive agriculture. The economy of Bihar is predominantly agrarian and agriculture engages nearly three-fourths of Bihar’s population. The agricultural industry provides employment to about 81% of the total workforce and generates nearly 42% of the State Domestic Product. Agriculture sector has all the potential to bring prosperity to the state. It is important to sustain self-sufficiency in foodgrain production with a rate of foodgrain production greater than population growth rate. Agriculture is not only the source of livelihood but it also generates raw material for the agro-based industries, which has immense potential in the State. Principal foodgrain crops are paddy, wheat, maize and pulses. Main cash crops are sugarcane, potato, tobacco, oilseeds, onion, chillies, spices and jute. Bihar is also one of India’s top producers of vegetables and fruits. In order to address the aforementioned issues, technology integration, scaling up and framing of demand driven productivity enhancing quality teaching, research and extension agenda in a network mode, using both conventional and frontier technologies ensuring scientific management of natural resources and sustainable intensification are required. Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, is a place where the organized agricultural research and education started in India in 1905 is of heritage importance and has made significant contribution to the agricultural research, education and extension in the region. However, there is need and potential for many fold increase in skilled human resource development and technology generation and application in production in crops, livestock and fisheries and processing and value addition of their produce not only in the State of Bihar, but the whole country. This will not only make agriculture more remunerative enhancing socio-economy of the region but also, create interest in agriculture.” 11 1.10 On the query of the Committee regarding presence of Central Agricultural Universities and research institutions per million populations in the country, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“There are only two Central Agricultural Universities in the country— (i) Central Agricultural University, Imphal (Manipur) with area jurisdiction of whole country and priority to the six north-eastern States namely, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim; and (ii) Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) with area jurisdiction of whole country and priority to the issues related to the Budelkhand region. Together with 109 ICAR research institutes, there are 0.9 central agricultural institutions per million population in the country.

A State-wise list of ICAR Institutes in the country as furnished by the Department is shown at Annexure-III.”

D. Status of Research Institutes/Stations proposed to be brought under the ambit of RCAU

1.11 When the Committee asked to furnish a detailed note on present status of all 07 Research Institutes/Stations which are to be brought under the ambit of RCAU clearly indicating infrastructure availability, sanctioned vis-a-vis existing man power, allocation and actual expenditure during the last five years and research work and training activities organized by these institutes during the said period, the Department in its written reply submitted the Status of 07 Research Institutes/stations of Rajendra Central Agricultural University as under:—

1. Animal Production Research Institute, Pusa

1.12 The Livestock Unit (LSU), Pusa exists since 1878. During British era there was a Stud farm at the location where presently main Dairy Unit of LSU exists. Simultaneously, Sahiwal cows were also maintained under selective breeding system of its improvement. Cows with potency to produce up to 6000 litres of milk/lactation with average 5% fat were managed therein. The Sahiwal herd was shifted to Karnal (Haryana) after the severe earth quake in 1934. In the year 1951, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Bihar established a Bachaur Cattle Breeding Farm at Pusa. Bachaur is a nationally accredited breed of draft cattle native to Bihar. In the year 1961, Animal Production Research Institute, Pusa was established by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Bihar with mandate: “To conduct farmers’ oriented fruitful research in the areas of breeding, feeding, management, production, reproduction and disease control of livestock and poultry species, besides 12 teaching & extension works”. Subsequently, with the transfer of this Unit under the RAU, Pusa in 1970, cross breeding programme of Bachaur/ Hariana cattle with Jersey and Holstein Friesian (exotic breeds) was launched. A Poultry Unit was initiated in 1971, where different breeds of layer and broiler types were maintained with objective of providing training to the students and conducting research on different aspects of poultry farming. A research-cum-instructional unit of buffaloes with 20 graded Murrah and Diara type buffaloes was added in the Livestock Unit, Pusa in the year 2006. A Fodder Production Unit co-exists since establishment of the farm, which possesses total land area of 236 acres out of which only 45 acres is beyond Bandh (i.e. out of flood plains) having 250 % cropping intensity, the rest 193 acre being undulating, full of trees and shrubs under the teeth of river Gandak. The APRI, has its glorious past and attained several outstanding achievements utilizing the Cattle and Poultry Farms as live laboratories.

1.13 Presently, the Institute has one office-cum-research building, four animal sheds, four godowns, three farm office buildings and five poultry pens/brooder house. Out of the total 08 post of scientists sanctioned, only 04 are filled whereas, 64 posts of non-teaching staff are filled out of the sanctioned total 93 posts.

1.14 The allocation and actual expenditure during last five years is as follows:—

Year Total Allocation Actual Expenditure

2010-2011 1,17,30,990.00 63,46,356.86 2011-2012 1,35,30,144.00 66,88,126.00 2012-2013 1,60,41,452.00 72,11,014.00 2013-2014 1,79,08,308.00 1,16,72,505.50 2014-2015 2,21,58,906.00 1,25,27,616.00

1.15 During last five years, five research projects are completed, one ongoing and two new are sanctioned. Salient research findings are as follows:—

• Two economic/cheap & good quality cattle feed formulations from locally available cereals like Shaktiman maize grains/ wheat, pulses and their byproducts (wheat bran, rice bran, Chunni etc.) and oilcakes were developed and popularized among the farmers.

13 • Malnutrition, poor quality semen, wrong insemination technique, improper time of insemination, uterine infection and delayed oestrus/anoestrus conditions were identified to be the major causes of conception failure in crossbred cattle reared under rural/farmer’s condition. • In heifers and high yielding cows delayed/unovulatory condition alone accounted the major (60% or more) cause of conception failure. • Lack of feeding Vitamins & Minerals as well as meager amount of concentrate (cattle feed) and quality green fodders were found to be the major causes of malnutrition resulting anoestrus in cattle under rural condition. • More than 50% such animals may be cured by supplementation of vitamins and mineral mixtures and providing proper quantity & quality of concentrates as well as green fodders in the ration of animals besides Lugol’s Iodine cervical paint. • Among the series of crossbred grades of cattle (50%, 62.5%, 75%, inter-se, less than 50% exotic, 3 breed combinations) produced at LSU, Pusa using Jersey & Holstein Friesian exotic breeds on local base, 50% crossbreds and inter-se at 50% exotic level were evaluated to be the best adaptive in hot- humid climate of North-Bihar. • High mortality and infertility problems were recorded in the cattle of exotic inheritance beyond 50% level of exotic inheritance. • Jersey crossbreds were more adaptive to the local environment as compared to HF Crossbreds. • Livelihood improvement of farmers of NAIP Sub-project (Muzaffarpur & Sheohar) through backyard Goatry and Poultry. • Animal Health Camp were organized at frequent level in the NAIP project villages which has benefited farmers by increasing on an average per unit milk production by 1 to 1.5 litre, beside increasing the conception rate and decreasing the infertility. • Helminthes parasites infestation is severe around Burhi Gandak river in Samastipur district of Bihar. Infestation of Liver fluke leads to high morbidity and production losses in area. Rotational deworming using suitable de-wormer is required to handle the situation. 14 • Silage making in polythene bags is very convenient technique for small farmers. Since silage is a fermented and pre-digested product it helps to improve rumen function and digestibility in ruminants. It is economical and very much helpful to meet nutritional requirement of milking animals during flood and drought conditions. • Criptosporidiosis, an intestinal protozoa, cause morbidity and mortality in young buffalo calves. Severe infection cause diarrhoea, dehydration and death, if treatment not given on time. Saline infusion along with antidiarrheal and antiprotozoal drug gives better result.

During last five years, 29 animal health camps and 04 training programmes were organized, 44 TV talks were delivered and scientists participated in the annual Kisan Mela and 05 Kisan Goshthis.

2. Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa

1.16 The Central Sugarcane Research Station, Mushari (Muzaffarpur) was transferred to Pusa in 1936. After independence it was named as Sugarcane Research Institute and it was under the control of Bihar government. With the establishment of Rajendra Agricultural University on 3rd December, 1970, it became part of the University.

The mandate of the Institute is to carry out research in the field of crop improvement, production and protection; evaluation of high yielding and non-flowering varieties with higher sucrose; facilitate free exchange of information on seeds and seedlings; control diseases and pests either by breeding for resistance or by the developing effective control measures; organize training programmes for the scientific and technical personnel engaged in sugarcane research & development, and maintenance of disease free nucleus seed materials for distribution to the cooperating organizations.

1.17 The Institute has one Sugarcane Institute Main building, newly constructed Hi-Tech building, laboratory building, poly house, glass houses, net house, departmental godowns, water tank overhead for capacity 50,000 gallon, old pump house and old godown alongwith guard room, Sugarcane office building, Ekh Bhawan guest house and a Gur Yard.

The Institute has 89 sanctioned posts of scientists (including 13 at Regional Research Station, Madhopur) out of which 15 (including two at RRS, Madhopur) are filled. For non-teaching staff, a total of 275 posts are sanctioned (including 13 for RRS, Madhopur) out of which 170 (including 03 at RRS, Madhopur) are filled.

15 1.18 The allocation and actual expenditure during last five years is as follows:—

Year Non-Plan ICAR Allocation/ Actual Allocation/ Actual Budget expenditure Budget expenditure (Rs. in excluding (Rs. in excluding lakh) pay of lakh) pay of Scientist Scientist and Non- and Non- teaching teaching staff (Rs.) staff (Rs.)

2010-11 3,98,51,363.00 3,55,09,075.41 31.03 25,72,793.00 2011-12 5,88,54,792.00 2,00,75,935.00 31.03 15,04,981.00 2012-13 6,06,52,848.00 2,51,73,991.00 133.53 14,29,934.00 2013-14 6,63,59,814.00 1,88,18,954.00 65.52 3,53,486.00 2014-15 8,31,54,120.00 2,04,68,589.00 71.43 5,06,526.00

1.19 The Salient research achievements of last five years are:—

• The planting of 3 budded sets along with 100% recommended seed rate was found better for higher yield of sugarcane under north Bihar conditions. • The conventional method of planting was better with respect to millable canes and cane yield. However, irrigation water at IW/CPE ratio of 1.00 was found better over 0.75 and 0.50 IW/CPE ratios. • The application of atrazine @ 2 kg ai/ha (PE) + Dicamba @ 350 of ai/ha at 75 DAP or atrazine @ 2 kg ai/ha PE followed by 2,4-D 1 kg ai/ha at 60 DAP proved most effective for binding weeds. Sucrose % juice did not exhibit significant difference due to weed control methods. • Plant geometry 30:120 cm (paired row) performed significantly better for cane yield followed by 120 cm row distance. • Intercropping of coriander with autumn planted sugarcane should be given two irrigations at 60 and 90 days after sowing of coriander with 100% RDF to both the crops • The application of 75% NPK through inorganics + 25% N through organic manures + biofertilizers (Azotobactor + PSB) + biopesticide (neem cake) in sugarcane plant and 75% NPK 16 through inorganics + 25% N through organic manures + biofertilizers (Azotobactor + PSB) + trash mulching and green manuring with moong inoculated with Rhizobium in alternate rows + biopesticide in ratoon were found suitable for sustaining sugarcane productivity, maintaining soil fertility and getting higher monetary returns in sugarcane plant - ratoon system in calcareous soil of Bihar.

• The application of fresh sulphitation pressmud cake @20 t/ha or fresh sulphitation pressmud cake @10 t/ha with 25 kg

ZnSO4/ha at ratooning were found superior in improving winter ratoon cane yield.

• The application of fertilizers on soil test basis i.e. (200kg N,

100kg P2O5, 100 kg K2O, 25 kg ZnSO4 & 40 kg S) was found suitable for maintaining soil fertility, enhancing yield and quality of cane in calcareous soil of Bihar.

• Application of the bio-methanated distillery effluent in soil @ 150 m/ha one month before sowing of the crop was found beneficial for increasing cane yield and maintaining soil health.

• 121 sugarcane genotypes of different clonal generations and maturity groups were artificially evaluated during last five years against red rot, smut and wilt diseases. Out of 121 genotypes, 25 genotypes were found resistant, 71 were moderately resistant and 5 genotypes were found susceptible. Genotypes showing moderately resistant to resistant reaction with good agronomical traits were identified and released. The remaining genotypes showing moderately resistant to resistant reaction were transferred to sugarcane breeder to use them as donor for source of resistance.

• The parasitization of bio-agent such as Apanteles flavipes, Rhaconotus scirpophagae and Stenobracon deesae were recorded against top borer and stalk borer. The population of S. deesae and Apanteles flavipes varied from May to November and reached their peak in September. The activity of Rhaconotus scirpophagae was recorded from August to December and its peak in month of October. The parasitization of Tetrastichus pyrillae and Epiricania melanoleuca was recorded against Pyrilla. An IPM module i.e. Mechanical + Carbofuran + Trichocard has been found to be superior for the control of plassey borer. 17 1.20 Recently Released varieties:

Name of the Maturity Year of release variety group State ICAR Identified/Released

BO 146 Mid-late 2008 2009 CoP 2061 (CoP 06436) Mid-late 2011 2015 BO 153 Early 2011 - CoP 112 Early 2015 - BO 154 Mid-late 2015 -

1.21 Extension Achievements:

• Propping system developed at this institute is popular at national level. • Intercropping of sugarcane with potato, garlic, rajmah, mung bean and lady’s finger is popular among farmers of the sugar factories. • Red rot screening methods particularly plug method, of this institute is now made compulsory at all the research centers of the country. • Integrated management system (INM, IDM and IPM) have been popularized among the cane growers.

Training Programme Organised - 12

3. Horticultural Research Station, Birauli, Samastipur

1.22 Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Birauli came into existence in 1987 mainly because the economy of the farmers of Bihar is closely linked with the development of horticultural crops. The major emphasis was to undertake research on important horticultural crops of the region focusing on yield, quality and development of varieties with inbuilt biotic and abiotic stresses. It was also expected to undertake locations specific multi-disciplinary production oriented trials on major horticultural crops such as papaya, litchi, mango, guava, jackfruit, aonla, acid lime, banana, vegetable crops and spices like turmeric and ginger. The Station over time has been neglected as of now there is no staff and the farm is looked after by the KVK established on part in 1990. The Horticultural Research Station need to be revived, for which necessary infrastructure, staff position, farm development etc. is required. 18 1.23 The HRS has one implement shed, two godowns, one store and two pump houses. No staff position sanctioned. However, Jr. Farm Superintendent—01, Lab Assistant—01 and Mobile Unit Worker—01 are posted on deputation basis. No fund allocation is available for this station. The wages for laborers and other operation cost are made through revolving fund generated by orchards and fruit sapling production.

(Rs. in lakh)

Year Opening Balance Receipt Expenditure Balance

2010-11 3.07 14.81 17.1 0.78 2011-12 0.78 16.93 13.41 4.3 2012-13 4.3 12.54 12.96 3.88 2013-14 3.88 17.61 13.71 7.78 2014-15 7.78 17.81 15.35 10.24

1.24 No research and training activities are taken for this station due to non-availability of any scientific staff. The main activities include foundation seed production of pulses and cereals (produced submitted to Seed Processing Plant of RAU, Pusa, Samastipur), fruit saplings production and fruit production under orchards.

4. Banana Research Station, Hajipur (Vaishali)

1.25 The Banana Research Station (BRS), Hajipur was established in 1956 to cater the research needs of the banana crop in the State. Over the decades, it was involved in banana germplasm collection and screening for higher production of the crop in the state. It contributed immensely towards productivity of the crop.

1.26 The station is mainly focused on standardization of all cultural practices requirement for higher productivity of Banana in the State which contributed approximately 40-50% rise in the productivity. Initially centre collected all important commercial banana clones/varieties from different parts of the country and selected the most suitable ones i.e. batisa, Kachkel, Bangar as culinary types and Alpan, Malbhog, Kanthali and Lesser type. These clones and package and practices were widely adopted by the cultivars. The BRS happens to be the only research station working on the banana in the State and its research accomplishment were widely accepted by the banana growers.

19 1.27 The Station has presently only one office building and out of total 10 posts sanctioned (02 scientists and 08 non-teaching), only one non-teaching post is filled up. The actual expenditure during last five years is as follows:—

(Rs. in lakh)

Year Expenditure

2010-11 2.11 2011-12 4.09 2012-13 4.44 2013-14 5.24 2014-15 6.85

1.28 Banana Research Centre is maintaining 76 banana germplasm. No training programme was organized due to lack of any scientific staff. However, scientist of KVK, Hajipur are imparting training on different aspects of banana cultivation to the farmer regularly. Functioning of the BRS, Hajipur came to halt by the later part of 1990s when most of its scientific staff retired. Later on, the BRS was re- mandated and KVK of the Vaishali district was established at the same site.

5. Regional Research Station, Madhopur

1.29 The Regional Research Station, Madhopur is located in the canal irrigated areas with high rainfall in West Champran district. Besides West and East Champran districts, the RRS is responsible for carrying location specific inter-disciplinary production oriented multi-locational trials in the crops and animal science in Saran, Siwan and Gopalganj districts which represent the second agro-ecological farming situation known as salt effected soil with low rainfall with the special emphasis on foodgrains (cereal, pulses and oilseeds).

1.30 Presently, the station is involved in conducting trials under AICRP on Palm, oilseeds and maize. Under oil palm, the work started since 2009, is carried out on water use efficiency, nutritional management of oil palm and varietal trial on oil palm. The AICRP on Maize has also started in 2014 with an objective of nutrient management and varietal screening. The screening of sugarcane variety is also going on at the centre along with quality seed production of sugarcane. 20 1.31 RRS has about 70.0 acre farm land, one office building, one Kisan Ghar, staff quarters, two godowns, implement shed, weighing bridge etc. Out of 26 sanctioned posts including 13 non-teaching ones, only five (02 scientists and 03 non-teaching) posts are filled.

1.32 During the last five years, the allocation and actual expenditure is as follows:—

Year Non-Plan ICAR (Oil palm) Allocation/ Actual Allocation/ Actual Budget expenditure Budget expenditure (Rs.) (Rs.) (Rs.) (Rs.)

2010-11 6252562.00 3702543.33 818106.00 639019.00 2011-12 11607591.00 10538031.50 1364177.81 553647.00 2012-13 8655627.00 5888751.00 7106.00 342069.00 2013-14 8467458.00 5071652.50 548000.00 797265.00 2014-15 7137672.00 4389714.00 335285.00 631185.00

1.33 Under the AICRP on Oil Palm, four projects—evaluation of new cross combinations in oil palm, multi-location trial on the performance of new cross combinations in oil, studies on fertilizer application through micro irrigation technique in oil palm, and demonstration on oil palm production potential in Bihar State are going on. Also, maize and mustard varietal trials were also conducted. In the sugarcane breeder seed production programme, 3057.55, 2236.35, 1914.77, 1177.60 and 1270.75 quintal seed was produced in the years 2010-11 to 2014-15 respectively.

6. Rice Research Sub-Station, Jhanjharpur, Madhubani

1.34 Rice Research Sub-Station, Jhanjharpur was established in the year 1985 in North West alluvial plains of zone I of Bihar. The Station is involved in technology dissemination and conducting front line demonstration and soil testing.

1.35 The Station has 12.5 acre area out of which 2.5 acre is under office and residences and the remaining 10.00 acre is research farm area. The Station has two office buildings, three godowns, three staff quarters, one threshing floor and implement shed. The Station has the soil testing lab also. It has only three sanctioned posts (one scientist and two non-teaching) and only one post of non-teaching is filled. A total of Rs. 44.50 lakh is allocated for different construction and purchase of equipments etc.

21 1.36 The Station successfully conducted trials viz., IVT-U & AVT-U under AICRP on Linseed as a voluntary centre. This Station is also involved in production of breeder seed of wheat and mustard. State trails on rice constituted by RAU to test the suitability of rice entries under flash flood situation are regularly conducted at the research station. Successfully recommended the technology package on cultivation of boro rice in the chaur areas of Jhanjharpur which otherwise remained unproductive during the boro/rabi season due to water logging. Cultivation of Linseed as utera crop have been popularized through FLDs on oilseed (for linseed crop) amongst farmers of the Jhanjharpur sub-division. Kisan Ghostis under “Baigyanik Goan Ki Or” programme of State Government are successfully organised and scientist of the station participated. Three villages viz., Majaura, Baliar and Partapur of Jhanjharpur have been adopted under ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ programme.

1.37 Following demonstration and training programmes were under taken:—

• Demonstrations on labour saving techniques through use of machines like wheat reaper, rice transplanter and drum seeder to demonstrate the improved crop production technologies have been successfully adopted by farmers of the area. • FLDs on improved rice varieties developed by the University are regularly conducted on the farmers field. • Short term training programme on cane seed production programme under sponsorship of Cane Development Department, Government of Bihar are taken up at this centre from time to time. • One day Kisan Ghosti jointly organised by the station and CAE, RAU, Pusa to popularise the use of farm implements. • FLD’S on use of Pheromone trap at farmers field on boro rice were organised in association with rice entomologist, AICRP (Rice), RAU Pusa under Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. • The Chaur areas of Madhubani district have been surveyed along with BRBN officials of Bihar Government and Chief scientist Rice for searching possibilities of increasing productivity of rice through cultivation of boro rice in the district. • Field demonstration on laser land levelling and training were conducted at farmers field under sponsorship of ATMA, Madubani. 22 • Work on cane seed production programme of varieties viz; BO 139, BO 141, CoP 9301, BO 146, BO 147 started in the year 2008 in one hectare land in the research farm. Supplied more than 800 q. of healthy and disease free seeds to various farmers of Madhubani and Darbhanga district including Ryam sugar mill.

• One day training programme on climate Change awareness was organised under NICRA project on 22.07.14.

• Seed production of summer moong SML 668 on pilot basis have also been taken up in one acre of land.

• Soil testing laboratory established under project entitled NPMSH&F and made functional with soil micronutrient testing facility.

• Farmer Scientist Interaction cum Field day was organised on 27.02.15.

• One day training on mushroom production was organised at tribal village Pashmania Panchyat Tadhiya Block Madhepur Distt. Madhubani on 06.09.15.

• Two days demonstration cum training programme on wheat seed production using zero tillage technology was organised at village Pashmania Panchyat Tadhiya Block Madhepur Distt. Madhubani on 22.12.15.

• State Varietal trail on Lentil and Red gram constituted from Pulse section, TCA, Dholi are being conducted at this station.

• Seed production of Wheat in 6.0 acres and Rai in 2.0 acres and linseed in 0.5 acres of land is going on during this current Rabi season 2015-16.

1.38 When asked about Rice Research Sub-Station, the representative of the Department stated during the evidence on 1 February, 2016 as under:— ^^lj] vkius e/qcuh dk ftØ fd;k Fkk] eSa vkiosQ laKku esa ykuk pkgrk gwa fd e/qcuh esa >a>kjiqj esa jktsUnz o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; dk ,d Mhi okVj jkbl osQUnz gS] mls vHkh gky esa fjokbo fd;k x;k gSA og vHkh dke dj jgk gSA vHkh ogka ij oSKkfudksa oxSjg dh Hkh iksfLVax dh x;h gSA vHkh

1.39 Deep Water Rice Research Sub-Station, Biraul was established in 1985 under NARP scheme phase II with an objective of developing Deep Water Rice (DWR) and DWR based cropping system to enhance the productivity of deep water ecosystem. Deep water ecosystem represents the bowl shaped land depressions locally called as Chaurs. Such lands are located within western embankment of Kosi and Eastern embankment of Kamala balan rivers, numerous in number. R.R.S.S., Biraul is located on the southern bank of Kusumchour. In such chaurs, water stagnation starts from inception of rainfall from 15th June to February-March and the water depth varies from 1 cm to 150 cm from upper portion to lower portion.

1.40 In such situation, farmers were growing local land races of photo-sensitive Agahani rice viz. Dhusari, Panjhali, Kasaund, etc. with moong in month of February-March. Pods of Moong were harvested up to May-June and the moong plants were degraded with the accumulation and stagnation of water and rice crop remain in the field up to November and December. The harvesting of rice panicles are done by boots. In such situation the yield of rice was very low i.e. 0.5-1.0 t/ha.

1.41 The Station has one office building, godown, implement shed, threshing floor and a soil testing laboratory. There is one post of scientist and two supporting staff sanctioned, all of them are filled. Fund for Rice Research Station, Jhanjharpur (Madhubani) and Deep Water Rice Research Station, Biraul (Darbhanga) are allotted jointly.

1.42 Salient research and extension progress is as follows:—

• A number of entries of Deep Water Rice were tested under deep water ecosystem having water stagnation up to 1.0 m. Three rice varieties namely Janaki, Sudha and Vaidehi were developed from local land races through pure line selection for deep water ecosystem. • Janaki, Sudha and Vaidehi were popularized among farmers through demonstration, field visit and literature and now these varieties are well adopted by the farmers. • In deep water ecosystem where water stagnation was more than 1.0 m, boro rice cultivation technology was developed and time of seed sowing in nursery, nursery management, time and spacing were standardized.

24 • Boro rice cultivation technology was introduced in non- traditional area of chaur lands and proved to be very remunerative for farmers residing in the embankment of chaurs. • Six photosensitive aghani rice varieties were tested for Kharuhan rice transplanting. Kharuhan means the re-transplanting of transplanted rice locally known as KALAMI DHAN. Kharuhan transplanted varieties gave 20.5 to 32.6% higher yield than transplanted rice. • Boro rice-boro ratoon—Sesbenia (locally known as Manegera) cropping system was found to be more productive than the prevailing cropping system i.e. rice+mung in a year. • A Kisan Gosthi was organized on climate change and agriculture and a Kisan Vidyalaya was recently started under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav Programme in village Hanuman Nagar with an objective to accelerate the technology expansion through farmers to farmers. 1.43 When asked by the Committee about the efforts made by the Government to improve infrastructure and manpower availability in these Research Institutes so that they can be expected to achieve excellence in research and extension activities, the Department in its written reply stated as under:— “All the vacant positions in the Research Institutes and Stations will be filled up on priority and the required infrastructure will be created. Also, the objectives and programmes will be revisited and accordingly, the manpower, facilities and funding will be augmented.” 1.44 When the Committee pointed out about the shortage of staff and non-utilization of funds allocated by all the 7 Research Institutes, the Secretary of the Department responded during the evidence on 2nd March 2016, as under:— ^^tks orZeku ifjfLFkfr gS jkT; ljdkj osQ tks uhfr fu;e gSa] mlosQ vuqlkj vuq'kkflr gSA vc osQUnzksa dh uhfr fu;eksa osQ vuqlkj lapkyu gksxk rks ,fiQ'ksalh c<+ tk,xhA**

1.45 On the query of the Commmittee regarding the mechanism put in place or proposed to put in place by the Government in RCAU to ensure quality and excellence of its research in the field of agriculture and allied sciences, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“The conversion of RAU to RCAU will add to some more infrastructure as well as fund availability but more than that, in having national and

25 international faculty, students and research and teaching collaborations, enhanced linkages by facilitating faculty and student exchange, interfacing and collaboration among national and international institutions, and development of improved agricultural technology including varieties/breeds and production and protection technologies. Overall institutional capacity building for development of quality human resource in agriculture and allied sciences; imparting/enabling enhanced skill and entrepreneurship development and confidence building in agricultural graduates through experiential learning and rural work experience resulting in increased gainful employment including self employment for developing new breed of agribusiness entrepreneurs; gender mainstreaming particularly by providing enhanced number of girl’s hostels and other amenities; building excellence in specific strategic areas through Niche Area identification, development for brand equity and resource sharing will be taken up. The University will thus, be of great national importance with heritage significance that will work in a center of excellence mode.”

E. Guidelines for Establishment of Central Agricultural Universities

1.46 When the Committee asked as to whether the guidelines for establishment of Central Agricultural Universities formulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) and presented to the Parliament in December, 2015 have been followed during introduction of ‘Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015’ in Rajya Sabha, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“The guidelines for establishment of Central Agricultural Universities formulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) are largely followed in the RCAU Bill 2015. The CAU will address the specific constraints of the middle-Gangetic plain. However, these guidelines are for establishment of a new CAU and in the present case, an existing RAU is being converted into a CAU which was initiated in 2008 to strengthen the much needed agricultural research and trained human resource development in Bihar besides recognizing the national heritage importance of Pusa, Bihar.”

1.47 On the query of the Committee as to whether conversion of a State Agricultural University into Central Agricultural University (CAU) rather than insisting upon establishment of an independent CAU de novo as provided in above-mentioned guidelines is not violation of

26 guidelines for establishment of Central Agricultural Universities and the steps proposed to be taken to adhere to the set guidelines, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“The proposal for establishment of CAU was initiated in 2008 and subsequently, a MoU was signed between Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, and Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Government of India on 25th January, 2015, EFC was approved on 16 July 2015, Cabinet approval were accorded on 21 July 2015 and 16 December 2015, and the RCAU Bill 2015 introduced in Rajya Sabha on 23.12.2015. Whereas, the guidelines were tabled in the Parliament in December 2015.

Also earlier, the Special Task Force on Bihar (constituted by the then Hon’ble Prime Minister) in its report (2008) inter-alia mentioned that “Headquarters of the University, Pusa, is a heritage for agricultural research and education. Therefore, this University should get the status of National University, which should not only meet the needs of the State but also contribute to national agriculture”. The Planning Commission of India in 2009, provided “in-principle” approval for establishment of a new Central Agricultural University in Bihar. It has, however, in due course been considered a better proposition to convert RAU into RCAU for achieving excellence in teaching, research and extension in eastern region than establishing a new university, since RAU is already having faculties of Post Graduate education, Agriculture, Basic Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Fisheries and Home Science, well structured research and instructional farms, trained manpower and facilities and, is carrying the trinity of functions of teaching, research and extension which may be strengthened and upgraded without the loss of time in establishment process and the heavy investments in terms of land, building, manpower, equipments, farms etc.”

F. Board of Management

(a) Nomination of Eminent Scientists

1.48 Section 12(1)(iii) of the Schedule of RCAU Bill, 2015 regarding Constitution of Board of Management provides for inclusion of 03 eminent scientists to be nominated by the Visitor. When asked by the Committee about criteria that would be taken into consideration while nominating eminent scientists into Board of Management by the Visitor, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“The scientists will be from the agricultural sciences and will be nominated by the Visitor of the University who will be His Excellency

27 the President of India. To facilitate, some names of eminent agricultural scientists having experience in research management will be proposed by the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India with the approval of Hon’ble Agricultre & Farmers Welfare Minister.”

(b) Inclusion of Advisor (Agriculture), Planning Commission

1.49 Section 12(1)(ix) of the Schedule of the Bill regarding Board of Management provides for inclusion of Advisor (Agriculture), Planning Commission as a member of Board of Management. However, institution of Planning Commission has since been abolished and it has been replaced by NITI Aayog. When asked by the Committee about the existence of analogous post of Advisor (Agriculture) in NITI Aayog, the Department in its written reply submitted in affirmative that there is a post of Advisor (Agriculture) in the NITI Aayog.

1.50 Section 12(1)(vii) of Schedule of the Bill provides for inclusion of two persons representing farmers in Board of Management. On the query of the Committee regarding criteria/norms used for identification of persons representing farmers in Board of Management, the Department in its written reply stated the progressive farmers from the country are nominated to the Board of Management.

1.51 During the evidence of the Department on 1 February 2016, the Secretary of the Department responded to a query on the issue as under:—

“Sir, as you know that the kind of compostion is there, in that progressive farmers, innovative farmers and those who have done good work, they will be included in this committee. Besides, there are other council, academic council is also there, many councils are there and in each body it would be necessary that those who have done good work, they may be included. Right now we are bringing subjects of national importance. Right from conversion act to 64 issues of national importance, we are bringing therein. Those issues of national importance, whatever its draft, those will be incorporated.”

(d) Inclusion of People’s Representative

1.52 When asked by the Committee about the policy of Government regarding inclusion of people’s representative in Board of Management of

28 RCAU and also about existence of such provisions in JNU, DU, JMU, AMU, etc., the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“In the RCAU Bill 2015, two persons representing farmers, one woman social worker, one distinguished authority on natural resource management and three eminent scientists shall be member of the Board of Management. However, there exists no provision to have people’s representatives such as Member of Parliament, Member of Legislative Assembly or Council and likewise. The Acts of the two existing CAUs and the recent Guidelines for Establishment of CAU are also similar to RCAU Bill 2015.

The Acts and Statutes of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia University provide to have people’s representatives such as Member of Parliament as member of the Court of the University. Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University and Aligarh Muslim University were established before commencement of Constitution, and the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia University were established post- independence, in 1966 and 1988 respectively. However, in the recently established Nalanda University Act, 2010, and the Central Universities Act, 2009, there is no such provision.”

Further, in the Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia University, there is two level management structure, i.e. the Court and the Executive Council. People’s representatives are members of the Court. In Nalanda University Act, there is only the Governing Body as also the existing two Central Agricultural Universities and the recently established Central Universities have only one layer management as Board of Management. The same has been included in the ‘Guidelines for Establishment of Central Agricultural Universities’ of the ICAR. For formulation of these guidelines, the Secretary, UGC; Vice Chancellors of some Central Universities, Central Agricultural Universities, State Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes having Deemed University status, and some faculty from IITs have been consulted.”

1.53 On the above issue, the Secretary of the Department during the oral evidence of the Ministry on 1st February, 2016, submitted as under:— ¶tgka rd blesa lEekuh; tuizfrfuf/;ksa dh Hkkxhnkjh dh ckr gS rks eSa vk'oLr djuk pkgwaxk fd orZeku esa cksMZ vkWiQ eSustesaV esa rhu ysftLysfVo ,lsEcyh osQ

29 esEclZ gaS vkSj ysftLysfVo dkSafly osQ ,d esEcj gaSA vHkh nks lsaVªy ,xzhdYpj ;wfuoflZVht esa tSlk gekjk vuqHko jgk gS] egkefge jk"Vªifr th pkalyj gksrs gSa] foftVj gksrs gSa vkSj lHkh dkmaflYl esa] lHkh ckWMht esa izfrfuf/;ksa osQ fy, muosQ ikl oqQN lq>ko vkSj lfCe'kUl tkrs gSa vkSj og bu lHkh dks ukekafdr djrs gSaA*

On the issue, the representative of the Department also added as under: ¶vkius fo'ofo|ky; dh desfV;ksa dk Hkh ftØ fd;k gS] mlesa tks tuizfrfuf/ gSa] mudk fjiztsaVs'ku gksuk pkfg,A bls eSaus uksV dj fy;k gS] bl ij ge yksx fopkj&foe'kZ djsaxs fd mls oSQls fd;k tk ldrk gSA tSlk fd vkius dgk fd le; osQ vuqlkj vkSj vko';drkuqlkj fo'ofo|ky; dk Lo:i cnyuk pkfg,A ;g cgqr vko';d gSA¸

G. Extension Education Council (EEC) i. Representation of HoD 1.54 During the sitting of the Committee on 01.02.2016 for taking oral evidence of the Department, the Committee were of the view that Head of the Department in Extension Education Council should be included so that their experience and expertise in the field of research or in the relevant subjects could be utilized, as otherwise the Council could be deprived by the valuable suggestions from them. When the Committee asked about the policy of the Government regarding representation of HoD in Extension Education Council in other CAU and ICAR Institutes, the Department in its written reply stated as under:— “All Deans of the Colleges of the University are Members of the Extension Education Council and they present the cumulative wisdom of the Head of the Department in the Extension Education Council. Similar provision exists in the Act and Statutes of the other two existing Central Agricultural Universities and is included in the ‘Guidelines for Establishment of Central Agricultural University’ prepared by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. In the ICAR Institutes-cum-Deemed Universities such as IVRI Izatnagar, CIFE Mumbai, NDRI Karnal and IARI New Delhi also, all HoDs are not member of the Extension Education Council, however, the Head of Extension Education Department is Member/Member Secretary of the Extension Education Council.” 1.55 When the Committee asked about the views of the Department on the issue during the course of evidence on 2 February 2016, the Secretary of the Department explained as under:— “HoD should have the membership in Extension Education Council. In this we have said that instead of HoD, Dean of Agriculture, 30 Home Science, Agricultural Engineering, Fisheries are there. Deans of all these, are members of Extension Education Council and we have made it clear which meant that Dean is representing the collective wisdom of HoD, he is in Extension Education Council. That is what we have told.”

The representative of the Department also added as under:

“Colleges together make University. Head of the Colleges, we keep Dean as a member in the council. If all Head of Departments are being kept then the committee would become unwieldy, there will be too much number of members. Each Dean represent its College.” ii. Farmers Representatives

1.56 Section 44(1)(vi) provides for inclusion of farmers representatives in EEC as Members to be nominated by Vice Chancellor for a term of three years.The Committee have observed that no specific number have been provided into while making provision for Farmer’s Representatives as members of EEC. When the Committee asked about the numbers of farmers to be nominated in EEC, the Department informed that two farmers will be nominated in EEC.

1.57 On the query of the Committee regarding criteria/norms applied for identification of persons for nomination of farmer’s representatives in EEC, the Department in its writtin reply stated that progressive and practicing farmers well versed with the benefits, difficulties and issues related to agriculture would be nominated. iii. Representation of Social Scientists

1.58 When the Committee asked as the whether the Government has any proposal for involvement of social scientists in the field of agricultural extension activities and also about representation of social scientists in EEC in other CAUs and ICAR Institutes, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“Scientists with specilisation in Agriculture Extension and Agricultural Economics appointed in the agricultural universities and ICAR Institutes, are involved in agricultural extensioin actitivities. These scientists are also nominated to the EEC of Central Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes.”

H. Finance for Establishment of RCAU

1.59 The estimated cost in this Plan period for the establishment of the University by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University to Rajendra Central Agricultural University would be

31 Rs. 295.00 crores, of which a sum of Rs. 30.37 crores is already available with the University for civil works. The break-up of Rs. 295 crores include Rs. 107.31 crores for Grants-in-Aid General, Rs. 64.82 crores for Grants-in-Aid Capital and Rs. 122.82 crores for Grants-in-Aid Salaries. Out of Rs. 295.00 crores recommended by the EFC for the remaining period of the Twelfth Five Year Plan, an amount of Rs. 62.5 crores has been proposed to be allocated for the year 2015-16 and Rs. 232.5 crores for the year 2016-17. When asked about the source of Rs. 30.37 crores which is already available under the University for civil work, the Department in its written reply stated that the amount is part of the grants provided by the Government of Bihar to the RAU for civil works which are under progress.

1.60 The Guidelines for Establishment of CAU, contain provision of Research Endowment Fund of an adequate amount not less than Rs.1000 crores per University for consistent, predictable and long-term research funding. Grants from this Fund shall be made available to individual research proposals emanating from the University. When the Committee asked the status about the provision of Rs. 1000 crore for Research Endowment Fund for RCAU, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“No such provision has been made since an existing University is being converted into a CAU where basic infrastructure, facilities and manpower for academic including research programmes are already available and being carried forward. The regular funding to the RCAU and the project based funding from different agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, will expectedly, be sufficient to meet the research requirements.

I. Issues to be resolved in the context of conversion of RAU to RCAU

1.61 When asked by the Committee to list out all such issues which are yet to be resolved in the context of conversion of RAU to RCAU, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“Clause 42 of the RCAU Bill 2015 includes the necessary provisions for the transfer of assets and liabilities including the manpower resources, which are based on the MoU signed between the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar and the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Government of India on 25th January, 2015. In the existing RAU, retirement age of teachers/ scientists is 65 years as per Bihar government rules. This is at par with the existing two CAUs. For the non-teaching staff of RAU, the retirement age is 62 years following the Bihar government rules which is at variance in the existing two CAUs where it is 60 years as per Central government rules. 32 The RCAU Bill 2015, vide clause 42(9) of the Act provides that “the retirement age of every teacher, academic staff, faculty and every other employee of the University shall be governed by any Law for the time being in force.

In the MoU signed between the Government of Bihar and Government of India (para 11-i), it is included that “As the date of retirement of non-teaching staff will involve legal implications at this stage, it may be appropriate that for the existing non-teaching staff of the RAU, it may be continue to be 62 years, if agreed and for those (both teaching and non-teaching) recruited after conversion to CAU, it will be governed as per rules of the RCAU”. However, the EFC in its meeting held on 16.07.2015 recommended that “The issue of retirement age may be referred to the Department of Expenditure separately”.

1.62 When asked by the Committee about the steps taken so far for resolving these issues, the Department in its written reply stated that all issues have been addressed in the MoU between the Department of Agriculture of Government of Bihar and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India signed on 25 January 2015.

1.63 When the Committee asked about the mechanism put in place by the Central Government to monitor smooth transaction of assets and liabilities of RAU including its manpower resources to RCAU, the Department in its written reply stated as under:—

“Para 13 of the MoU between Department of Agriculture of Government of Bihar and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India provides that “the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Government of India and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar will set up Joint Committees for effective takeover of assets of the RAU by the RCAU”. Further, Para 16 of the MoU provides that “A Committee consisting of Vice Chancellor of the RCAU and two representatives each from the DARE/ICAR (not below the rank of Dy. Secretary in the Government of India) and the State Government (not below the rank of Head of Department in the Government of Bihar), will be set up for giving effect to this Memorandum of Understanding and will be known as the Asset Take-over Committee (ATC). This Committee will also demarcate the liabilities of the RAU and the RCAU in the manner stated in the aforesaid paragraphs”.

33 1.64 On the query of the Committee regarding legal provisions which have been incorporated in RCAU Bill, 2015, the Department in its written reply stated that the required legal provisions have been included in Clause 42 of the RCAU Bill, 2015. These provisions relate to transfer of assets and liabilities, academic courses, pension and other benefits for all staff, permanent records of students, teachers and all other employees, retirement age and service conditions etc.

J. Direct interaction with farmers

1.65 On the issue of starting a course on practical knowledge of agriculture that can be introduced for students of Agricultural Universities in the country, the Department have stated that in the last year of the four year under-graduate degree progoramme in agriculture and allied subjects, courses including Rural Awareness and Work Experience (RAWE), Experiential Learning and Industrial Experience/In-Plant training have already been introduced. Under the RAWE, the students are exposed to real field situtation where they understand, analyze and suggest the solutions to the issues of the farming community besides getting exposed to the ongoing various schemes of the Government of India as well as the respective States. Experiential Learning course provides them opportunities to work in a group under supervision of a teacher to have skills and knowledge from project planning to marketing in any vocation as a business proposition, where they earn while learning. Industrial attachment/In-plant training exposes them to the commerical aspects at a larger scale to boost their confidence in agriculture allied sectors. Effective 2016 academic session, a composite one year programme with the name student READY (Rural Enterpreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) shall be implemented in under-graduate curriculum in the country which beside the RAWE, Experiential Learning and Industrial attachment will have skill Development and Student Project in Agriculture and allied subjects, and thus a total of five components as per the recommendations of Deans’ Committee. Students shall have the option to take any three out of these five components. As per the recent decision of Union Cabinet, the students will be provided incentive of Rs. 3000/- per month for total duration of six months of these programmes.

1.66 On this issue, the representative of the Department during the course of oral evidence on 2 March, 2016 stated as under:— ^^lHkkifr egksn;] bl laaca/ esa eSa vkils ;g dguk pkgwaxk fd ,d geus LVwMsaV jsMh izksxzke j[kk gS] mldk uke READY- Rural Entrepreneurship and Awareness Development Yojana j[kk gSA ;g iwjs ,d lky osQ fy, j[kk x;k gSA ch,llh dk tks pkj lky dk dkslZ gksrk gS] pkSFks lky esa ;g iwjs ,d lky osQ fy, j[kk x;k gSA

34 blesa geus gj foHkkx esa tSls ,xzhdYpj gS] gkfVZdYpj gS] gekjk Ms;jh VsDuksykWth gS] iwQM VsDuksykWth gS] ,xzhdYpj bathfu;fjax gS] iQkWjsLVh gS] fiQ'kjht gS] bl rjg osQ gekjs 11 vaMj xzstq,V] gekjs Lukrd Lrj dh fofHkUu DykWlst gksrh gSaA mu lcesa geus ikap ,sls izksxzke j[ks gSa] ,d lky esa muesa ls rhu izksxzke ge ys ldrs gSaA vxj ,xzhdYpj okys ekurs gSa fd rhu ;s izksxzke gekjs fy, mi;qDr gSa rks os mu rhu izksxzkEl dks ys ldrs gSaA blesa lcls igyk tks geus dk;ZØe j[kk gS] og ,Dlihfj,U'ky yfu±x j[kk gSA tSlk vki iQjek jgs Fks] og dk ogh gSA O;kogkfjd Kku osQ fy, mls j[kk gSA mlosQ fy, ge iwjs Hkkjr ns'k esa 405 ,sls lsaVj LFkkfir dj pqosQ gSa vkSj ,d&,d lsaVj esa geus 50 yk[k 60 yk[k #i;k [kpZ fd;k gS] djhc 250 djksM+ #i, osQ djhc ge [kpZ dj pqosQ gSaA ;g ,d rjg dh iSQDVªh Vkbi cuk nh xbZ gSA tSls fdlh txg vxj dksbZ iQksFkZ bZ;j osQ LVwMsaV gS] muosQ ikl VekVj cgqr T;knk miyC/ gSa rks os VekVj ls oSQls lksl cuk,a] oSQls mlls oSQpvi cuk,a] bl rjg dh mudh Vªsfuax gksrh gSA ;g ,d O;kogkfjd Kku osQ ckjs esa j[kk x;k gSA nwljk] geus tks blesa izksfo”ku j[kk gS] og fLdy MsoyiesaV] dkS'ky foKku dk j[kk gS] D;ksafd ,xzhdYpj esa fLdy MsoiyesaV Hkh ,d cgqr egRoiw.kZ dEiksusaV gks x;k gSA**

Observations/Recommendations

1.67 The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 Bill, was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 23 December, 2015. On 7 January, 2016, Speaker, Lok Sabha has reffered the Bill to the Committee to examine and Report to the Parliament. The Committee note that Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 provides for the establishment and incorporation of a University by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar to Rajendra Central Agricultural University (RCAU) for the development of agriculture and for the furtherance of the advancement of learning and pursuit of research in agriculture and allied sciences and to declare it to be an institution of national importance. The Committee have also been informed that conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University into Rajendra Central Agricultural University, will help to harness potential of agriculture and allied sectors through holistic management of land, water, crops, livestock and fisheries resources. To fulfil the desired goal and achieve excellence in teaching, research and frontline extension; strengthening of infrastructure, trained manpower and world class facilities and conversion will help to fulfil the desired goal and achieve excellence in teaching, research and frontline extension; strengthening of infrastructure, trained manpower and world class facilities are essential. Therefore, a proposal has been made to convert Rajendra Agricultural University into Rajendra Central Agricultural University. 35 1.68 The Committee note that in pursuance of the suggestion of Special Task Force on Bihar constituted by the Planning Commission in 2008, efforts were taken to convert the Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar into a Central Agricultural University. However, a proposal to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central Government and Government of Bihar was pending from then onwards till 2014. The Committee further note that owing to vigorous efforts taken in the second half of 2014, a MoU was signed between the Government of Bihar and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, in the presence of Chief Minister of Bihar and Union Minister of Agriculture at Patna on 25th January 2015 to facilitate the conversion. The proposed Rajendra Central Agricultural University will have 13 existing colleges/research institutes/research stations and 11 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under its control. The Committee appreciate the efforts of Government to expedite the process of conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar into a Central Agricultural University. As a result of the initiatives of the Government, the Committee feel that the long pending need of Bihar for establishment of world class Agricultural University in Bihar would be fulfilled, which in turn would help to create an environment of research to address various problems of farming community in the country in general and Bihar in particular. The Committee hope that Central Governmnet will provide adequate funds and sufficient resources alongwith manpower which will enable the University to emerge as an Institution of National Importance in consonance with the glorious heritage of Pusa and drive the agricultural sector of the country particularly Bihar region for a sustainable growth and producitivity.

1.69 The Committee note that there are 0.9 Central Agricultural Institutions per million population in the country. The Committee also note that out of 109 ICAR research Institutes in entire country only 4 ICAR research Institutions have been established in Bihar. The numbers of Research institutes in the state of Bihar is quite less as compared to States like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan etc. Further, the Committee also note that 7 existing Research Institutions/Stations which are to brought under the ambit of proposed Rajendra Central Agricultural University are either under-funded and/or under-staffed and not functioning properly. The numbers of existing scientists and non-teaching staffs are significantly much below the sanctioned posts. As for illustration, in Animal Production Research Institute, Pusa, out of the total 08 sanctioned posts of scientists, only 04 are filled, whereas 64 posts 36 of non teaching staff are filled out of the sanctioned 93 posts. Further, Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa has 89 sanctioned posts of scientists, out of which only 15 are filled up. For non-teaching staff, a total of 275 posts are sanctioned, out of which only 170 are filled up. The Committee are astonished to note that no staff position has been sanctioned for Horticultural Research Station, Birauli, Samstipur and in the Banana Research Station, Hazipur (Vaishali) only one non- teaching post is filled up, out of total 10 sanctioned posts (02 scientists and 08 non-teaching). Also the Rice Research Sub-Station, Jhanjharpur is functioning with only one non-teaching Staff. The Committee have also observed that fund allocation and utilisation ratio of all institutes are far from satisfactory. However, the Committee has been assured by the Department that after conversion of the University into Central Agricultural University, manpower, funding and facilities will be augmented. The Committee are of view that after conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University into Central Agricultural University, the scope and mandate of activities of research institutions/Stations under its control need to be revisited/reviewed in order to address the various issues or constraints/challenges being faced by the country in the field of agriculture with particular attention to Bihar and to achieve excellence in learning and pursuit of reseach in agriculture and allied sciences. The Committee, therefore, recommend the Department to prepare a comprehensive plan of action for making Rajendra Central Agricultural University, a world class Agricultural University, keeping in view of the challenges being faced by the country for sustainable growth and development of agriculture sector in general and to fufil the aspirations of the farming community of Bihar in particular. Further, the Committee are also of the considered opinion that there is an imperative need for establishment of more Agricultural Research Institutes in Bihar under the ambit of proposed university in order to create a world class research institutions in Bihar and to harness its potential in the field of agriculture to usher in second Green Revolution in the region. Further, funds released by ICAR to Krish Vigyan Kendras should be transferred direct to their accounts so that there is no leakage of funds in the process and the same is utilized optimally only for the purpose for which the funds are meant for.

1.70 The Committee regret to note that traditional knowledge of farmers in the field of agriculture is either being ignored or neglected for want of scientific base. The Committee are of the view that traditional/indigenous skill or knowledge could be upgraded or modified or modernized through application of scientific knowledge. The primary aim of the University should be to make research and 37 to provide scientific base to the traditional skill or knowledge of the farmers which will help them in marketing their products and to augment their income. All the traditional skill/knowledge of the farmers should be accumulated and refined on scientific lines. Heads of the Department should regularly interact with the farmers to ascertain their problems and to find out the solution for the same. The Committee, therefore, recommend that one such Department be opened in the University, exclusively for the purpose to run a specialized course for research on modernization of traditional skill and knowledge of the farmers.

1.71 The Committee note that there is one year course in the fourth year of BSc students. The name of the course is READY i.e. Rural Entrepreneurship and Awareness Development Yojana. One of the programme therein is experimental learning for practical knowledge for which 405 centres have been established at a cost of Rs. 50 to 60 lakhs per centre. They are also given training in skill development. It has also been informed to the Committee that they run one programme which is called as RAWE i.e. Rural Agriculture Work Experience in which it is essential for the students to work in organized farms. However, the Committee are not convinced with the kind of programmes run by the Universities as the students do not interact directly with the farmers. The Committee feel that to undertake training in organized farms is one thing and to work together and interact with the farmers is something else to understand their problems or to identify their problems and to interact with them to address the problems or to collect the problems to find out the solution in the University or to transfer the technology direct to the farmers. The Committee feel that it would be but essential that one practical course of one month duration need to be incorporated in the syallabus of the students of the Central Agriculture University. These students could be given one task or to conduct research in the field itself for which they have to stay with the farmers in the village itself. The task may relate to soil testing, training of farmers regarding crop insurance, Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yojana, lab to land programme etc. The Committee are of the strong view that knowledge gained in the University would be useless unless knowledge/skill grained or technology is not transferred to the farmers practically and directly. The Committee, therefore, recommend that a practical course may be prescribed for the students of the Central Agricultural University in which it should be made absolutely essential to stay and interact directly with farmers in the field at least for a period of one month and share their knowledge with the farmers in the field itself. For this purpose, the Government may consider to grant some incentives in addition to monthly stipend of Rs. 3000 to the students to reimburse their expenses incurred on food or stay.

38 1.72 The Committee note that the Guidelines for Establishment of CAU contain provision of Research Endowment Fund of an adequate amount not less than Rs. 1000 crore per University for consistent, predictable and longterm research funding in Central Agricultural University. However, the Committee regret to note that no such provision has been made for RCAU since an existing University is being converted into a CAU where basic infrastructure, facilities and manpower for academic including research programmes are already available and being carried forward.It has also been informed to the Committee that regular funding to the RCAU and the project based funding from different agencies, both governmental and non- governmental, will expectedly, be sufficient to meet the research requirements. However, the Committee are not convinced with the explanation of the Department on the issue and deplore the myopic vision of the Government for their failure to recognise importance of research in the vital field of agriculture and establishment of Research Endowment Fund for the purpose as recommended by the Expert Committee and accepted by the Government. The Committee are of view that it is very essential that adequate provision of funds be made so that research oriented projects of the proposed university do not suffer for want of funds. The Committee feel that Research Endowment Fund will help the proposed University in achieving its objectives in the field of agricultural research. The Committee, therefore, recommend that the Government should initiate action to make a provision for Research Endowment Fund for Rajendra Central Agricultural University at the time of its establishment itself.

1.73 The Committee note that Heads of the Departments have not been included in Extension Education Council. In this regard, the Committee have been informed that Deans of the Colleges of University are members of the Extension Education Council and they present the cumulative wisdom of the Head of the Department (HoD) in the Extension Education Council. Similar provision exists in the Act and Statutes of the other two existing Central Agricultural Universities and is included in the guidelies for establishment of Central Agricultural University prepared by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. The Committee have also been informed that in the ICAR Institutes-cum-Deemed Universities such as IVRI Izatnagar, CIFE Mumbai, NDRI Karnal and IARI New Delhi also, all HoDs are not Members of the Extension Education Council. However, the Head of Extension Education Department is Member/ Member Secretary of the Extension Education Council. However, the Committee are not convinced with the explanation of the Department and the Committee are of the firm view that agriculture education 39 need to be overhauled to address the increasing problems/challenges in agriculture sector over the years. The Heads of the Departments are directly connected with the various issues relating to agriculture sector. The Committee feel that the issue needs to be revisited and include Heads of the Departments in the Council to the maximum extent so that their experience and expertise in various fields could be utilized effectively to address the various problems being confronted by the farmers. The Committee, therefore, recommend the Department to devise a methodology for inclusion of Heads of the Departments in Extension Education Council on rotational basis.

40 PART II

CLAUSE-WISE ANALYSIS

2.1 Clause 12(1) of the Schedule of the Bill deals with Constitution of Board of Management and reads as under:—

(1) The Board shall consist of the following members, namely:— (i) the Vice-Chancellor, ex officio Chairman; (ii) three Secretaries, from amongst the Secretaries-in-charge of the Departments of Agriculture or Animal Husbandry, Fishery and Horticulture of the State of Bihar to be nominated by the Visitor by rotation; (iii) three eminent scientists to be nominated by the Visitor; (iv) one distinguished person representing Agro-based industries or a manufacturer having a special knowledge in agricultural development to be nominated by the Visitor; (v) the Deputy Director-General (Education) representing the Indian Council of Agricultural Research; (vi) one Dean of college and one Director to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor on rotational basis; (vii) two persons representing farmers to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (viii) one woman social worker representing woman social organisation to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (ix) an Advisor (Agriculture), Planning Commission; (x) a distinguished authority on natural resource or environment management to be nominated by the Visitor; (xi) two persons not below the rank of Joint Secretary representing respectively the Departments of Government of India dealing with the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry to be nominated by the concerned Secretary to the Government of India;

(xii) nominee of the Secretary representing the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Government of India;

(xiii) the Registrar of the University—Secretary.

41 2.2 The Committee note that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) have not made any provision for inclusion of people’s representatives in Board of Management despite of the fact that existing university has provisions for representation of three members of Legislative Assembly and one member of Legislative Council of Bihar in Board of Management. The Committee note that Acts and Statutes of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia University provide to have people’s representatives such as Member of Parliament as member of the Court of the University. However, in the recently established Nalanda University Act, 2010, and the Central Universities Act, 2009, there is no such provision. Further, in the Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia University, there is two level management structure, i.e. the Court and the Executive Council. People’s representatives are members of the Court. In Nalanda University Act, there is only the Governing Body as also the existing two Central Agricultural Universities and the recently established Central Universities have only one layer management as Board of Management. The same has been included in the ‘Guidelines for Establishment of Central Agricultural Universities’ of the ICAR. The Committee are of view that inclusion of people’s representatives in Board of Management of Rajendra Central Agricultural University will provide the university an opportunity to take advantage of their experience and knowledge of local farming community and practices. Further, inclusion of Members of Parliament in Board of Management will be in conformity of the system of representation of Members of legislative Assembly and Legislative Council in the Board of Management of RAU being followed by the Government of Bihar. However, it would be ironical that proposed University being regulated by the Centre, would not have the participation of Members of Parliament who are responsible to the people. The Committee are of the considered opinion that two Members of Parliament may be nominated by the Visitor in the Board of Management of the proposed Central Agricultural University on the recommendation of Speaker/Chairperson of the House. The Committee, therefore, recommend that provisions may be made in statute 12(1) of the schedule to include two Members of Parliament and the said clause may be modified accordingly.

2.3 Clause 12(1) (vii) of the Schedule of the Bill regarding constitution of Board of Management stipulates as follows:—

(vii) two persons representing farmers to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor.

42 2.4 The Committee are of the opinion that the nomination of farmers by the Vice-Chancellor in Board of Management should be regulated on the basis of some defined criteria in order to bring transparency and objectivity in the method of nomination. The Committee feel that the Board of Management is vested with powers and responsibilities and therefore, the Board should be broad-based representing wider section of farmers including women and weaker sections of the society. The Committee feel that those progressive and practicing farmers well versed with the benefits, difficulties and issues related to agriculture or those who have made noteworthy contribution to Indian agriculture or helped to drive positive change in the lives of their community and the country as a whole, should be preferred for their nomination in Board of Management. Further, the Committee are also of the view that women constitute a significant proportion of workforce engaged in farming and therefore, it is imperative that they are represented in Board of Management so that their views are incorporated in addressing the problems particularly being faced by them. It would also be imperative that farmers belonging to weaker sections of the society namely Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes are also adequately represented in Board of Management. The Committee, therefore, feel that the number of representations from farmers community also need to be raised suitably. In view of the foregoing, the Committee that Clause 12(1)(vii) may be reworded/modified accordingly.

2.5 Clause 12(1) (ix) of the Schedule of the Bill regarding constitution of Board of Management provides as follows:—

(ix) an Advisor (Agriculture), Planning Commission;

2.6 The Committee note that Institution of Planning Commission has since been replaced by National Institution of Transforming India (NITI) Aayog on 1st January 2015. However, an analogous post of Advisor (Agriculture) exist in Niti Aayog. The Committee, therefore, recommend that Clause 12(1) (ix) should be changed accordingly as under:—

“an Advisor (Agriculture), NITI Aayog;”

2.7 Clause 44(1) of the Schedule of the Bill deals with Constitution and function of Extension Education Council and reads as under:—

Constitution and function of the Extension Education Council.

44. (1) There shall be an Extension Education Council of the University to exercise general supervision over the extension education policies 43 and programmes of the University in the area of Agriculture and allied disciplines. The Extension Education Council shall consist of the following members, namely:—

(i) the Vice-Chancellor—Chairman; (ii) Director of Research—Member; (iii) Director of Education—Member; (iv) all Deans of the colleges of the University—Members; (v) Nominee of the State Governments not below the rank of Director—Members; (vi) farmers representatives and one woman social worker to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor for a term of three years— Members; (vii) two eminent scientists from outside the University to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor for two years—Members; (viii) Director of Extension Education—Member-Secretary.

2.8 The Committee note that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) has not made any provision for inclusion of social scientists in Extension Education Council. The Committee are of view that Extension Education policy needs reorientation in order to create an environment which encourage connect between needs of farmers and research being done in agriculture universities/research institutions. Further, there should be seamless transfer of technologies developed in labs to the farming Community. The Committee feel that inclusion of eminent social scientists from the field of Social Anthropology, Sociology etc. in Extension Education Council will help the University in better understanding of social dynamics of farming community and devising better ways of technological intervention in agriculture field. The Committee, therefore, recommend that provision may be made in Clause 44(1) of the Schedule of the Bill for inclusion of two eminent social scientists to be nominated by the Visitor and the Clause 44(1) may accordingly be modified.

2.9 Clause 44(1) (vi) of the Schedule of the Bill regarding constitution of Extension Education Council provides for representation to farmers and women social worker and stipulates as follows:—

44 (1) (vi) farmers representatives and one woman social worker to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor for a term of three years— Members; 44 2.10 The Committee note that the Clause 44(1)(vi) is silent about the specific number of farmers to be nominated in Extension Education Council (EEC) and the criteria to be applied for such nomination of farmers including women social workers. However, on being enquired, it was informed to the Committee that two farmers will be nominated in EEC. The Committee are of the opinion that the nomination of farmers and women social worker by the Vice-Chancellor in EEC should be made on some defined criteria in order to bring transparency and objectivity in the method of nomination. The Committtee, therefore, recommend that Clause 44(1)(vi) be re-drafted accordingly indicating clearly the number of farmers representatives to be nominated in EEC.

NEW DELHI; HUKM DEO NARAYAN YADAV, 30 March, 2016 Chairperson, 10 Chaitra, 1938 (Saka) Standing Committee on Agriculture.

45 ANNEXURE I

[AS INTRODUCED IN THE RAJYA SABHA]

Bill No. LXIII of 2015

THE RAJENDRA CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY BILL, 2015

ARRANGEMENT OF CLAUSES

CLAUSES

1. Short title and commencement. 2. Declaration of Rajendra Central Agricultural University as an institution of national importance. 3. Definitions. 4. Establishment and incorporation of Rajendra Central Agricultural University. 5. Objects of the University. 6. Powers of the University. 7. Jurisdiction. 8. University open to all classes, castes and creed. 9. The Visitor. 10. Officers of the University. 11. The Chancellor. 12. The Vice-Chancellor. 13. Deans and Director. 14. The Registrar. 15. The Comptroller. 16. Other officers. 17. Authorities of the University. 18. Board of Management. 19. The Academic Council. 20. The Research Council.

46 CLAUSES

21. The Extension Education Council. 22. The Finance Committee. 23. Faculties. 24. The Board of Studies. 25. Other authorities. 26. Power to make Statutes. 27. Statutes how to be made. 28. Power to make Ordinances. 29. Regulations. 30. Annual report. 31. Annual accounts. 32. Conditions of service of employees. 33. Procedure of appeal and arbitration in disciplinary cases against students. 34. Right to appeal. 35. Provident and pension funds. 36. Disputes as to constitution of University authorities. 37. Constitution of committee. 38. Filling of casual vacancies. 39. Proceedings of the University authorities not invalidated by vacancy. 40. Protection of action taken in good faith. 41. Mode of proof of University records. 42. Effect of establishment of University. 43. Power to remove difficulties. 44. Transitional provisions. 45. Repeal of Bihar Agricultural University Act. 46. Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations to be published in the Official Gazette and to be laid before Parliament. THE SCHEDULE.

47 AS INTRODUCED IN THE RAJYA SABHA

Bill No. LXIII of 2015

THE RAJENDRA CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY BILL, 2015

BILL

to provide for the establishment and incorporation of a University by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar to Rajendra Central Agricultural University for the development of agriculture and for the furtherance of the advancement of learning and pursuit of research in agriculture and allied sciences and to declare it to be an institution of national importance.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty- sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

Short title 1. (1) This Act may be called the Rajendra and Central Agricultural University Act, 2015. commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

Declaration 2. Whereas the objects of the institution of Rajendra known as the Rajendra Central Agricultural Central Agricultural University are such as to make the institution University one of the national importance, it is hereby as an institution declared that the institution known as the of national Rajendra Central Agricultural University is as importance. institution of national importance.

Definitions. 3. In this Act, and in all Statutes made hereunder, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University; (b) “academic staff” means such categories of staff as are designated as academic staff by the Ordinances; 48 (c) “agriculture” means the basic and applied sciences of the soil and water management, crop production including production of all garden crops, control of plants, pests and diseases, horticulture including floriculture, animal husbandry including veterinary and dairy science, fisheries, forestry including farm forestry, homescience, agricultural engineering and technology, marketing and processing of agricultural and animal husbandry products, land use and management;

(d) “Board” means the Board of Management of the University;

(e) “Board of Studies” means the Board of Studies of the University;

(f) “Chancellor” means the Chancellor of the University;

(g) “college” means a constituent college of the University whether located at the headquarters, campus or elsewhere;

(h) “Department” means a Department of Studies of the University;

(i) “employee” means any person appointed by the University and includes teachers and other staff of the University;

(j) “extension education” means the educational activities concerned with the training of orchardists, farmers and other groups serving agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and improved practices related thereto and the various phases of scientific technology related to agriculture and agricultural production including post- harvest technology and marketing;

(k) “Faculty” means Faculty of the University;

(l) “Ordinances” means the Ordinances of the University; 49 (m) “Regulations” means the Regulations made by any prescribed authority of the University;

(n) “Research Advisory Committee” means the Research Advisory Committee of the University;

(o) “Statutes” means the Statutes of the University;

(p) “student” means a person enrolled in the University for undergoing a course of study for obtaining a degree, diploma or other academic distinction duly instituted;

(q) “teachers” means Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Teaching Faculty Members and their equivalent appointed for imparting instruction or conducting research or extension education programmes or combination of these in the University, college or any institute maintained by the University and designated as teachers by the Ordinances;

(r) “University” means the Rajendra Central Agricultural University established under this Act;

(s) “Vice-Chancellor” means the Vice- Chancellor of the University; and

(t) “Visitor” means the Visitor of the University.

Establishment 4. (1) The University established and Bihar act 8 and of 1988 incorporation incorporated under the Bihar Agricultural of Rajendra University Act, 1987, in so far as it relates to Central Agricultural the Rajendra Agricultural University shall be University. established as a body corporate under this Act by the name of the “Rajendra Central Agricultural University.”.

(2) The headquarters of the University shall be at Pusa in the State of Bihar and it may also establish campuses at such other 50 places within its jurisdiction as it may deem fit:

Provided that the University shall integrate the existing campus and other associated facilities of the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa and the effective date of take-over shall be as specified in the notification published in the Official Gazette.

(3) The first Chancellor, the first Vice- Chancellor and the first members of the Board, the academic Council and all persons who may hereafter become such officers or members, so long as they continue to hold such office or membership are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the Rajendra Central Agricultural University.

(4) The University shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall sue and be sued by the said name.

5. The objects of the University shall be— Objects of the (a) to impart education in different University. branches of agriculture and allied sciences as it may deem fit;

(b) to further the advancement of learning and conducting of research in agricultural and allied sciences;

(d) to promote partnership and linkages with national and international educational institutions; and

(e) to undertake such other activities as it may, from time to time, determine.

6. The University shall have the following Powers of the powers, namely:— University. (i) to make provisions for instructions in agriculture and allied sciences; 51 (ii) to make provisions for conduct of research in agriculture and allied branches of learning; (iii) to make provisions for dissemination of the findings of research and technical information through extension programmes; (iv) to grant, subject to such conditions as it may determine, diplomas or certificates to, and confer degrees or other academic distinctions on the basis of examination, evaluation or any other method of testing, on persons, and to withdraw any such diplomas, certificates, degrees or other academic distinction for good and sufficient cause; (v) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions in the manner prescribed by the Statutes; (vi) to provide lectures and instructions for field workers, village leaders and other persons not enrolled as regular students of the University and to grant certificates to them as may be prescribed by the Statutes; (vii) to co-operate or collaborate or associate with any other University or authority or institution of higher learning in such manner and for such purpose as the University may determine; (viii) to establish and maintain colleges relating to agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, forestry, veterinary and animal science, dairying, home-science and allied sciences, as necessary; (ix) to establish and maintain such campuses, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, special centres, specialised laboratories, libraries, museums or other units for research and institution as are, in its opinion, necessary for the furtherance of its objects; (x) to create teaching, research and extension education posts and to make appointments thereto; 52 (xi) to create administrative, ministerial and other posts and to make appointments thereto;

(xii) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes;

(xiii) to determine standards of admission to the University which may include examination, evaluation or any other method of testing;

(xiv) to provide and maintain residential accommodation for students and employees;

(xv) to supervise the residences of the students of the University and to make arrangements for promoting their health and general welfare;

(xvi) to lay down conditions of service of all categories of employees, including their code of conduct;

(xvii) to regulate and enforce discipline among the students and the employees and to take such disciplinary measures in this regard as it may deem necessary;

(xviii) to fix, demand and receive such fees and other charges as may be prescribed by the statutes;

(xix) to borrow, with the approval of the Central Government on the security of its property, money for the purpose of the University;

(xx) to receive benefactions, donations and gifts and to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of any property, movable or immovable including trust and endowment properties, for its purposes; and

(xxi) to do all such other acts and things as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of its objects.

53 Jurisdiction. 7. (1) The jurisdiction and responsibility of the University with respect to teaching, research and programmes of extension education at the University level, in the field of agriculture and allied subjects shall extend to the whole country with special reference to the State of Bihar.

(2) All colleges, directorates, research stations, experiment stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University and other institutions coming under the jurisdiction and authority of the University shall be constituent unit and no other units shall be recognised as affiliated units.

(3) The University may assume responsibility for the training of field extension workers and others and may develop such training centres as may be required in various regions under its jurisdiction.

University 8. The University shall be open to persons open to all classes, of every sex, caste, creed, race or class, and it castes and shall not be lawful for the University to adopt creed. or impose on any person, any test whatsoever of religious belief or profession in order to entitle him to be appointed as a teacher of the University or to hold any other office therein or be admitted as a student in the University or to enjoy or exercise any privilege thereof:

Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the University from making special provisions for the employment or admission of women, persons with disability or of persons belonging to the weaker sections of the society and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

The Visitor. 9. (1) The President of India shall be the Visitor of the University.

(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4), the Visitor shall have the right to cause an inspection to be made, by such person

54 or persons as he may direct, of the University, its buildings, laboratories, libraries, museums, workshops and equipments, and of any institution or college and also of the examination, instruction and other work conducted or done by the University, and to cause an inquiry to be made in like manner in respect of any matter connected with the administration and finances of the University. (3) The Visitor shall, in every case, give notice to the University of his intention to cause, an inspection or inquiry to be made and the University shall, on receipt of such notice, have the right to make, within thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice or such other period as the Visitor may determine, such representations to him as it may consider necessary. (4) After considering the representations, if any, made by the University, the Visitor may cause to be made such inspection or inquiry as is referred to in sub-section (2). (5) Where an inspection or inquiry has been caused to be made by the Visitor, the University shall be entitled to appoint a representative who shall have the right to appear in person and to be heard on such inspection or inquiry. (6) The Visitor may address the Vice- Chancellor with reference to the results of such inspection or inquiry together with such views and advice with regard to the action to be taken thereon as the Visitor may be pleased to offer and on receipt of the address made by the Visitor, the Vice-Chancellor shall communicate forthwith to the Board, the results of the inspection or inquiry and the views of the Visitor and the advice tendered by him upon the action to be taken thereon. (7) The Board shall communicate through the Vice-Chancellor to the Visitor such action, if any, as it proposes to take or has been taken by it upon the results of such inspection or inquiry. 55 (8) Where the Board does not, within reasonable time, take action to the satisfaction of the Visitor, the Visitor may, after considering any explanation furnished or representation made by the Board, issue such directions as he may think fit and the Board shall be bound to comply with such directions. (9) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this section, the Visitor may, by an order in writing, annul any proceeding of the University which is not in conformity with this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances: Provided that before making any such order, he shall call upon the University to show cause why such an order should not be made and, if any cause is shown within a reasonable time, he shall consider the same. (10) The Visitor shall have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

Officers of 10. The following shall be the officers of the the University, namely:— University. (1) the Chancellor; (2) the Vice-Chancellor; (3) the Deans; (4) the Directors; (5) the Registrar; (6) the Comptroller; (7) the University Librarian; and (8) such other officers as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

The 11. (1) The Chancellor shall be appointed Chancellor. by the Visitor in such manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) The Chancellor shall, by virtue of his office, be the Head of the University. (3) The Chancellor shall, if present, preside at the convocations of the University held for conferring degrees. 56 12. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be The Vice- appointed by the Visitor in such manner as may Chancellor. be prescribed by the Statutes.

(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University and shall exercise general supervision and control over the affairs of the University and give effect to the decisions of all the authorities of the University.

(3) The Vice-Chancellor may, if he is of the opinion that immediate action is necessary on any matter, exercise any power conferred on any authority of the University by or under this Act and shall report to such authority the action taken by him on such matter:

Provided that if the authority concerned is of opinion that such action ought not to have been taken, it may refer the matter to the Visitor whose decision thereon shall be final:

Provided further that any person in the service of the University who is aggrieved by the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor under this sub-section shall have the right to appeal against such action to the Board within three months from the date on which decision on such action is communicated to him and thereupon the Board may confirm, modify or reverse the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor.

(4) The Vice-Chancellor, if he is of the opinion that any decision of any authority of the University is beyond the powers of the authority conferred by the provisions of this Act, the Statutes of the Ordinances or that any decision taken is not in the interest of the University, may ask the authority concerned to review its decision within sixty days of such decision and if the authority refuses to review the decision either in whole or in part or no decision is taken by it within the said period of sixty days, the matter shall be referred to the Visitor whose decision thereon shall be final.

57 (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes or the Ordinances.

Deans and 13. Every Dean and every Director shall be Director. appointed in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. The 14. (1) The Registrar shall be appointed in Registrar. such manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes. (2) The Registrar shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. The 15. The Comptroller shall be appointed in Comptroller. such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. Other 16. The manner of appointment and powers officers. and duties of the other officers of the University shall be prescribed by the Statutes. Authorities 17. The following shall be the authorities of the University. of the University, namely:— (1) the Board; (2) the Academic Council; (3) the Research Council; (4) the Extension Education Council; (5) the Finance Committee; (6) the Faculties and Board of Studies; and (7) such other authorities as may be prescribed by the Statutes. Board of 18. (1) The Board shall be the principal Management. executive body of the University. (2) The constitution of the Board, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

58 19. (1) The Academic Council shall be the The Academic principal academic body of the University and Council. shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and Ordinances, have the control and general regulation of, and be responsible for the maintenance of standards of learning, education, instruction, evaluation and examination within the University and shall exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be conferred or imposed upon it by the Statutes.

(2) The constitution of the Academic Council and the term of office of its members shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

20. The constitution, powers and functions The Research of the Research Council shall be prescribed by Council. the Statutes.

21. The constitution, powers and functions The of the Extension Education Council shall be Extension Education prescribed by the Statutes. Council.

22. The constitution, powers and functions The Finance of the Finance Committee shall be prescribed Committee. by the Statutes.

23. The University shall have such Faculties Faculties. as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

24. The constitution, powers and functions The Board of the Board of Studies shall be prescribed by of Studies. the Statutes.

25. The constitution, powers and functions Other of other authorities of the University referred authorities. to in clause (7) of section 17 shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

26. Subject to the provisions of this Act, Power to make the Statutes may provide for all or any of the Statutes. following matters, namely:—

(a) the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities of the University, as may be constituted from time to time;

59 (b) the appointment and continuance in office of the members of the authorities, the filling up of vacancies, and all other matters relating to the authorities for which it may be necessary or desirable to provide;

(d) the appointment of teachers, academic staff and other employees of the University and their emoluments;

(e) the appointment of teachers and academic staff working in any other University or organisation for a specific period for undertaking a joint project;

(f) the conditions of service of employees including provision for pension, insurance and provident fund, the manner of termination of service and disciplinary action;

(g) the principles governing the seniority of service of employees of the University;

(h) the procedure for arbitration in cases of dispute between employees or students and the University;

(i) the procedure for appeal to the Board by any employee or student against the action of any officer or authority of the University;

(j) the establishment and abolition of departments, centres, colleges and institutions;

(k) the conferment of honorary degrees;

(l) the withdrawal of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions;

(m) the institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; 60 (n) the delegation of powers vested in the authorities or officers of the University;

(o) the maintenance of discipline among the employees and students; and

(p) all other matters which are to be, or may be, prescribed by the Statutes.

27. (1) The first Statutes are those set out Statutes how to be in the Schedule. made. (2) The Board may from time to time make Statutes or may amend or repeal the Statutes referred to in sub-section (1):

Provided that the Board shall not make, amend or repeal any Statute affecting the status, powers or constitution of any authority of the University until such authority has been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion in writing on the proposed changes, and any opinion so expressed shall be considered by the Board.

(3) Every Statute or any amendment or repeal of a Statute shall require the assent of the Visitor who may assent thereto or withhold assent therefrom or remit it to the Board for consideration.

(4) A Statute or a Statute amending or repealing an existing Statute shall have no validity unless it has been assented to by the Visitor.

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections, the Visitor may amend or repeal the Statutes referred to in sub-section (1) during the period of three years immediately after the commencement of this Act.

(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections, the Visitor may direct the University to make provisions in the Statutes in respect of any matter specified by him and if the Board is unable to implement 61 such direction within sixty days of its receipt, the Visitor may, after considering the reasons, if any, communicated by the Board for its inability to comply with such direction, make or amend the Statutes suitably.

Power to 28. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act make Ordinances. and Statutes, the Ordinances may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) the admission of students to the University and their enrolment as such;

(b) the courses of study to be laid down for all degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University;

(d) the award of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions, the qualifications for the same and the means to be taken relating to the granting and obtaining of the same;

(e) the fees to be charged for courses of study in the University and for admission to the examinations, degrees, diplomas and certificates of the University;

(f) the conditions for award of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes;

(g) the conduct of examinations, including the term of office and manner of appointment and duties of examining bodies, examiners and moderators;

(h) the conditions of residence of the students;

(i) the special arrangements, if any, which may be made for the residence, discipline and teaching of women students and the prescribing of special courses of studies for them;

62 (j) the appointment and emoluments of employees other than those for whom provision has been made in the Statutes; (k) the establishment of special centres, specialised laboratories and other committees; (l) the manner of co-operation and collaboration with other Universities and authorities including learned bodies or associations; (m) the creation, composition and functions of any other body which is considered necessary for improving the academic life of the University; (n) such other terms and conditions of service of teachers and other academic staff as are not prescribed by the Statutes; (o) the management of colleges and institutions established by the University; (p) the setting up of a mechanism for redressal of grievances of employees; and (q) all other matters which by this Act or the Statutes may be provided for by the Ordinances.

(2) The first Ordinances shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor with the previous approval of the Central Government and the Ordinances so made may be amended or repealed at any time by the Board in the manner prescribed by the Statutes.

29. The authorities of the University may Regulations. make Regulations, consistent with this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances for the conduct of their own business and that of the Committees appointed by them and not provided for by this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances in the manner prescribed by the Statutes.

30. (1) The annual report of the University Annual shall be prepared under the direction of the report. Board, which shall include, among other 63 matters, the steps taken by the University towards the fulfilment of its objects and shall be submitted to the Board on or after such date as may be prescribed by the Statutes and the Board shall consider the report in its annual meeting. (2) The Board shall submit the annual report to the Visitor along with its comments, if any. (3) A copy of the annual report as prepared under sub-section (1) shall also be submitted to the Central Government, which shall, as soon as may be, cause the same to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament.

Annual 31. (1) The annual accounts of the accounts. University shall be prepared under the directions of the Board and shall, once at least every year and at intervals of not more than fifteen months, be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or by such persons as he may authorise in this behalf. (2) A copy of the annual accounts together with the audit report thereon shall be submitted to the Board and the Visitor along with the observations of the Board. (3) Any observations made by the Visitor on the annual accounts shall be brought to the notice of the Board and observations of the Board, if any, shall be submitted to the Visitor. (4) A copy of the annual accounts together with the audit report as submitted to the Visitor, shall also be submitted to the Central Government, which shall, as soon as may be, cause the same to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament. (5) The audited annual accounts after having been laid before both the Houses of Parliament shall be published in the Official Gazette.

Conditions 32. (1) Every employee of the University of service shall be appointed under a written contract of employees. which shall be lodged with the University and a copy of which shall be furnished to the employee concerned. 64 (2) Any dispute arising out of the contract between the University and any employee shall, at the request of the employee, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration consisting of one member appointed by the Board, one member nominated by the employee concerned and an umpire appointed by the Visitor. (3) The decision of the Tribunal shall be final, and no suit shall lie in any civil court in respect of the matters decided by the Tribunal. (4) Every request made by the employee under sub-section (2) shall be deemed to be a submission to arbitration upon the terms of this section within the meaning of the Arbitration 26 of 1996 and Conciliation Act, 1996. (5) The procedure for regulating the work of the Tribunal shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

33. (1) Any student or candidate for an Procedure examination whose name has been removed of appeal and from the rolls of the University by the orders or arbitration resolution of the Vice-Chancellor, Discipline in disciplinary Committee or Examination Committee, as the cases case may be, and who has been debarred from against appearing at the examinations of the University students. for more than one year, may, within ten days of the date of receipt of such orders or copy of such resolution by him, appeal to the Board and the Board may confirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Vice-Chancellor or the Committee, as the case may be. (2) Any dispute arising out of any disciplinary action taken by the University against a student shall, at the request of such student, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration and the provisions of sub-sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of section 32 shall, as far as may be, apply to a reference made under this sub-section.

34. Every employee or student of the Right to University or of a college or institution appeal. maintained by the University shall, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, 65 have a right to appeal, within such time as may be prescribed by the Statutes, to the Board against the decision of any officer or authority of the University or any college or an institution, as the case may be, and thereupon the Board may confirm, modify or reverse the decision appealed against.

Provident 35. (1) The University shall constitute for and pension funds. the benefit of its employees such provident or pension fund or provide such insurance schemes as it may deem fit in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

(2) Where such provident fund or pension fund has been so constituted, the Central Government may, if deem fit, declare that the provisions of the Provident Funds Act, 1925, 19 of 1925 shall apply to such fund, as if it were a Government provident fund.

Disputes as 36. If any question arises as to whether to constitution any person has been duly appointed as, or is of entitled to be, a member of any authority of University authorities. the University, the matter shall be referred to the Visitor whose decision thereon shall be final.

Constitution 37. Where any authority of the University of committees. is given power by this Act or the Statutes to appoint Committees, such Committees shall, save as otherwise provided, consist of the members of the authority concerned and of such persons, if any, as the authority in each case may think fit.

Filling of 38. All casual vacancies among the members casual vacancies. (other than ex officio members) of any authority or other body of the University shall be filled, as soon as may be, by the person or body who appoints or co-opts the member whose place has become vacant and the person or body appointed or co-opted to a casual vacancy shall be a member of such authority or body for the residue of the term, for which the person whose place he fills would have been a member.

66 39. No act or proceedings of any authority Proceedings of the of the University shall be invalid merely by University reason of the existence of a vacancy or authorities vacancies among its members. not invalidated by vacancy. 40. No suit, prosecution or other legal Protection of action proceedings shall lie against the Board, Vice- taken in Chancellor, any authority or officer or other good faith. employee of the University for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances.

41. A copy of any receipt, application, Mode of notice, order, proceeding, resolution of any proof of University authority or Committee of the University, or records. other documents in possession of the University, or any entry in any register duly maintained by the University, if verified by the Registrar, shall be received as prima facie evidence of such receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding, resolution or documents or the existence of entry in the register and shall be admitted as evidence of the matters and transactions therein where the original thereof would, if produced, have been admissible in evidence, notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian 1 of 1872 Evidence Act, 1872 or in any other law for the time being in force.

42. (1) On and from the date of Effect of commencement of this Act,— establishment of University. (a) any reference to the Rajendra Agricultural University in any contract or other instrument shall be deemed as a reference to the University; (b) all property, movable and immovable, of or belonging to the Rajendra Agricultural University shall vest in the University; (c) all rights and liabilities of the Rajendra Agricultural University shall be transferred to, and be the rights and liabilities of, the University. 67 (2) Every person permanently employed in the Rajendra Agricultural University immediately before the commencement of the Act who meets the requisite qualification and criteria of recruitment in the University shall be provided an opportunity to be employed as such:

Provided that every member of the academic staff and member of Faculty who does not meet the requisite qualification and criteria shall be given an opportunity for two years to upgrade the qualification and to meet the criteria:

Provided further that every other person permanently employed shall be given an opportunity to upgrade the qualification and to meet the criteria, in the manner provided by the Regulations:

Provided also that the tenure, remuneration, terms and conditions, rights and privileges as to pension, leave, gratuity, provident fund and all other matters of every other person permanently employed by the Rajendra Agricultural University shall be determined by the State Government of Bihar.

(3) All efforts shall be made by the State Government of Bihar to engage any surplus or temporary academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee of the Rajendra Agricultural University, by or against whom any dispute is pending.

(4) Any dispute or litigation, the cause of action for which has arisen between any member of academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee and the Rajendra Agricultural University before the commencement of this Act shall be instituted, prosecuted or continued between the academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee and the Rajendra Agricultural University, as if this Act had not been enacted, and all such cases shall be managed by a special cell to be constituted by

68 the State Government of Bihar and all expenses relating to the management of such cases including any compensation payable to any person thereof shall be borne by the State Government. (5) Any academic course, programme or scheme as on the date of commencement of the Act shall be continued, till the completion of the course, programme or scheme with such modifications as the University may deem fit. (6) The State Government of Bihar and the University shall bear the proportionate cost of pension and other liabilities of every academic staff, teacher, member of Faculty or other employee, proportionate to the extent of the respective period of service of the person and the State Government shall provide its contribution to the University which may discharge any liability on account of this. (7) Any matter relating to permanent record of students, teachers, academic staff, Faculty and every other employee shall be provided by Regulations. (8) Pension and all other post-retirement benefits including medical benefits of every academic staff, teacher, faculty member and every other employee who has superannuated before the commencement of this Act shall be borne by the State Government of Bihar, the payment of which shall be made through the University and shall be governed by the rules relating thereof made by the State Government of Bihar in this behalf. (9) The retirement age of every teacher, academic staff, Faculty and every other employee of the University shall be governed by any law for the time being in force. (10) Any matter governing the conditions of service relating to the teacher, academic staff, Faculty and every other employee for which no provision has been made in this Act, shall be determined by the corresponding provisions made by the Central Government. 69 Power to 43. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect remove difficulties. to the provision of this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulties:

Provided that no such order shall be made under this section after the expiry of three years from the commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament.

Transitional 44. Notwithstanding anything contained in provisions. this Act, and the Statutes,—

(a) the first Chancellor and the first Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor and shall hold office for a term of five years;

(b) the first Registrar and the first Comptroller shall be appointed by the Visitor and each of the said officers shall hold office for a term of three years;

(d) the first members of the Academic Council shall be nominated by the Visitor and shall hold office for a term of three years:

Provided that if any vacancy occurs in the above offices or authorities, the same shall be filled by appointment or nomination, as the case may be, by the Visitor, and the person so appointed or nominated shall hold office for so long as the officer or member in whose place he is appointed or nominated would have held office, if such vacancy had not occurred.

70 45. (1) The Bihar Agricultural University Act, Repeal of Bihar Bihar Act 1987 in so far as it relates to the Rajendra Agricultural 8 of 1988 Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar is hereby University repealed. Act.

(2) Notwithstanding the repeal,—

(a) all appointments made, orders issued, degrees and other academic distinctions conferred, diplomas and certificates awarded, privileges granted or other things done under the Bihar Bihar Act Agricultural University Act, 1987 in so far 8 of 1988 as it relates to the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, shall be deemed to have been respectively made, issued, conferred, awarded, granted or done under the corresponding provisions of this Act, and, except as otherwise provided by or under this Act or the Statues, continue in force unless and until they are superseded by any order made under this Act or the Statues; and

(b) all proceedings of Selection Committees for the appointment or promotions of teachers that took place before the commencement of this Act and all actions of the Governing Body in respect of the recommendations of such Selection Committees where no orders of appointment on the basis thereof were passed before the commencement of this Act in so far as it relates to Rajendra Agricultural University, shall, notwithstanding that the procedure for selection has been modified by this Act be deemed to have been valid but further proceeding in connection with such pending selections shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of this Act and be continued from the stage where they stood immediately before such commencement, except if the concerned authorities take, with the approval of the Visitor, a decision to the contrary.

71 Statutes, 46. (1) Every Statute, Ordinance or Ordinances and Regulation made under this Act shall be Regulations published in the Official Gazette. to be published in (2) Every Statute, Ordinance or Regulation the Official Gazette and made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as to be laid may be after it is made, before each House of before Parliament. Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the Statutes, Ordinance or Regulation or both Houses agree that the Statute, Ordinance or Regulation should not be made, the Statute, Ordinance or Regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that Statute, Ordinance or Regulation.

(3) The power to make Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations shall include the power to give retrospective effect from a date not earlier than the date of commencement of this Act, to the Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations or any of them but no retrospective effect shall be given to any Statute, Ordinance or Regulation so as to prejudicially affect the interests of any person to whom such Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations may be applicable.

72 THE SCHEDULE

(See section 26)

THE STATUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY

The Chancellor

1. (1) The Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor from a panel of not less than three persons recommended by the Board from amongst persons of eminence in education in general and agricultural sciences in particular:

Provided that if the Visitor does not approve any of the persons, so recommended, he may call for fresh recommendations from the Board.

(2) The Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years and shall not be eligible for re-appointment: Provided that notwithstanding the expiry of his term of office, the Chancellor shall continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office.

The Vice-Chancellor

2. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor from a panel of not less than three persons who shall be recommended by a Committee as constituted under clause (2).

(2) The Committee referred to in clause (1) shall consist of the following:—

(i) Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Government of India who shall be the Chairman; (ii) one nominee of the Visitor as Member, who shall also be the convener.

(iii) one nominee of the Central Government. (3) The Vice-Chancellor shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University.

(4) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office, or until he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier, and he shall be eligible for re-appointment for a further term of five years, or until he attains the age of seventy years whichever is earlier: 73 Provided that notwithstanding the expiry of the said period of five years, he shall continue in office for a period not exceeding one year or until his successor is appointed and enters upon his office.

(5) The emoluments and other conditions of service of the Vice-Chancellor shall be as follows:—

(i) the Vice-Chancellor shall be paid a monthly salary and allowances other than the house rent allowance, at the rate fixed by the Central Government from time to time and he shall be entitled, without payment of rent, to use a furnished residence throughout his term of office and no charge shall fall on the Vice-Chancellor in respect of the maintenance of such residence;

(ii) the Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to such terminal benefits and allowances as may be fixed by the Board with the approval of the Visitor from time to time:

Provided that where an employee of the University or a college or an institution maintained by it, or any other University or any institution maintained by or affiliated to such other University, is appointed as the Vice-Chancellor, he may be allowed to continue to contribute to any provident fund of which he is a member and the University shall contribute to the account of such person in that provident fund at the same rate at which the person had been contributing immediately before his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor:

Provided further that where such employee had been a member of any pension scheme, the University shall make the necessary contribution to such scheme;

(iii) the Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to travelling and other allowances as per rate fixed from time to time by the Government of India for the officers equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the Government of India;

(iv) the Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to transfer travelling allowances and other allowances as admissible to officers of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India for joining and after relinquishing the post;

(v) the Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to leave on full pay at the rate of thirty days in a calendar year and the leave shall be credited to his account in advance in two half-yearly instalments of fifteen days each on the first day of January and July every year: 74 Provided that if the Vice-Chancellor assumes or relinquishes charge of the office of the Vice-Chancellor during the currency of a half year, the leave shall be credited proportionately at the rate of two and a half days for each completed month of service;

(vi) in addition to the leave referred to in sub-clause (iv), the Vice-Chancellor shall also be entitled to half-pay leave at the rate of twenty days for each completed year of service. This half-pay leave may also be availed of as commuted leave on full pay on medical certificate:

Provided that when commuted leave is available, twice the amount of half- pay leave shall be debited against half-pay leave due;

(vii) the Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to Leave Travel Concession and Home Travel Concession as per rules of Government of India;

(viii) the Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to the benefit of leave encashment at the time of laying down the office as per rules of Government of India.

(6) If the office of the Vice-Chancellor becomes vacant due to death, resignation or otherwise, or if he is unable to perform his duties due to ill health or any other cause, the senior-most Dean or Director, as the case may be, shall perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor until a new Vice-Chancellor assumes office or until the Vice-Chancellor attends to the duties of his office, as the case may be.

Powers and duties of the Vice-Chancellor

3. (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be ex officio Chairman of the Board, the Academic Council, the Finance Committee, the Research Council and the Extension Education Council and shall, in the absence of the Chancellor, preside over the Convocations held for conferring degrees.

(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall be entitled to be present at, and address, any meeting of any authority of the University, but shall not be entitled to vote thereat unless he is a member of such authority.

(3) It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chancellor to see that this Act, the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations are duly observed, and he shall have all the powers necessary to ensure such observance.

(4) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise control over the affairs of the University and shall give effect to the decisions of all the authorities of the University. 75 (5) The Vice-Chancellor shall have all the powers necessary for the proper maintenance of discipline in the University and he may delegate any such powers to such person or persons as he may deem fit. (6) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to convene or cause to be convened the meetings of the Board, the Academic Council, the Research Council, the Extension Education Council and the Finance Committee. The Dean of colleges and Faculties 4. (1) Each Faculty shall have a Dean who shall also be the head of the college concerned. (2) If any Faculty has more than one college, the Vice-Chancellor may nominate one of the Deans as the Dean of the Faculty. (3) The Dean of the college shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose as per statute 18 and he shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University. (4) The Dean shall be entitled to rent free and unfurnished residential accommodation. (5) The Dean shall hold the office for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment: Provided that a Dean on attaining the age of sixty-five years shall cease to hold office as such. (6) When the office of the Dean is vacant or when the Dean is, by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform duties of his office, the duties of the office shall be performed by such persons as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. (7) The Dean shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the conduct and maintenance of the standards of teaching in the college and Faculty and shall perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Ordinances. (8) The Dean shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Board of Studies of the Faculty, a member of the Academic Council, the Research Council and the Extension Education Council of the University. The Director of Education 5. (1) The Director of Education shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose and he shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University. 76 (2) The Director of Education shall be entitled to rent free and unfurnished residential accommodation.

(3) The Director of Education shall hold office for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment: Provided that Director of Education on attaining the age of sixty- five years shall cease to hold office as such. (4) The Director of Education shall be responsible for planning, co-ordination and supervision for all educational programmes in the various Faculties of the University. The Director of Research 6. (1) The Director of Research shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose and he shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University. (2) The Director of Research shall be entitled to rent free and unfurnished accommodation. (3) The Director of Research shall hold office for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment: Provided that the Director of Research on attaining the age of sixty-five years shall cease to hold office as such. (4) The Director of Research shall be responsible for supervision and co-ordination of all research programmes of the University and shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for performance of his duties. (5) The Director of Research shall be ex officio Member-Secretary of the Research Council of the University. The Director of Extension Education 7. (1) The Director of Extension Education shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose and he shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University. (2) The Director of Extension Education shall be entitled to rent free and unfurnished accommodation. (3) The Director of Extension Education shall hold office for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment:

Provided that the Director of Extension Education on attaining the age of sixty-five years shall cease to hold office as such.

77 (4) The Director of Extension Education shall be responsible for supervision and coordination of all Extension Education Programmes in the University and shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for performance of his duties. (5) The Director of Extension Education shall be ex officio Member- Secretary of the Extension Education Council of the University. The Registrar 8. (1) The Registrar shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendations of a duly constituted Selection Committee under Statute 18 and he shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University. (2) The Registrar shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for performance of his duties. (3) The Registrar shall be appointed for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment. (4) He may also be appointed on deputation for a specified period not exceeding five years. (5) The emoluments and other terms and conditions of service of the Registrar shall be such as may be prescribed by the Ordinances: Provided that the Registrar shall retire on attaining the age of sixty years. (6) In case of a person appointed on deputation, his tenure, emoluments and other terms of service shall be according to the terms of deputation. (7) When the office of the Registrar is vacant or when the Registrar is, by reason of illness, absence, or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the duties of the office shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose. (8) (a) The Registrar shall have the power to take disciplinary action against such of the employees excluding teachers, as may be specified in the order of the Board and to suspend them pending inquiry, to administer warnings to them or to impose on them the penalty of censure or the withholding of increment: Provided that no such penalty shall be imposed unless the person concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken in regard to him. (b) An appeal shall lie to the Vice-Chancellor against any order of the Registrar imposing any of the penalties specified in sub-clause (a). 78 (c) In a case where the inquiry discloses that a punishment beyond the power of the Registrar is called for, the Registrar shall, upon conclusion of inquiry, make a report to the Vice-Chancellor along with his recommendations:

Provided that an appeal shall lie to the Board against an order of the Vice-Chancellor imposing any penalty.

(9) The Registrar shall be the ex officio Secretary of the Board and the Academic Council, but shall not be deemed to be a member of any of these authorities.

(10) It shall be the duty of the Registrar—

(a) to be the custodian of the records, the common seal and such other property of the University as the Board shall commit to his charge; (b) to issue all notice convening meeting of the Board, the Academic Council and of any Committee appointed by those authorities; (c) to keep the minutes of all the meetings of the Board, the Academic Council and of any committees appointed by those authorities; (d) to conduct the official correspondence of the Board and the Academic Council; (e) to arrange for the examinations of the University in accordance with the manner prescribed by the Ordinances or notifications; (f) to supply to the Visitor, copies of the agenda of the meetings of the authorities of the University as soon as they are issued and the minutes of such meetings; (g) to represent the University in suits or proceedings by or against the University, sign powers of attorney and verify pleadings or depute his representatives for the purpose; and (h) to perform such other duties as may be specified in the Statutes, the Ordinances or the Regulations or as may be required, from time to time, by the Board or the Vice-Chancellor.

The Comptroller

9. (1) The Comptroller shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendations of a duly constituted Selection Committee under Statute 18 and he shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University.

79 (2) The Comptroller shall be appointed for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

(3) The Comptroller may also be appointed on deputation for a specified period not exceeding five years.

(4) The emoluments and other terms and conditions of service of the Comptroller shall be such as may be prescribed by the Ordinances.

(5) In case of a person being appointed as Comptroller on deputation, his tenure, emoluments and other terms of service shall be according to the standard of deputation:

Provided that the Comptroller shall retire on attaining the age of sixty years.

(6) When the office of the Comptroller is vacant or when the Comptroller is, by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the duties of the office shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose.

(7) The Comptroller shall be the ex officio Secretary of the Finance Committee, but shall not be deemed to be a member of such Committee.

(8) The Comptroller shall—

(a) exercise general supervision over the funds of the University and shall advise it as regards its financial policy; and

(b) perform such other duties as may be specified in the Statutes, the Ordinances or as may be required, from time to time, by the Board or the Vice-Chancellor.

(9) Subject to the control of the Board, the Comptroller shall—

(a) hold and manage the property and investments of the University including trust and endowed property;

(b) ensure that the limits fixed by the Board for recurring and non-recurring expenditure for a year are not exceeded and that all moneys are expended on the purpose for which they are granted or allotted;

(c) be responsible for the preparation of annual accounts and the budget of the University and for their presentation to the Board;

(d) keep a constant watch on the state of the cash and bank balances and on the state of investments;

80 (e) watch the progress of the collection of revenue and advise on the methods of collection employed; (f) ensure that the registers of buildings, land, furniture and equipment are maintained up-to-date and that stock-checking is conducted, of equipment and other consumable materials in all offices, specialised laboratories, colleges and institutions maintained by the University; (g) bring to the notice of the Vice-Chancellor unauthorised expenditure and other financial irregularities and suggest disciplinary action against persons at fault; and (h) call for from any office, laboratory, college or institution maintained by the University and information or returns that he may consider necessary for performance of his duties. (10) Any receipt given by the Comptroller or the person or persons duly authorised in this behalf by the Board for any money payable to the University shall be sufficient discharge for payment of such money. Heads of Departments 10. (1) Each Department shall have a Head appointed by the Vice-Chancellor who shall be not below the rank of an Associate professor and whose duties and functions and terms and conditions of appointment shall be prescribed by the Ordinances. (2) The Head of Department shall be responsible to the Dean for teaching, to Director of Research for research, to Director of Extension Education for extension education work. (3) The Dean shall be the administrative controlling officer of the Heads of Departments in college concerned: Provided that if there is more than one Professor in any Department, the Head of the Department shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor from amongst the Professors: Provided further that in the case of Department where there is only one Professor, the Vice-Chancellor shall have the option, to appoint either the Professor or an Associate Professor as the Head of the Department. (4) It shall be open to a Professor or an Associate Professor to decline the offer of appointment as the Head of the Department. (5) A Professor or an Associate Professor appointed as Head of the Department shall hold office as such for a period of three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

81 (6) A Head of the Department may resign his office at any time during his tenure of office.

(7) A Head of the Department shall perform such functions as may be prescribed by the Ordinances. (8) The Head of the Department shall retire at the age of sixty-five years. Librarians 11. (1) Every Librarian shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose under Statute 18 and he shall be a whole-time salaried officer of the University. (2) Every Librarian shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the Vice-Chancellor. Constitution, powers and functions of the Board of Management 12. (1) The Board shall consist of the following members, namely:— (i) the Vice-Chancellor, ex officio Chairman; (ii) three Secretaries, from amongst the Secretaries-in-charge of the Departments of Agriculture or Animal Husbandry, Fishery and Horticulture of the State of Bihar to be nominated by the Visitor by rotation; (iii) three eminent scientists to be nominated by the Visitor; (iv) one distinguished person representing Agro-based industries or a manufacturer having a special knowledge in agricultural development to be nominated by the Visitor; (v) the Deputy Director-General (Education) representing the Indian Council of Agricultural Research; (vi) one Dean of college and one Director to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor on rotational basis; (vii) two persons representing farmers to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (viii) one woman social worker representing woman social organisation to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (ix) an Advisor (Agriculture), Planning Commission;

(x) a distinguished authority on natural resource or environment management to be nominated by the Visitor;

82 (xi) two persons not below the rank of Joint Secretary representing respectively the Departments of Government of India dealing with the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry to be nominated by the concerned Secretary to the Government of India;

(xii) nominee of the Secretary representing the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Government of India;

(xiii) the Registrar of the University-Secretary.

(2) The term of office of the members of the Board, other than ex officio members, shall be three years.

(3) The Board shall have the power of management and administration of the revenue and property of the University and the conduct of all administrative affairs of the University not otherwise provided for.

(4) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances, the Board shall in addition to all other powers vested in it, have the following powers, namely:—

(i) to create teaching and academic posts, to determine the number and emoluments of such posts and to define the duties and conditions of service of University staff, subject to the approval of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research;

(ii) to appoint such teachers and other academic staff, as may be necessary, and Deans of colleges, Director and Heads of other institutions maintained by the University on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted for the purpose and to fill up temporary vacancies therein;

(iii) to create administrative, ministerial and other necessary posts and to make appointments thereto in the manner prescribed by the Ordinances;

(iv) to regulate and enforce discipline among employees in accordance with the Statutes and Ordinances;

(v) to manage and regulate the finances, accounts, investments, property, business and all other administrative affairs of the University, and for that purpose to appoint such agents as it may think fit;

(vi) to fix limits on the total recurring and the total non-recurring expenditure for a year on the recommendations of the Finance Committee;

83 (vii) to invest any money belonging to the University, including any unapplied income, in such stocks, funds shares or securities, from time to time, as it may think fit or in the purchase of immovable property in India, with the like powers of varying such investment from time to time; (viii) to transfer or accept transfers of any movable or immovable property on behalf of the University; (ix) to provide buildings, premises, furniture and apparatus and other means needed for carrying on the work of the University; (x) to enter into, vary, carry out and cancel contracts on behalf of the University; (xi) to entertain, adjudicate upon, and, if thought fit, to redress any grievances of the employees and students of the University; (xii) to fix fees, honorarium, emoluments and travelling allowances of examiners or experts or consultants, advisors and officers on special duty; (xiii) to select a common seal for the University and provide for the custody and use of such seal; (xiv) to make such special arrangements as may be necessary for the residence and discipline of women students; (xv) to delegate any of its powers to the Vice-Chancellor, Deans, Directors, Registrar or Comptroller or such other employee or authority of the University or to a Committee appointed by it as it may deem fit; (xvi) to institute fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes; (xvii) to provide for appointment of Visiting Professor, Emeritus Professor, Consultant and Officers on Special Duty and scholars and to determine the terms and conditions of such appointment; (xviii) to exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred on it by the Act, or the Statutes.

Quorum for meetings of the Board 13. Five members of the Board shall form the quorum for a meeting of the Board.

Constitution and powers of the Academic Council 14. (1) The Academic Council shall consist of the following members, namely:—

(i) the Vice-Chancellor, ex officio Chairman; 84 (ii) all the Deans of the colleges of the University; (iii) the Director of Research of the University; (iv) the Director of Extension Education of the University; (v) the Director of Education; (vi) a Librarian to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor on rotational basis; (vii) two eminent scientists to be co-opted from outside the University to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (viii) seven Heads of the Departments, at least one from each Faculty to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (ix) the Registrar of the University, ex officio Secretary.

(2) The term of office of the members of the Academic Council other than ex officio members shall be three years.

(3) Subject to the Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances, the Academic Council shall, in addition to all other powers vested in it, have the following powers, namely:—

(a) to exercise general supervision over the academic policies of the University and to give directions regarding methods of instruction, co-operative teaching among colleges and institutions, evaluation and improvements in academic standards;

(b) to bring about inter-college co-ordination and establish or appoint Committee on academic matters;

(c) to consider matters of general academic interest either on its own initiative or on a reference by a college or the Board and to take appropriate action thereon; and

(d) to frame such regulations and rules consistent with the Statutes and the Ordinances regarding the academic functioning of the University, discipline, residences, admissions, award of fellowships and studentships, fees, concessions, corporate life and attendance.

Quorum for meetings of the Academic Council

15. One-third members of the Academic Council shall form the quorum for a meeting of the Academic Council.

Board of Studies

16. (1) Each Faculty shall have a Board of Studies.

85 (2) The Board of Studies of each Faculty shall be constituted as under:—

(i) Dean of Faculty—Chairperson; (ii) Director of Research—Member; (iii) Director of Extension Education—Member; (iv) All Heads of Departments of the Faculty not below the rank of Associate Professor—Member; (v) One representative of the Academic Council not belonging to the particular Faculty to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor; (vi) Two eminent scientists from agricultural education system not belonging to the University to be nominated by the Vice- Chancellor; (vii) One final year Post-Graduate student with Highest Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA)—Member; (viii) Assistant Registrar (Academic) of the Faculty — Member; (ix) Director of Education—Member.

(3) The functions of the Board of Studies shall be to recommend to the Academic Council, the course curriculum to be prescribed for various degrees to be offered by the concerned faculty and to make suitable recommendations for the teaching of the prescribed approved course, namely:—

(a) courses of studies and appointment of examiners for courses, but excluding research degrees; (b) appointment of supervisors of research; and

17. (1) The Finance Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:— (i) the Vice-Chancellor—Chairman; (ii) Financial Advisor, Department of Agricultural Research and Education or his nominee not below the rank of Deputy Secretary; (iii) three persons to be nominated by the Board, out of whom at least one shall be a member of the Board; (iv) three persons to be nominated by the Visitor; and (v) the Comptroller of the University—Member-Secretary. 86 (2) Three members of the Finance Committee shall form the quorum for meeting of the Finance Committee. (3) The members of the Finance Committee other than ex officio members, shall hold office for a term of three years. (4) A member of the Finance Committee shall have the right to record a minute of dissent if he does not agree with any decision of the Finance Committee. (5) The Finance Committee shall meet at least twice a year to examine the accounts and to scrutinise proposals for expenditure. (6) Every proposal relating to creation of posts and those items which have not been included in the Budget, shall be examined by the Finance Committee before they are considered by the Board. (7) The annual accounts and the financial estimates of the University prepared by the Comptroller, shall be laid before the Finance Committee for consideration and comments and thereafter submitted to the Board for approval. (8) The Finance Committee shall recommend limits for the total recurring expenditure and the total non-recurring expenditure for the year, based on the income and resources of the University (which, in case of productive works, may include the proceeds of loans). Selection Committees 18. (1) There shall be a selection Committee for making recommendations to the Board for appointment to the post of teachers, Comptroller, Registrar, Librarians, Deans of colleges, Directors and Heads of other institutions maintained by the University. (2) The Selection Committee for appointment to the posts specified in column 1 of the Table below shall consist of members as specified in the corresponding entries in column 2 of the said Table: TABLE 12 3 A. Directors /Deans (i) Vice-Chancellor or his nominee—Chairman (ii) One nominee of the Visitor—Member (iii) Three eminent scientists not below the rank of Vice-Chancellor or equivalent (serving or retired) to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from a panel of six names approved by the Board- Member.

87 12 3

B. Professors/Equivalent (i) Vice Chancellor or his nominee—Chairman (ii) One nominee of the Visitor—Member (iii) Dean of concerned Faculty—Member (iv) Director of Research or Director of Extension Education or Director of Education to be nominated by the Vice Chancellor—Member (v) Three eminent subject specialists not below the rank of Head of Departments (serving or retired) to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor out of a panel of six names approved by the Board—Member. C. Associate Professor/ (i) Vice-Chancellor or his nominee—Chairman Assistant Professor/ (ii) One nominee of the Visitor—Member Equivalent (iii) Dean of concerned Faculty —Member (iv) Director of Education or Director of Research or Director of Extension Education to be nominated by the Vice Chancellor—Member (v) Two eminent teachers or scientists not below the rank of Professor or equivalent (serving or retired) to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor out of a panel of six names approved by the Board—Members. D. Registrar/Comptroller/ (i) Vice Chancellor or his nominee—Chairman Librarian (ii) One nominee of the Visitor—Member (iii) One Director/Dean to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor—Member (iv) Two experts in the concerned subject to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, out of a panel of six names approved by the Board—Members.

(3) The Vice-Chancellor, or in his absence, his nominee shall preside at the meeting of the Selection Committee:

Provided that the meetings of the Selection Committee shall be fixed after prior consultation with the nominees of the Visitor:

Provided further that the proceedings of the Selection Committee shall not be valid unless at least two members, not in the service of the University are present in the meeting.

88 (4) The meeting of the Selection Committee shall be convened by the Vice-Chancellor or in his absence by his nominee.

(5) The procedure to be followed by the Selection Committee in making recommendations shall be decided by the Committee prior to the interview.

(6) If the Board is unable to accept the recommendations made by the Selection Committee, it shall record its reasons and submit the case to the Visitor for final orders.

(7) Appointments to temporary posts shall be made in the manner indicated below:—

(i) The Vice-Chancellor shall have the authority to appoint a person on ad hoc basis for a period not exceeding six months extendable by a further period of six months with the approval of the Board:

Provided that if the Vice-Chancellor is satisfied that in the interest of work it is necessary to fill the vacancy, the appointment may be made on a purely temporary basis by the local Selection Committee referred to in sub-clause (ii) for the period not exceeding six months.

(ii) If the temporary vacancy is for a period less than one year, an appointment to such vacancy shall be made on the recommendation of the local Selection Committee consisting of the Dean of the college concerned, the Head of the Department and a nominee of the Vice-Chancellor:

Provided that if the same person holds the offices of the Dean and the Head of the Department, the Selection Committee may contain two nominees of the Vice-Chancellor:

Provided further that in case of sudden casual vacancies of teaching posts caused by death or any other reason, the Dean may, in consultation with the Head of the Department concerned, make a temporary appointment for one month and report to the Vice- Chancellor and the Registrar about such appointment.

(iii) No teacher appointed temporarily shall, if he is not recommended by the regular Selection Committee for appointment under the Statutes, be continued in service on such temporary employment, unless he is subsequently selected by the local Selection Committee or the regular Selection Committee, for a temporary or permanent appointment, as the case may be. 89 (8) Mode of constitution of the Selection Committee for non-academic staff, not prescribed in the Statutes, shall be prescribed by the Ordinances.

Special mode of appointment

19. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in Statute 18, the Board may invite a person of high academic distinction and professional attainments to accept a post of Profesosor or Associate Professor or any other academic post in the University, as the case may be, on such terms and conditions as it deems fit, and on the person agreeing to do so, appoint him to the post.

(2) the Board may appoint a teacher or any other academic staff working in any other University or organisation for undertaking a joint project in accordance with the manner laid down in the Ordinances.

Appointment for a fixed tenure

20. The Board may appoint a person selected in accordance with the procedure laid down in Statute 18 for a fixed tenure on such terms and conditions as it deems fit.

Qualifications of Director, Dean, Professor, etc.

21. (1) Qualifications of Director, Dean, Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor of different Faculties and their equivalents in Research and Extension Education shall be as prescribed by the Ordinances.

(2) Qualification of non-academic staff shall be prescribed by the Ordinances.

Committees

22. (1) The authorities of the University specified in section 17 may appoint as many standing or special Committees as it may deem fit, and may appoint to such Committees persons who are not members of such authority.

(2) Any such Committee appointed under clause (1) may deal with any subject delegated to it subject to confirmation by the authority appointing it.

Terms and conditions of service and code of conduct of the teachers, etc.

23. (1) All the teachers and other academic staff of the University shall, in the absence of any agreement to the contrary, be governed by the terms and conditions of service and code of conduct as are specified in the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations. 90 (2) Every teacher and other staff of the University shall be appointed on a written contract, the term of which shall be prescribed by the Ordinances. (3) A copy of every contract referred to in clause (2) shall be deposited with the Registrar. Terms and conditions of service and code of conduct of other employees 24. All the non-academic employees of the University, shall in the absence of any contract to the contrary, be governed by the terms and conditions of service and code of conduct as are specified in the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations as made from time to time. Seniority list 25. (1) Whenever, in accordance with the Statutes, any person is to hold an office or be a member of an authority of the University by rotation according to seniority, such seniority shall be determined according to the length of continuous service of such person in his grade and, in accordance with such other principles as the Board may, from time to time, prescribe. (2) It shall be the duty of the Registrar to prepare and maintain, in respect of each class of persons to whom the provisions of these Statutes apply, a complete and up-to-date seniority list in accordance with the provisions of clause (1). (3) If two or more persons have equal length of continuous service in a particular grade or the relative seniority of any persons is otherwise in doubt, the Registrar may, on his own motion and shall, at the request of any person, submit the matter to the Board whose decision thereon shall be final. Removal of employees of the University 26. (1) Where there is an allegation of misconduct against a teacher, a member of the academic staff or other employee of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, in case of the teacher or member of the academic staff and the authority competent to appoint (hereinafter referred to as the appointing authority) in the case of other employee, may, by order in writing, place such teacher, member of the academic staff or other employee, as the case may be, under suspension and shall forthwith report to the Board, the circumstances in which the order was made: Provided that the Board may, if it is of the opinion, that the circumstances of the case do not warrant the suspension of the teacher or a member of the academic staff, revoke such order. 91 (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the terms of the contract of appointment or of any other terms and conditions of service of the employees, the Board in respect of teacher and other academic staff and the appointing authority, in respect of other employees, shall have the power to remove a teacher or a member of the academic staff, or other employees, as the case may be, on grounds of misconduct. (3) Save as aforesaid, the Board or the appointing authority, as the case may be, shall not be entitled to remove any teacher, member of the academic staff or other employees except for a good cause and after giving three months, notice or on payment of three months salary in lieu thereof. (4) No teacher, member of the academic staff or other employee shall be removed under clause (2) or clause (3) unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the action proposed to be taken in regard to him. (5) The removal of a teacher, member of the academic staff or other employee shall take effect from the date on which the order of removal is made: Provided that where the teacher, member of the academic staff or other employee is under suspension at the time of his removal, such removal shall take effect from the date on which he was placed under suspension. (6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Statute, a teacher, member of the academic staff or other employee may resign,— (a) if he is a permanent employee, only after giving three months’ notice in writing to the Board or the appointing authority, as the case may be, or by paying three months’ salary in lieu thereof; (b) if he is not a permanent employee, only after giving one month’s notice in writing to the Board or, the appointing authority, as the case may be, or by paying one month’s salary in lieu thereof: Provided that such resignation shall take effect only on the date from which the resignation is accepted by the Board or the appointing authority, as the case may be. Honorary degrees 27. (1) The Board may, on the recommendation of the Academic Council and by a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two- thirds of the members present and voting, make proposals to the Visitor for the conferment of honorary degrees:

92 Provided that in case of emergency, the Board may, on its own motion, make such proposals. (2) The Board may, by a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, withdraw, with the previous sanction of the Visitor, any honorary degree conferred by the University. Withdrawal of degrees, etc. 28. The Board may, by a special resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, withdraw any degree or academic distinction conferred on, or any certificate or diploma granted to, any person by the University for good and sufficient cause: Provided that no such resolution shall be passed until a notice in writing has been given to that person calling upon him to show cause within such time as may be specified in the notice why such a resolution should not be passed and until his objections, if any, and any evidence he may produce in support of them, have been considered by the Board. Maintenance of discipline among students of the University 29. (1) All powers relating to discipline and disciplinary action in relation to students of the University shall vest in the Vice-Chancellor. (2) The Vice-Chancellor may delegate all or any of his powers as he deems proper to such officers as he may specify in this behalf. (3) Without prejudice to the generality of his powers relating to the maintenance of discipline and taking such action, as may seem to him appropriate for the maintenance of discipline, the Vice-Chancellor may, in exercise of his powers, by order, direct that any student or students be expelled, or rusticated, for a specified period, or be not admitted to a course or courses of study in a college, institution or Department of the University for a stated period, or be punished with fine for an amount to be specified in the order, or be debarred from taking an examination or examinations conducted by the University, college, institution or Department for one or more years, or that the results of the student or students concerned in the examination or examinations in which he or they have appeared be cancelled. (4) The Dean of colleges, institutions and Heads of the teaching Departments in the University shall have the authority to exercise all such disciplinary powers over the students in their respective colleges, institutions and teaching Departments in the University as may be necessary for the proper conduct of such colleges, institutions and teaching in the Departments.

93 (5) Without prejudice to the powers of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deans and other persons specified in clause (4), detailed rules of disciplines and proper conduct shall be made by the University.

(6) The Deans of the colleges, institutions and Heads of the teaching Departments in the University may also make the supplementary rules as they deem necessary for the purposes referred to in clause (5).

(7) At the time of admission, every student shall be required to sign a declaration to the effect that he submits himself to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Vice-Chancellor and other authorities of the University.

Maintenance of discipline among students of colleges, etc.

30. All powers relating to discipline and disciplinary action in relation to the students of the college or an institution maintained by the University, shall vest in the Dean of the college or institution, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Ordinances.

Convocations

31. Convocations of the University for the conferring of the degrees or for other purposes shall be held in such manner as may be prescribed by the Ordinances.

Acting Chairman

32. When no provision is made for a Chairman to preside over a meeting of any Committee or when the Chairman so provided for is absent, or the Vice-Chancellor has not in writing made any arrangement, the members shall elect one from among themselves to preside over meeting.

Resignation

33. Any member, other than an ex officio member of the Board, Academic Council or any other authority of the University or any Committee of such authority may resign by letter addressed to the Registrar and the resignation shall take effect as soon as such letter is received by the Registrar.

Disqualifications

34. (1) A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of any of the authorities of the University,—

(i) if he is of unsound mind;

(ii) if he is an un-discharged insolvent;

94 (iii) if he has been convicted by a court of law of an offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for a period of not less than six months. (2) If any question arises as to whether a person is or has been subjected to any of the disqualifications mentioned in clause (1), the question shall be referred to the Visitor and his decision thereon shall be final and no suit or other proceeding shall lie in any civil court against such decision. Residence condition for membership and office 35. Notwithstanding anything contained in the statutes, a person who is not ordinarily resident in India shall not be eligible to be an officer of the University or a member of any authority of the University. Membership of authorities by virtue of membership of other bodies 36. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Statutes, a person who holds any post in the University or is a member of any authority of the University in his capacity as a member of a particular authority or as the holder of a particular appointment shall hold such office or membership only for so long as he continues to be a member of that particular authority or the holder of that particular appointment, as the case may be. Alumni Association 37. (1) There shall be an Alumni Association for the University. (2) The subscription for membership of the Alumni Association shall be prescribed by the Ordinances. (3) No member of the Alumni Association shall be entitled to vote or stand for election unless he has been a member of the said association for at least one year prior to the date of the election and is a degree holder of the University of at least five years standing: Provided that the condition relating to the completion of one year’s membership shall not apply in the case of the first election. Students’ Council 38. (1) There shall be, in each College of the University, a Students’ Council for each academic session for the purpose of making recommendations to the authorities of the University with regard to various activities relating to students welfare, including games, sports, dramatics, debates, cultural activities, etc., and such Council shall consist of:—

(i) the Dean of the College—Chairperson;

(ii) all Hostel Wardens; 95 (iii) Campus Estate Officer;

(iv) five Heads of the Departments to be nominated by the Dean; (v) Hostel Prefects; (vi) one student from each class or year who has secured the Highest Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) in the previous academic session; (vii) Students Welfare Officer—Member-Secretary. (2) The Students Council shall meet at least once in each semester. Ordinances how made 39. (1) The first Ordinance made under sub-section (2) of section 27 may be amended or repealed at any time by the Board in the manner specified below. (2) No Ordinances in respect of the matters enumerated in section 27, other than those enumerated in clause (n) of sub-section (1) thereof shall be made by the Board unless a draft of such Ordinance has been proposed by the Academic Council. (3) The Board shall not have power to amend any draft of any Ordinance proposed by the Academic Council under clause (2), but may reject the proposal or return the draft to the Academic Council for re- consideration either in whole or in part, together with any amendment which the Board may suggest. (4) Where the Board has rejected or returned the draft of an Ordinance proposed by the Academic Council, the Academic Council may consider the question afresh and in case the original draft is reaffirmed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting and more than half the total member of numbers of the Academic Council, the draft may be sent back to the Board which shall either adopt it or refer it to the Visitor whose decision shall be final. (5) Every Ordinance made by the Board shall come into effect immediately. (6) Every Ordinance made by the Board shall be submitted to the Visitor within two weeks from the date of its adoption. (7) The Visitor shall have the power to direct the University within four weeks of the receipt of the Ordinance to suspend the operation of any such Ordinance and he shall, as soon as possible, inform the Board about his objection to the proposed Ordinance.

96 (8) The Visitor may, after receiving the comments of the University, either withdraw the order suspending the Ordinance, or disallow the Ordinance and his decision shall be final. Regulations 40. (1) The authorities of the University may make Regulations consistent with the Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances for the following matters, namely:— (i) laying down the procedure to be observed at meetings and the number of members required to form a quorum; (ii) providing for all matters which are required by the Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances to be specified by the Regulations; (iii) providing for all other matters concerning such authority or Committees appointed by them and not provided for by the Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances. (2) Every authority of the University shall make Regulations providing for the giving of notice to the members of such authorities of the dates of meetings and of the business to be considered at meetings and for the keeping of a record of the proceedings of meetings. (3) The Board may direct the amendment in such manner as it may specify of any Regulation made under the Statutes or the annulment of any such Regulation. Delegation of Powers 41. Subject to the provisions of the Act and the Statutes, any officer or authority of the University may delegate his or its power to any other officer or authority or person under his or its respective control and subject to the condition that overall responsibility for the exercise of power so delegated shall continue to vest in the officer or authority delegating such power. Collaboration with other Institution and Organisations 42. The University shall have the authority to enter into an agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding with any research and /or academic institution of higher learning to conduct collaborative Post Graduate Research Programme to fulfil the partial requirement for the award of Master’s and Ph. D. degrees of the University. Constitution and Function of Research Council 43. (1) There shall be a Research Council of the University to exercise general supervision over the research policies and programmes of the University in the area of Agriculture and allied disciplines.

97 (2) The Research Council shall consist of the following members, namely:— (i) the Vice-Chancellor—Chairman; (ii) Director of Extension Education—Member; (iii) Director of Education—Member; (iv) all Deans of the colleges of the University—Members; (v) Nominee of the State Governments not below the rank of Director—Members; (vi) all co-ordinators of the Research Teams of the University— Members; (vii) two eminent agricultural scientists to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor for three years—Members; (viii) Director of Research—Member-Secretary. (3) The Research Council shall meet at least once in a year. (4) One-third members of the Research Council shall form a quorum for the meeting of the Research Council. (5) If a vacancy occurs due to resignation or otherwise the same shall be filled up for the remaining period. Constitution and function of the Extension Education Council 44. (1) There shall be an Extension Education Council of the University to exercise general supervision over the extension education policies and programmes of the University in the area of Agriculture and allied disciplines. (2) The Extension Education Council shall consist of the following members, namely:— (i) the Vice-Chancellor—Chairman; (ii) Director of Research—Member; (iii) Director of Education—Member; (iv) all Deans of the colleges of the University—Members; (v) Nominee of the State Governments not below the rank of Director—Members; (vi) farmers representatives and one woman social worker to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor for a term of three years— Members; 98 (vii) two eminent scientists from outside the University to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor for two years—Members;

(viii) Director of Extension Education—Member-Secretary.

(3) The Extension Education Council shall meet at least once in a year.

(4) One-third members of the Extension Education Council shall form a quorum for the meeting of the Extension Education Council.

Application of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, etc.

45. (1) All regular employees of the University shall be governed by the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules,1972, and General Provident Fund (Central Services) Rules,1960, in respect of grant of Pension and Gratuity and General Provident Fund.

(2) Any amendment made by the Government of India in the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, and the General Provident Fund (Central Services) Rules, 1960, shall also be applicable to employees of the University.

(3) In respect of commutation of pension, with any amendments there to the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981, shall apply.

(4) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the pension sanctioning authority and the pension authorisation authority.

(5) Pension payment shall be centralised and controlled by Comptroller’s office.

99 STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

Agriculture is the mainstay of economy in the Eastern region of the country but the production levels have remained low due to lack of appropriate production technologies to suit the needs of the farming community. This region is well endowed with natural resources and holds promise for improving the productivity of major crops including rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, mustard, pulses, spices, jute, horticultural crops, etc. Economic status of the farmers in the region can be accomplished through holistic management of land, water, crops, live-stock and fisheries resources. To fulfill the desired goal and achieve excellence in teaching, research and frontline extension, strengthening of infrastructure, trained manpower and world class facilities are essential. Therefore, it has been decided to convert the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar into the Rajendra Central Agricultural University.

2. The conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University into the Rajendra Central Agricultural University will produce the much needed educated manpower in agriculture and allied sciences. It will have a national mandate with focus to address the needs of the Eastern region of the country and particular attention to the State of Bihar for achieving excellence in teaching, research and extension.

3. Hence, the proposal is to convert the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar into the Central Agricultural University, as an institution of national importance for higher learning and for carrying out teaching and research in agriculture relevant to the area and for imparting modern agriculture methods and skills to farmers of the region.

4. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.

NEW DELHI; RADHA MOHAN SINGH The 19th December, 2015.

100 Notes on clauses

Clause 1.—This clause provides for short title and commencement of the Bill.

Clause 2.—This clause provides for declaration of Rajendra Central Agricultural University as an institution of national importance.

Clause 3.—This clause provide for definitions of the terms used in the Bill.

Clause 4.—This clause provides for the establishment and incorporation of the “Rajendra Central Agricultural University”.

It further provides that the headquarters of the University shall be at Pusa in the State of Bihar and it may also establish campuses at such other places within its jurisdiction as it may deem fit.

It also provides that the University shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall sue and be used by the said name.

Clause 5.—This clause provides for objects of the University such as, to impart education in different branches of agriculture and allied sciences, advancement of learning and conducting of research in agricultural and allied sciences, to undertake programmes of extension education in the country with particular attention to the State of Bihar, to promote partnership and linkages with national and international educational institutions and to undertake such other activities as it may, from time to time, determine.

Clause 6.—This clause, inter alia, empowers the University to make provisions for instructions in agriculture and allied sciences, conduct of research in agriculture and allied branches of learning, grant, certificates, diplomas and degrees, confer honorary degrees, to provide lectures and instructions for field workers, village leaders and other persons, to cooperate or collaborate or associate with any other University or authority or institution of higher learning, establish and maintain colleges, campuses, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, special centres, specialised laboratories, libraries, museums or other units, to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes, determine standards of admission to the University, fix, demand and receive such fees and other charges and do all such other acts and things as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of its objects.

101 Clause 7.—This clause provides for the jurisdiction and responsibility of the University which shall extend to the whole country with special reference to the State of Bihar.

Clause 8.—This clause provides the University shall open to persons of every sex, caste, creed, race or class. It further provides that the University may make special provisions for the employment or admission of women, persons with disability or of persons belonging to the weaker sections of the society and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward classes.

Clause 9.—This clause provides that the President of India shall be the Visitor of the University who shall have the right to cause an inspection of the University. It further provides that the Visitor shall have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 10.—This clause provides for the officers of the University.

Clause 11.—This clause provides for the appointment of the Chancellor of the University who shall, by virtue of the office, be the Head of the University.

Clause 12.—This clause provides for the appointment of the Vice- Chancellor of the University and his powers.

Clause 13.—This clause provides that Dean and Director of the University shall be appointed in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 14.—This clause seeks to provides for the appointment of the Registrar of the University who shall, inter-alia, shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records.

Clause 15.—This clause seeks to provides for the appointment of the Comptroller of the University who shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 16.—This clause provides for the appointment and duties of other officers.

Clause 17.—This clause provides for the Authorities of the University.

Clause 18.—This clause provides that the Board of Management shall be the principal executive body of the University, and that its constitution, term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be prescribed by the Statutes. 102 Clause 19.—This clause provides that the Academic Council shall be the principal academic body of the University. It further provides that the constitution of the Academic Council and the term of office of its members shall be prescribed by the Statutes. Clause 20.—This clause provides that the constitution, powers and functions of the Research Council shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 21.—This clause provides that the constitution, powers and functions of the Extension Education Council shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 22.—This clause provides that the constitution, powers and functions of the Finance Committee shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 23.—This clause provides that the University shall have such Faculties as may be prescribed by the Statutes. Clause 24.—This clause provides that the constitution, powers and functions of the Board of Studies shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 25.—This clause provides that the constitution, powers and functions of the other authorities shall be prescribed by the Statutes.

Clause 26.—This clause provides for the matters for which the Statutes may be made. Clause 27.—This clause provides that the first Statutes which are those set out in the Schedule.

It further provides that the Board may from time to time make amend or repeal the Statues and every Statute or any amendment or repeal of a Statute shall require the assent of the Visitor.

It may also provides that the Visitor may amend or repeal the first Statutes during the period of three years immediately after the commencement of the Act, and that the Visitor may direct the University to make provisions in the Statutes in respect of any matter specified by him.

Clause 28.—This clause provides for the matters for which the Ordinances may be made. It further provides that the first Ordinance shall be made by the Vice-Chancellor with the previous approval of the Central Government and Ordinances so made may be amended or repealed at any time by the Board in the prescribed manner.

Clause 29.—This clause provides for the authorities of the University to make Regulations, consistent with this Act, the Statutes and the

103 Ordinances for the conduct of their own business and that of the Committees appointed by them and not provided for by this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances in the prescribed manner. Clause 30.—This clause provides for annual report of the University shall be prepared under the direction of the Board, which shall include, among other matters, the steps taken by the University towards the fulfilment of its objects and shall be submitted to the Board on or after such date as may be prescribed by the Statutes and the Board shall consider the report in its annual meeting. It further provides that the copy of the said report shall be laid before both the Houses of Parliament. Clause 31.—This clause provides that the annual accounts of the University shall be prepared under the directions of the Board and shall, once at least every year and at intervals of not more than fifteen months, be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or by such persons as he may authorise in this behalf. It further provides that a copy of the annual accounts together with the audit report thereon shall be submitted to the Board, the Visitor and the Central Government. It also provides that the audited annual accounts after having been laid before both the Houses of Parliament shall be published in the Official Gazette. Clause 32.—This clause provides that the every employee of the University shall be appointed under a written contract which shall be lodged with the University and a copy of which shall be furnished to the employee concerned. It further provides that any dispute arising out of the contract between the University and any employee shall, at the request of the employee, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration, arbitration upon the terms of this section within the meaning of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Clause 33.—This clause provides for the Procedure of appeal and arbitration in disciplinary cases against students. Any dispute arising out of any disciplinary action taken by the University against a student shall, at the request of such student, be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration. Clause 34.—This clause provides that every employee or student of the University or of a college or institution maintained by the University shall, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, have a right to appeal, within such time as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

104 Clause 35.—This clause provides that the University shall constitute for the benefit of its employees such provident or pension fund or provide such insurance schemes as it may deem fit in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Statutes.

It further provides that the Central Government may declare that the provisions of the Provident Funds Act, 1925, shall apply to such fund, as if it were a Government provident fund.

Clause 36.—This clause provides that if any question arises as to whether any person has been duly appointed as, or is entitled to be, a member of any authority of the University, the matter shall be referred to the Visitor whose decision thereon shall be final.

Clause 37.—This clause provides that where any authority of the University is given power by this Act or the Statutes to appoint Committees, such Committees shall, save as otherwise provided, consist of the members of the authority concerned.

Clause 38.—This clause provides for the filling of casual vacancies of the members of the authority of the University.

Clause 39.—This clause provides that no action or proceedings of any authority of the University shall be invalid merely by reason of the existence of a vacancy or vacancies among its members.

Clause 40.—This clause provides for protection of action taken in good faith. It provides that no suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Board, Vice-Chancellor, any authority or officer or other employee of the University for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances.

Clause 41.—This clause provides that a copy of any receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding, resolution of any authority or Committee of the University, or other documents in possession of the University, or any entry in any register duly maintained by the University, if verified by the Registrar, shall be received as prima facie evidence.

Clause 42.—This clause provides for the effect of establishment of University in the Bill.

Clause 43.—This clause provides the power to remove difficulties.

Clause 44.—This clause provides for the transitional provisions.

Clause 45.—This clause provides for repeal of Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987 (Bihar Act, 8 of 1988) in so far as it relates to the Rajendera Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. 105 Clause 46.—This clause provides that the Statute, Ordinance or Regulation shall be published in the Official Gazette, to and shall be laid before Parliament.

It further provides that the power to make Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations shall include the power to give retrospective effect from a date not earlier than the date of commencement of this Act, to the Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations.

Schedule.—It specifies that Statutes of the University.

106 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Clause 4 of the Bill provides that the Rajendra Agricultural University established and incorporated under the Bihar Agricultural University Act,1987 (Bihar Act 8 of 1988), shall be established as a body corporate under this Act by the name “Rajendra Central Agricultural University” in the State of Bihar with headquarter at Pusa. The University is established by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University into a Central Agricultural University and therefore, the total estimated expenditure on the establishment of the Rajendra Central Agricultural University would be Rs. 295.00 crores during the financial years 2015-16 and 2016-17 of the Twelfth Plan.

2. The above expenditure has been authorised by the Expenditure Finance Committee.

3. The expenditure shall be met by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research from its Plan allocations.

107 MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 27 of the Bill provides for the first Statutes as specified in the Schedule to the Bill. It empowers the Board to make, amend or repeal the Statutes of the University subject to the assent of the Visitor. Sub-clause (5) of the aforesaid clause empowers the Visitor also to make, amend or repeal the Statutes of the University during the period of three years immediately after the commencement of the Act. Sub- clause (6) of the said clause empowers the Visitor to direct the University to make provisions in the Statutes in respect of any matter specified by him and if the Board is unable to implement such direction within sixty days of the receipt, the Visitor may, after considering the reasons, if any, communicated by the Board for its inability to comply with such direction, make or amend the Statutes suitably.

2. The matter in respect of which the Board and the Visitor may make, amend or repeal the Statutes include the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities of the University, the appointment of officers and teachers of the University, the conditions of service of the employees of the University and matters connected therewith.

3. Sub-clause (2) of clause 28 of the Bill empower the Vice-Chancellor to make the first Ordinances of the University with the previous approval of the Central Government. It also provides that the Ordinances so made may be amended or repealed at any time by the Board in the manner prescribed by the Statutes. The Ordinances may also be made, amended or repealed in respect of matters relating to adimission of students, courses of study, fees and fellowships, medium of instructions and examination, establishment of special centers, specialised laboratories, the manner of co-operation and collaboration with other Universities and authorities, the management of colleges and institutions established by the University and such other matters.

4. Clause 29 of the Bill enables the authorities of the University to make Regulations consistent with the provisions of the Act, the Statute, and the Ordinances. 108 5. The matters for which Statutes, Ordinances or Regulations may be made are matters of procedure. The delegation of legislative power is therefore of a normal character.

109 RAJYA SABHA

BILL to provide for the establishment and incorporation of a University by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar to Rajendra Central Agricultural University for the development of agriculture and for the furtherance of the advancement of learning and pursuit of research in agriculture and allied sciences and to declare it to be an institution of national importance.

(Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Minister of Agriculture) 110 ANNEXURE II

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RAJENDRA CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

BIHAR’S AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES

A REPORT OF THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON BIHAR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA NEW DELHI APRIL, 2008 SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON BIHAR

1. Dr. Satish C. Jha – Chairman

2. Shri Saurabh Srivastava – Member

3. Late Shri Rajender Singh – Member

4. Shri R.K. Sinha – Member

5. Dr. P.V. Dehadrai – Member

6. Dr. Nachiket Mor – Member

7. Shri Tarun Das – Member

8. Shri Deepak Dasgupta – Member

9. Prof. Pradip N. Khandwalla – Member

10. Prof. C.P. Sinha – Member

11. Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar – Member

12. Resident Commissioner, Government of Bihar – Member

112 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Executive Summary

The State of Bihar with a geographical area of 94.2 thousand square km is divided by river Ganges into two parts, the north Bihar with an area of 53.3 thousand square km, and the south Bihar having an area of 40.9 thousand square km. Based on soil characterization, rainfall, temperature and terrain, three main agro-climatic zones in Bihar have been identified. These are: Zone-I (North West Alluvial Plain), Zone-II (North East Alluvial Plain), and Zone-Ill (South Bihar Alluvial Plain), each with its own potential and prospects. All these zones have Chaur, Maund, Tal and Diara lands, which are submerged during the rainy season.

The percentage of population employed in agricultural production system in Bihar is estimated to be 81%, which is much higher than the national average. Nearly 42 per cent of GDP of the State (2004-05) has been from agriculture sector (including forestry and fishing). High concentration of population, largely dependent on agriculture coupled with low yields of the major cereal crops, is main reason for high poverty ratio in the State. Consequently, about 42% of the State population is below poverty line as against national average of 26%. As urbanization in the State is still very poor, nearly 90 per cent of the population lives in rural areas. The State of Bihar is also lagging behind the national average on all socio-economic indicators like per capita income, average size of operational holding, per capita cultivated land, percentage of villages electrified, road length per thousand sq km, per capita deposit, per capita bank credit, credit-deposit ratio, male-female literacy, and life expectancy etc. Bihar is considered to be at the bottom.

The gross and net sown area in the State is estimated at 80.26 lakh ha. and 56.38 lakh ha., respectively. The intensity of cropping is 1.42%. The principal crops are paddy, wheat, pulses, maize, potato, sugarcane, oil seeds, tobacco and jute. Rice, wheat and maize are the major crops. The average yields of rice and wheat are 1.45 and 2.19 t/ha. respectively, as against the production potential (experimental yields at research farm as well as realized in frontline demonstration) of 4.5-5.0 t/ha. Similarly, the average maize yield of the State is about 2.38 t/ha. as against its yield potential of 6 t/ha. Winter maize is a success story, where the farmers have realized yield level of 6-8 tonnes/ha. Similarly, Boro Rice (summer rice) has the realization of 6-8 tonnes/hec. Even though the 113 State is rich in soil and water resources, its average yields of Rice, Wheat, Maize and Sugarcane in the State are only about 32, 44, 40 and 38 percents of the potential yields, respectively. Sugarcane production and sugar industry hold great potential in Bihar. The State’s share in the country’s production is 4 to 4.5 per cent and ranks 10 m among the sugarcane producing States. However, Bihar has the lowest sugar recovery rate in the country at 9% against the national average of 10.36%. Thus, there is considerable scope to increase the productivity of these most important crops in Bihar. All these clearly reveal that Bihar has great potential to be a rich State.

Although, horticulture (Fruits, vegetables including tuber and mushroom, spices, honey, medicinal and aromatic plants) occupies 15 per cent of land area but income generated from horticulture is much higher. The State has a monopoly in production of litchi and makhana and continues to grow various fruits, vegetables, spices and floriculture is catching the imagination of people, reflected in their growing interest, across the State, in diversification of horticulture. Over-viewing the current status, constraints and potentiality, it is evident that there is ample opportunity for development of horticulture in the State.

Bihar has a long tortuous history of chronically unprofitable State- owned companies and their unpaid staff. But Sudha, a dairy cooperative, is a shinning exception and one of the most successful enterprise of its kind in India. It has more than 6,000 outlets covering 84 towns and more than 260 villages. But the health of animal and their productivity are cause of concern. Among livestock, cow and buffalo are more important for value addition. Goatary and poultry have also much potential. Effective health management, breed management and institutional support would be of great value to the people and the State.

The State with the abundance of water bodies has very high potential for fisheries and aquaculture. But it has not been fully realized. In past, effort was made to establish infrastructure through World Bank assisted project but without much success. Main factors responsible for this are non-availability of finger links, scientific production system and policies. The State should bring the necessary Aquarian reforms (granting rights of water bodies to fisher folks) and modernize its aquaculture industry through establishing competitive production and internationally accepted hygienic supply chains.

114 Despite the strength of the agriculture sector, it is a paradox that this sector is much below the potential. Agriculture productivity in Bihar was much better, compared to other States in fifties, which is now much below the national average. In last two years, there has been an appreciable growth, due to improved seeds, technologies and inputs, but the miles State has to go to achieve responsive agriculture. This would need infrastructure, technology and inputs. R&D has a vital role to play. There is inequitable distribution of water for irrigation, inadequate number of shallow tube-wells, ineffective use of rain water, and -lack of conjunctive use of different irrigation waters, which are the issues of concern.

There is almost non-existence of the system of organic farming, which has tremendous prospects towards accelerated agricultural productivity. Urgent attention is needed in it. Moreover, the Tal and Diara lands can only be irrigated by overhead sprinklers, but the farmers in Bihar do not own overhead sprinklers on account of their poor economic status. The quantity and quality of the use of inputs, such as fertilizers and seeds, in the State is also far below the desired level. Considering that quality seed is fundamental to the establishment of a productive system, the highly unsatisfactory status of availability of quality seed (seeds, quality planting material, finger links and semen) to the farmers is one of the most serious concerns in Bihar. Moreover, institutional support in terms of hassle-free, timely and adequate credit and agricultural insurance are equally much below the requirement. A large number of small and marginal farmers are not part of the institutional farm credit system. This needs to be given urgent attention. The farm gate price of most of the commodities is low which means farmers do not get remunerative prices. Departments of Agriculture, Floriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Sugarcane are not geared up to take technologies to field. Similarly, Agriculture University in the State is not well equipped to address these issues. Overall institutional arrangements and the entire farm related delivery mechanism are very weak and needs urgent attention.

Agriculture is the single largest private sector occupation in Bihar and can be considered the riskiest business. Hence, the goal of the agricultural production system should be to maximize income of land owning and landless rural populace to improve their livelihoods. The vulnerability to income and consumption shocks makes it imperative to develop formal agricultural insurance mechanisms to cope with such risks. The traditional yield insurance schemes have failed in managing the risks of the poor farmers as evident from their historically high payouts and poor penetration rates. There is a need to develop effective risk

115 management strategies to cover potential losses in yield and hence incomes.

To achieve the desired levels of productivity, immediate steps are needed to improve infrastructure—such as power, rural roads and marketing in particular and, arrange for the supply of quality seeds, balanced use of fertilizers, adequate machinery, required changes in land policy, a farmer friendly extension service and an effective credit delivery system in keeping with adequate credit absorptive capacity of the farmers in Bihar. All these could provide a bright future for Bihari farmers.

B. Recommendations

Given the low average yields of most commodities, the huge gaps between the demonstrated and generally realized yields, the low farmers’ income and widespread rural poverty on one hand, and the richness of the natural resources and the socio-political expediency to liberate the people of Bihar from the poverty and hunger trap on the other, the business as usual will not yield the desired results. A holistic system based approach is needed to simultaneously enhance productivity, profitability, equity and environmental sustainability through synergistically integrating crop, cash crop, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agro forestry, watershed-based soil and water management, social capital formation, agro-processing and marketing in an end-to-end mode. Under a decision support system, the problems and their solutions must be disaggregated as per the location specific resources, needs and aspirations, calling for synergy among research, technology, extension, farmer, community-based organizations, markets, and public policy. All these would turn Bihar’s challenges into opportunities and help Bihar to emerge as “Granary of India”. Bihar’s aim must be to realise 5-6% of annual agricultural growth in order to sustain its overall economy.

The Key Recommendations for Accelerated Agricultural Development in Bihar are as follows:—

(i) Bridging the Existing Yield Gaps

Gap between the state average productivity and potential is very high owing to technology adoption and inputs. Therefore, bridging the existing yield gaps by making adequate availability of quality seeds and other technical inputs to farmers would be the first and foremost requirement for improvement of crop productivity. Crop specific and zone specific strategies should be adopted at farmer level to derive

116 maximum benefit. Bihar needs specific development strategies for North and South region of the State.

There should be a specific programme to multiply the best quality breeder seeds and distribute them to farmers. Seed Corporation should be revamped and other agency on the pattern of Tarai seed, ‘Pusa Beej’ should be started. This will not only help the availability of seeds to the farmers but, seed sector could one of the enterprises. Seed village concept should also be encouraged by providing breeder seed and technological inputs. Successful experiments have been conducted in Bihar under Zero Tillage, Bed Planting, System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Site Specific Nutrient Management Systems. Besides, efforts should be made to promote contract farming in maize and certain horticultural crops for which the State has huge potential. Dairy Cooperatives being a success in Bihar needs further support expansion and to enhance the health and productivity of livestock. There should be further expansion and revitalization of fisheries and poultry sectors, which hold high potential particularly in the light of changing consumption pattern.

(ii) Efficient Use of Modern Inputs and Balanced Use of Fertilizer

An efficient and optimum use of modern inputs like quality seeds, chemical fertilizers and other macro and micro nutrients, is the key to productivity improvement on a sustainable basis. Therefore, farmers should be enabled to access and use modern farm inputs in an optimal and efficient manner. Large scale demonstration, use of nutrient and water based soil and tissue test should receive major emphasis. There are soil testing technologies but do not have capacity to function. Revamping the laboratory for efficient delivery system is essential. Efforts should be made to promote organic production technology including use of bio-fertilizers & bio-pesticides.

(iii) Development and Maintenance of Rural Infrastructure

Rural connectivity in the key to raise farmers’ productivity and income. Therefore, utmost priority should be given to improve infrastructure in various aspects. Aim should be to target the key constraints like poor water management, rural power supply, easy credit availability, and market access. Steps should also be taken to encourage renewable sources of energy. The State has highest potential for small hydropower projects, wind energy, bagasse based co-generation power from the existing and proposed sugar factories, Jatropha on waste lands and rice husk based biomass gasification, biogas and solar energy.

117 (iv) Flood Control, Drainage, Water Management and Mitigating Drought

Lack of efficient on-farm water management is considered as one of the major constraints for low productivity and poor economic status of the farmers of Bihar. About forty one percent of the total cropped area in the State is flood prone and there is not much scope for improvement in yield due to water logging, poor drainage and water management. In such areas, it would be absolutely essential for the state to make large scale investment in drainage and also utilization for fisheries. Flood control will also need attention for desilting of rivers and strengthening of embankment. As far as the drought prone areas are concerned, there is a need for water conservation and improving water use efficiency through rain water harvesting, education of farmers and use of modern methods of irrigation. Rain water harvesting should be a major strategy to meet irrigation needs of the crops. However, the State has abundant groundwater resource which could optimize the potentiality. Shallow tube wells are the quickest means of tapping the groundwater. This is now possible by Goverments’s dynamic efforts on village electrification.

(v) Human Capital Formation and Strengthening of Agricultural Extension Services

Twenty-first century agriculture is knowledge and technology based and human capital development is a must. Approach to knowledge and technology adoption by the farmers are directly related to the level of their education. Dilapidated condition of human development institutions and weak institutional structure are a road block in the overall development of Bihar. Education and health should, therefore, be given the first priority for Bihar’s farm population. Besides, strengthening of agricultural research & development, appropriate to Bihar’s topology and crop profile should be an integral part of agriculture development strategy. There should be proper coordination among different agriculture extension institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA).Rajendra Agriculture University, Kisan Call Centres, State Government, financial institutions, farming community at large. Training programmes for farmers at panchayat and block levels should be organized on a regular basis for adopting modern technologies more effectively.

(vi) Effective R&D Support

Efficient R&D is a building block for responsive agriculture. It has been experienced that investment on agricultural education and research has been most productive. The State has one Agricultural University with 118 5 major campuses and has done excellently well in last few years in terms of human resource development and research output. However, the University has-not got the focus it deserves. Headquarters of the University, Pusa, is a heritage for agriculture research and education. Therefore, this University should get the status of National University which should not only meet the needs of the State but also contribute to national agriculture. The University needs support for modernization of its infrastructure as well as research facilitation for scientists. Considering the size of the State’s agriculture, consideration be given for opening one or two more agricultural universities in Bihar. Sabour Agricultural College meets all the basic pre-requisites for conversion into a university.

(vii) Market Oriented Agriculture

Bihar produces large quantities of fruits, vegetables and livestock products, but does not have appropriate infrastructure for value addition and marketing. The State should develop commodity specific agro-export zones and give necessary support to their marketisation. As a matter of fact, with proper development of markets, cooling arrangements in storage and transportation, processing and maintenance of quality, through grading, standardization, packaging, etc., products like litchi, mango, makhana and banana and a few vegetables can be exported to other States and even beyond the country, which will help improve farmers’ income. In order to provide a level playing field for private participation in marketing, infrastructure and policy support be provided.

Bihar is the first State, which has taken bold step for the reform of marketing by repealing the APMC Act, which was not conducive in modern competitive agriculture. However, there is a need for developing alternative model. The proposal of the Committee headed by Shri R.C.A. Jain be accepted to upgrade marketing of produce. A suitable model of contract farming specific to crops can be adopted to solve the problems of small and marginal farmers.

(viii) Strategic Agricultural Diversification

Traditional crop farming alone cannot provide adequate employment and income to a growing rural population. Already the pressure of population on land is quite high. Therefore, the state should develop location specific plans for accelerated and diversified growth. Diversification could be for crop varieties as well as other produce. More areas could be brought under pulses, oilseeds, maize and diversification to horticulture, livestock and fisheries should find greater role.

119 Horticultural diversification should cover fruits, vegetable, mushroom, flower, medicinal and aromatic plants. There is a scope for coconut, oil palm and cashew in the state. This would involve not only proper planning activities; but also the creation of necessary infrastructure, institution and policy support.

Fisheries and poultry, the two most important areas having a high potential, need special attention. Districts with high productivity of gram and oilseeds call for urgent action to increase the area under these crops. Government can provide support either directly or indirectly through incentives to the private sector for supply of seed/planting material, marketing, processing, etc. This is one area which is most suitable for contract farming. The contract farming is now a well accepted institutional arrangement to realize economies of scale, promote technology adoption and supply of needed quality inputs. The establishment of a Horticulture College at Nalanda in this respect is a welcome decision.

(ix) Revival and Revitalisation of Sugar Mills

Sugarcane is an important cash crop for farmers in North Bihar. In addition to providing additional employment, they are an important source of surplus power. Of the 27 mills established, only a few are in operation. Most sugar mills in the state are almost sick and, therefore, the farmers do not get a fair deal from them. With proper policy support, these mills can be revitalized to provide the necessary linkages for the growth of sugarcane in the state. The State has nearly 103 thousand hectares of sugarcane area which produces about 4249 thousand tonnes of Sugar cane. In recent months, the Govt. of Bihar has held several rounds of meetings with major players in sugar industry in the country for revival of sugar mills with private sector participation. But not much headway has been made, due to land policy and incentive related issues. Karnataka model can help to solve the problem where under Contract Farming, Shri Renuka Sugar Mills have entered into an agreement with the farmers as shareholders based on the land owned by them. This sector needs urgent policy attention towards the rehabilitation of existing old sugar factories and opening of new sugar factories under the PPP mode. This would open new opportunities for North Bihar farmers.

(x) Enhancing Farm Income to Make Agriculture Attractive

Since farmers have small land holdings, the agriculture income growth is highly essential to sustain. Strategic approach is needed to enhance the farm income and to create better on-farm opportunities. Agriculture 120 not only provides pollination support to crops and enhances the yield, but it provides additional income. Vermi-composting has proved to be highly effective in converting the waste into wealth. No one can deny the role of good quality seeds of crops, planting materials, finger links and good semen. This would need special attention. Conservation of agriculture to save the resources and sustain the agriculture in the competitive world is important. Integrated farming having combination of crops, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, apiculture, vermiculture along with multiple use of water is becoming important. Similarly, farm waste, i.e. paddy straw could be used for mushroom culture. Evidently, apiculture, vermiculture, quality seed, conservation agriculture, integrated farming and mushroom culture have proved to be a boon and need promotion by Bihar Government in a Mission Mode having integration with value addition and marketing.

(xi) Risk and Disaster Management

Given that more than 80% of Bihar’s population is dependent on agriculture and related activities and Bihar happens to be one of the most disaster prone State in India, role of risk financing in hedging agricultural risk from climatic shocks becomes critical. It is imperative to develop sophisticated ways of market and government mechanisms for risk transfer. Pre- Disaster initiatives (ex ante) need to be given more impetus than Post- Disaster (ex post) Events. These initiatives aim to provide hitherto unforeseen resilience to the rural communities and also bring out transparency and efficiency to the whole effort. There should be separate risk management solution for small and marginal farmers to hedge through future trading and production risk management by way of index based insurance with focus on providing Comprehensive Risk Management for vulnerable groups.

(xii) Bihar as a Granary for India

If proper thrust is placed on technologies, institutional direction, farm level support services, and all delivery mechanisms, following improved farm infrastructure including rural connectivity, Bihar can definitely emerge as the ‘Granary’ for India. It can also provide the major hubs on fruits, vegetables, and fisheries for both national and global markets. The entire economic growth processes in Bihar depends on the dynamics of agriculture.

There are successful experiments in different parts of the country, which if adopted, can provide an answer to various problems which Bihar is facing in its race to higher productivity levels. It would be better to avail of the readily available experience with a view to adapt that in 121 keeping with the ground situation in Bihar. If above points are addressed, there is no reason for Bihar not to be able to condense the 30 years of development activity of Punjab to 10 years. It can then surely catch up with the present productivity levels of rice and wheat in Punjab and other cherished goals in maize, pulses, oilseeds, horticulture and livestock production in the next two five year Plans. Fortunately for Bihar, the State has trained agricultural labour from Punjab. The Bihari labour which was responsible for the first Green Revolution of Punjab will now provide the momentum for the Second Green Revolution in their home State. Thus, there is a need for awakening with commitment to convert the weaknesses into opportunities and revamp agriculture which is a sole source of economic development. Bihar also needs to put a special focus on system of organic farming in the light of experiences available in India. This would bring faster results for increased productivity.

(xiii) Financial Implications

Poor rural infrastructure, outdated farm level delivery mechanism and lack of implementation capacity, and a very low level of financial allocations through Five Year Plans have been the main reasons for low farm productivity and general poverty and unemployment in rural Bihar. If Bihar has to prosper, it is only by means of sustained agricultural growth. Therefore, in order to implement the thrust of the proposed strategies and policies, Bihar would require a substantially higher level of financial outlays during next 5-6 years (2008-09 to 2012-13). This is estimated at Rs. 27,055 crores. The current plan (11th Five Year) outlays for Bihar’s agriculture is Rs. 1,698 crores, which is very meager. This would not only help Bihar in emerging a food surplus state but also help India from the emerging crisis of food insecurity. It would then be possible for India to realize its goal of 9-10% annual GDP. Thus, both Bihar and India would move towards the path of sustained economic development.

122 CHIEF MINISTER BIHAR

D.O. Letter No. 5600013/CMS

Respected Prime Minister,

I am happy to inform you that State Government has put special focus on Bihar’s agricultural development because we strongly believe that agriculture provides the springboard for Bihar’s economic growth. I would like to draw your attention to an important conclusion of the NDC in which it was said that agricultural planning needed to take account of local agro-climatic conditions and also capabilities and for this States should attempt to devise state specific plans building upon district plans that can deliver desired results.

I am happy to inform you that Bihar is perhaps the first State in the country to prepare a road map for accelerated agricultural development during the 11th Plan period. The roadmap aims at holistic development of Crop, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fisheries and Co-operatives. The issues of raising income level of the farmers, food security, nutritional security to the masses and ecological sustainability of the growth endeavours has been dealt in depth in the roadmap. When I last met you in New Delhi and I had requested you to launch the agriculture roadmap. Since your visit couldn’t materialise we have started the roadmap on 18.05.2008 through launching the Crash Seed Programme.

I am also happy to inform you that to give focussed attention to the implementation of the roadmap State Government has declared the year 2008-09 as agricultural year.

The successful implementation of the roadmap would require a strong research, and extension support. State Government has taken initiatives to strengthen the agricultural research and education infrastructure in the State with the establishment of new Horticulture College at Nalanda and Agriculture College at Saharsa and proposes to establish an Agriculture College in the Sahabad region. You will agree that the vast untapped potential, that the State agriculture offers to the nation, can be harnessed with Center’s support. The Special Task Force on Bihar constituted by you under the able chairmanship of Dr. S.C. Jha has recently submitted its report titled.

123 “Bihar’s Agriculture Development: Opportunities and Challenges”. The report apart from other recommendations has suggested for giving Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa a National/Central University status. It has Estimated a financial outlay of Rs. 3150 crores for modernization of its infrastructure as well as research facilities.

Pusa, the headquarter of present Agricultural University, is a heritage, as systematic agricultural research and education in the country started from here, way back in 1905, when Imperial Agricultural Research Institute was started by the then British Government. The Institute was shifted to New Delhi in 1936 and a small portion of the area continues as regional station of Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI). Subsequently, Rajendra Agricultural University was established in 1971 with its headquarters at Pusa. This is the only Agricultural University in the State. Considering the historical importance of Pusa and also the historic NDC resolution committed to agriculture development, it would be in national interest to convert this university as National/Central Agricultural University.

I am reassured that the subject will have your personal attention in the interest of the Bihar farmers and also in the interest of the country. Bihar will, be grateful for your support in establishment of this National/ Central Agricultural University in Bihar.

With warm regards,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/- (Nitish Kumar)

Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, South Block, New Delhi

124 iz/ku ea=kh Prime Minister

New Delhi 10 June, 2008

Dear Shri Nitish Kumar ji,

I have received your letter regarding conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a National/Central Agricultural University.

With warm regards,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/- (Manmohan Singh)

Shri Nitish Kumar Chief Minister of Bihar Patna

No. 125/31/C/4/08-ES.2 Dated: 17.6.2008

Copy, with a copy of the letter acknowledged forwarded to the Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education with the request that comments in the matter may please be sent to this Office urgently.

Sd/- (L.K. Atheeq) Director

125 Hkkjr ljdkj o`Qf"k ea=kky; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku vkSj f'k{kk foHkkx o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUlTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION KRISHI BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 001

No. 28/4/2008-Estt. Dated the 29th August, 2008

Office Memorandum

Subject: Proposal for establishing a Central Agricultural University in Bihar.

The undersigned is directed to refer to PMO’s ID No. 100/31/C/21/ 2008-ES.2 dated 10th June, 2008 on the above mentioned subject and to state that the proposal regarding establishment of a Central Agricultural University in Bihar has been considered in this Department. Pusa in Bihar, which is at present the headquarters of Rajendra Agricultural University, is a place of historical importance for agricultural research and education in the country. It is in Pusa (Bihar) that in the year 1905, Imperial Agricultural Research Institute was started which was later shifted to Delhi in the year 1936. This premier Institute is now known as ‘Indian Agricultural Research Institute’ and its Campus in Delhi is known as Pusa Campus, in recognition of and as a tribute to its origin at Pusa (Bihar).

2. Besides being a place of historical importance, the area has fertile land, abundant good quality water, natural flora, fauna and agricultural bio-diversity. The existing State University viz. the Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) has contributed towards farm prosperity of the region by generating knowledge, technologies and products in agriculture and allied sciences. Several success stories have been registered particularly of high yield in maize, quality protein maize, resource conservation technologies, seed production etc. It is now well accepted that major productivity growth would come from Bihar and the Eastern Region, because there is a wide gap in this region between the potential yield and present yield even at the current level of technology.

126 3. Keeping in view the vast potential and scope for strengthening the research and extension activities in the State, it will be a good proposition if the Rajendra Agricultural University is taken over by the Central Government and upgraded as a Central Agricultural University. In case the above proposal is accepted by the Government, a separate budget provision will have to be made available for the purpose. Insofar as DARE/ICAR is concerned, the outlay provided for the 11th Plan has already been allocated for specific projects. Therefore, the Planning Commission will have to make additional allocations to DARE/ICAR for this purpose, which may come from the Bihar package, which it is understood, has a window for approving such projects.

This has the approval of Hon’ble Agriculture Minister.

Sd/- (Ram Autar) Deputy Secretary Tel. No. 23097044

Prime Minister’s Office (Shri L.K. Atheeq, Director) South Block, New Delhi-110 011

127 K.C. Saha, I.A.S. fcgkj ljdkj Agriculture Production o`Qf"k foHkkx Commissioner fodkl Hkou] iVuk&800 015 Government of Bihar, Department of Agriculture Vikas Bhavan, Patna-800 015 Off : 2223720 Fax : 2224365

Letter No. PPM & 30/09-SF-8455 Patna, dated 22nd December, 2009

To,

Dr. Mangla Rai, Secretary and Director General, Department of Agriculture Research and Education and Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi 110001

Sub: Conversion of Rajendra Agriculture University to a Central Agriculture University.

Sir,

Please refer to ICAR letter No. 28-4/2008-Est./227 dated 31.03.2009 whereby it was communicated that based on the request of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar to Hon’ble Prime Minister to grant Central University status to Rajendra Agriculture University the Planning Commission has in principle agreed to establish a Central Agricultural University in Bihar. It was further requested in the said letter that the State Government should send a Detailed Project Report and also a draft Bill for conversion of the Rajendra Agriculture University to a Central Agriculture University.

The State Government in its Cabinet meeting held on 15.12.2009 has taken a decision to set up a separate State Agriculture University at Sabour in Bhagalpur district of Bihar namely Bihar Agriculture University. 128 Accordingly a bill is being placed in the coming Session of Bihar Legislative Assembly. Further the Bihar University Act, 1987 relating to Rajendra Agriculture University is also being amended to provide for establishment of Bihar Agriculture University.

In order to facilitate conversion of Rajendra Agriculture University to a Central Agriculture University a detailed draft project Report (DPR) and also a draft Bill for the Central Agriculture University are enclosed.

It is requested that necessary steps may please be taken for conversion of Rajendra Agriculture University to a Central Agriculture University.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (K.C. Saha) Agriculture Production Commissioner

129 Hkkjr ljdkj o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ,oa f'k{kk foHkkx ,oa Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn o`Qf"k ea=kky;] o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 MkW- ,l- vÕ;Iiu GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & lfpo ,oa egkfuns'kd EDUCATION Dr. S. AYYAPPAN AND INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH Secretary & Director General MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, KRISHI BHAVAN, NEW DElHI-110 001 Tel. 23382629, Fax : 91-11-2338-4773 E-mail: [email protected]

D.O. No. 12(1)-2010/EQR/Edn March 31, 2010

Dear Sir,

I would like to bring to your kind notice the following with regard to establishment of a new Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Bihar.

With reference to Planning Commissions letter No. M-13044/4/2008- Agri. Pt. dated 6th March. 2009 conveying ‘in-principle’ approval for establishment of a new Central Agricultural University at Pusa in Bihar, the Department of Agricultural Research and Education has received the Detailed Project Report and Draft Bill for Establishment of CAU, Pusa from the Government of Bihar. It is proposed by them that:—

(1) The existing Rajendra Agriculture University, Pusa will be converted into a Central Agricultural University with the name Rajendra Central Agricultural University (RCAU), Pusa. It is also informed that the Government of Bihar has taken a decision to set up a separate State Agricultural University at Sabour in Bhagalpur District of Bihar with the name ‘Bihar Agriculture University’ (BAU), for which, a bill is told to be placed in the coming session of Bihar Legislative Assembly. (2) Out of the 11 colleges/faculties, 2 academic programmes, 16 research institutes/stations/sub-stations and 30 KVKs of existing RAU, 6 colleges, 7 research institutes/stations and 11 KVKs will be with the RCAU.

130 (3) Both the RCAU and the new BAU are proposed to have the jurisdiction over whole of Bihar. (4) A total of Rs. 966.57 crore is proposed budget outlay for the new RCAU for five years. This will include pay and allowances etc. (Rs. 481.68 crore), strengthening of existing colleges/ institutes (Rs. 372.43 crore), establishment of four new colleges/institutes (Rs. 98.98 crore), infrastructural development — College of Horticulture (Rs. 1.00 crore) and Pension contribution (Rs. 12.48 crore). However, it may be pointed out that these figures will have to be re-checked, for any hidden and/or pension liabilities. (5) The modalities for transfer of university liabilities, manpower and resources, in the event of such conversion, are not spelled out in the proposal. These need to be ascertained as they will impinge upon achieving the desired objectives of the new CAU.

It is therefore, requested that the Planning Commission may take a view whether establishment of the new CAU in Bihar should be in the manner proposed by the Government of Bihar. In case of in-principle agreement, ICAR would mount a due-diligence team to discuss modalities, and calculate actual likely liability, before coming back to Planning Commission/Government of India for approval of budget, as an additionality.

I seek your guidance in the matter.

with regards Yours sincerely,

Sd/- (S. Ayyappan)

Dr. K. Kasturirangan Member Planning Commission Government of India Yojana Bhawan, Sansad Marg New Delhi-110 001

131 RAJIV MEHRISHI, I.A.S. Hkkjr ljdkj ADDITIONAL SECRETARY (DARE) & o`Qf"k ea=kky; SECRETARY, ICAR o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ,oa f'k{kk foHkkx Tel. No. 23384450 o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION KRISHI BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 001

Ref.: No. 12(1)/2010/EQR/Edn. Dated: 5th May, 2010

Dear Sir,

Kindly take a reference to even No. letter dated 30.03.2010 regarding establishment of a Central Agricultural University in Bihar. In continuation, the following information is required for further consideration which may soon be made available—

1. Present staff strength in the existing RAU, Bihar in (i) academic category, and (ii) non-academic category.

2. Financial liabilities per annum in respect of (i) salaries/pension, and (ii) Plan/Non-plan commitments.

3. Other liabilities of the existing RAU, including contingent liabilities.

4. The pros and cons of (i) establishing a new CAU, and (ii) converting RAU into a CAU.

5. Recruitment procedures to be adopted for faculty and staff under both the conditions.

6. In view of proposal of State Government to establish a new SAU at Sabore, would it not be a better option to establish a new CAU at Sabore.

7. Number of legal cases in courts regarding regularisation of service, and other personnel matters, affecting groups of employees.

132 8. Number of staff that is not on regular pay-scales, in the following categories: (i) academic (ii) non-academic 9. Present sources of funding, including amounts, in the years 2008-09 and 2009-10.

Yours sincerely,

with regards,

Sd/- (Rajiv Mehrishi)

Shri K.C. Saha, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar, Department of Agriculture, Vikas Bhawan, Patna-800 015, Bihar.

133 Ministry of Agriculture Department of Agricultural Research & Education/I.C.A.R. Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001

To,

Smt. Vandana Dwivedi Joint Advisor (Agriculture) Planning Commission Yojna Bhawan, Sansad Marg New Delhi-110001

No. 12(1)-2010/EQR/366 Dated the 23rd November, 2010

Sub.: Establishment of a new Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Bihar—regarding.

Madam,

Kindly take a reference to your letter No. M-13043/6/2009-Agri. dated 23rd April, 2010 on the above subject. The desired information has now been received from the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar vide their letter No. PPM-30/2009/6117/Agril. dated 19.10.2010; a copy enclosed. The information is provided on the following:

1. Present staff strength in the existing RAU, Bihar in (i) academic category, and (ii) non-academic category. 2. Financial liabilities per annum in respect of (i) salaries/pension, and (ii) Plan/Non-plan commitments. 3. Other liabilities of the existing RAU, including contingent liabilities. 4. The pros and cons of (i) establishing a new CAU, and (ii) converting RAU into a CAU. 5. Recruitment procedures to be adopted for faculty and staff under both the conditions. 6. In view of proposal of State Government to establish a new SAU at Sabore, would it not be a better option to establish a new CAU at Sabore. 7. Number of legal cases in courts regarding regularization of service, and other personnel matters, affecting group of employees.

134 8. Number of staff that is not on regular pay scales, in the categories of (i) academic, and (ii) non-academic. 9. Present source of funding, including amounts, in the years 2008-09 and 2009-10.

It is therefore, requested that the Planning Commission may take a view with regard to establishment of the new CAU in the manner as proposed by the Government of Bihar. DARE would look forward to the guidance of Planning Commission in the matter.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (A. Prabhakaran) Dy. Secretary to the Government of India

Encl. as above.

135 Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn (f'k{kk foHkkx) o`Qf"k vuqla/ku Hkou&II] ubZ fnYyh&110 012 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Education Division) Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-II, New Delhi-110 012 Tel.: 25848045, Fax: 25848045 E-mail: [email protected]

Ref.: No.12(1)/2010-EQR Dated: December 30, 2011 Shri A.K. Sinha, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Vikas Bhavan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-15. Dear Sir, In continuation of even no. letter dated 21st November, 2011 of the Dy. Director General (Education), ICAR, I am to inform that a meeting will now be held at 4.00 PM on January 9, 2012 in the office of Additional Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi to discuss the issues related to conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa to a Central Agricultural University. You are requested to kindly make it convenient to participate in the meeting. With kind regards, Yours sincerely, Sd/- (R.K. Mittal) Asstt. Director General (EQR) Copy to:

1. Sr. PPS to Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR. 2. PPS to Addl. Secretary (D) and Secretary, ICAR. 3. PS to Dy. Director General (Edn.), ICAR.

136 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Agriculture Education Division) Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-II, Pusa New Delhi-110 012 Tel.: 25841760, Fax: 25848045 E-mail: [email protected]

Ref.: F.No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. Dated the 14th February, 2012

Shri Ashok Kumar Sinha, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Bihar, Vikas Bhavan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-800 015 (Bihar)

Sub: Conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU), Pusa to a Central Agriculture University—reg.

Sir,

This is with reference to your meeting with the Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary, ICAR on January 9th, 2012 at ICAR, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, regarding conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU), Pusa to a Central Agricultural University (CAU). I am directed to State as follows:

1. Government of India will take only the liability arising due to omission or commission after the take over of the RAU, Pusa. Further, any liability or dues of any other kind, whether due now or whether they become due later on by virtue of court order or otherwise, if they pertain to a period before the take over, will be of the Government of Bihar. 2. The CAU will accept pension liability of the existing staff only in proportion to the period that they serve with the CAU. In other words, if, for example a retiring academic/non- academic staff has spent 26 years with the University when it was with the State, and seven years after the University has become a CAU, then the pension related liability of CAU will only be 7/33 years which CAU will remit to State Government and the remaining liability will be that of the State Government. CAU will pay its share to the State Government, who may discharge the pensioner liability. Similarly, pensioners will draw

137 medical benefits from the State Government. In other words, any one employed by the University, before, take over by Central Government, will remain State Government pensioner, and subject to State Government rules. If the current system does not provide for pension, but only for CPF etc., then CAU would also follow the same system. 3. The CAU will only run such courses and programmes as fit in with the scheme of the CAU as envisaged by the ICAR. All other schemes/courses will be closed down and fresh admissions of-students to such courses would be closed. However, the existing students would complete their courses for which they were admitted. Any permanent staff, academic/non-academic, would be adjusted/transferred to the appropriate programmes where they would have to acquire the prescribed qualifications for the post which they hold, if not already, within next two years, otherwise their services will be placed at the disposal of the State Government. The CAU would take over only the permanent staff, academic/ non-academic, working in the RAU, Pusa as above. Temporary/ daily wase/casual staff will be placed at disposal of State Government. 4. The above mentioned provisions will be subject to the confirmation of Governments on both sides i.e. the Government of Bihar and the Central Government and would be enshrined in a legal instrument, such as an agreement which will be duly vetted by concerned Departments, such as Finance and Law, in the respective Governments. The agreement would therefore evolve from a series of discussions between the relevant Departments of the respective Governments.

It is, therefore, requested that the confirmation of Government of Bihar on the above mentioned broad principles may be communicated to the Council at the earliest, whereafter process of obtaining internal approvals in GoI will be initiated by DARE. Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (R.K. Mittal) Assistant Director General (EQR) Copy to: 1. Sr. PPS to Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. 2. PPS to Addl. Secretary (DARE) and Secretary, ICAR, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

138 RAJIV MEHRISHI Hkkjr ljdkj SPECIAL SECRETARY, DARE o`Qf"k ea=kky; Tel.: 23384450 o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ,oa f'k{kk foHkkx E-mail: [email protected] o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION KRISHI BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 001

Ref.:D.O. No. 12-1/2010-EQR (Edn.) Dated the 3rd May, 2012

Dear Dr. Lakshmi,

This is with reference to your letter No. PPM-30/2009-2121 dated 18.04.2012 regarding conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa to a Central Agricultural University. Based on the broad principles contained in our communication of even No. dated 14th February, 2012, kindly have a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State and the Central Government drafted. We may subsequently, finalise the MoU in a meeting on mutually convenient date, before sending it to our respective Law Ministry/Department for vetting.

With Regards,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/- (RAJIV MEHRISHI)

Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi Secretary, Deptt. of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-800 015

139 Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn~ o`Qf"k vuqla/ku Hkou&II] iwlk] ubZ fnYyh&110 012 INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH KRISHI ANUSANDHAN BHAVAN-II, PUSA, NEW DELHI-110 012

MkW- vjfoUn oqQekj Phone : 011-25841760 (O) mi egkfuns'kd (f'k{kk) 011-25843644 (R) Fax : 011-25843932 Dr. Arvind Kumar E-mail : [email protected] Deputy Director General (Education) Website : www.icar.org.in

F.No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. Dated: 25th September, 2012

Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar. Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-800 015 (Bihar)

Sub: Conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa to a Central Agricultural University—reg.

Madam,

This is with reference to your letter No. PPM-30/2009-2121 dated 18.04.2012 and the Council’s letter of even number dated 03.05.2012 on the above mentioned subject. Based on the broad principles contained in our communication of even No. dated 14.02.2012 and your suggestion on the letter dated 18.04.2012, please find enclosed a copy of the proposed draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). You are requested to send the comments, if any, for further necessary action.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (Arvind Kumar) Deputy Director General (Edn.) 140 Government of Bihar Department of Agriculture

Letter No. PPM-30/2009-6537/Agril., Patna, dated 07.12.2012

From

Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, Secretary

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001.

Subject: Conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa to a Central Agricultural University.

Sir,

This is with reference to ICAR letter No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. dated 25th September, 2012 on the subject mentioned above. The draft MoU has been considered and certain modifications are suggested in the proposed draft. The revised draft MoU is enclosed for your perusal. If the draft MoU is agreed upon with the suggested modifications then final approval of the Law/finance departments of the State Government may be taken.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi) Secretary

141 Hkkjr ljdkj o`Qf"k vuqla/ku vkSj f'k{kk foHkkx ,oa Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn~ o`Qf"k ea=kky;] o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 MkW- ,l- vÕ;Iiu GOVERNMENT OF INDIA lfpo ,oa egkfuns'kd DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION Dr. S. AYYAPPAN AND SECRETARY & DIRECTOR GENERAL INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE KRISHI BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 001 Tel.: 23382629, 23386711, Fax: 91-11-23384773 E-mail: [email protected]

D.O. No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. Dated the 26th December, 2012

Dear Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi,

This is with reference to your letter No. PPM-3-/2009-6537 dated 07.12.2012 and the Council’s letters of even number dated 25.09.2012 and 14.02.2012 regarding conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa to a Central Agricultural University. Based on the broad principles contained in our communication of even No. dated 14.02.2012, 03.05.2012 and your suggestion on the draft MoU with the letter dated 07.12.2012. Please find enclosed a copy of the proposed final Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State and the Central Government. You are requested to take necessary action at your end.

With regards,

Yours, sincerely.

Sd/- (Dr. S. Ayyappan)

Encls: As above

Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi Secretary Department of Agriculture Government of Bihar Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat Bailey Road Patna-800 015 (Bihar)

142 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, VIKASH BHAWAN, PATNA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, KRISHI BHAWAN, NEW DELHI FOR CONVERSION OF RAJENDRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PUSA INTO A CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

1. Whereas the Government of Bihar, desirous of converting the Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) situated at Pusa, District Samastipur, Bihar established in the year 1971 under the Rajendra Agricultural University Act, 1971 (replaced by the Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987) to impart teaching, research and extension activities in the field of agricultural and allied sciences, into a Central Agricultural University have made a request to the Government of India, accordingly. 2. Whereas the Government of India have agreed, in principle, to consider conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University Pusa Distt. Samastipur, Bihar, utilizing the existing campus and other associated facilities, into the Rajendra Central Agricultural University, subject to approvals required within the Government of India. 3. Whereas it is necessary to establish the principles on how the assets of the RAU, including its manpower resources, will be handled in future. 4. Therefore, this MoU lays down in its subsequent paragraph the principles that will govern treatments of the assets and liabilities of RAU, including its manpower resources. 5. The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) shall, subject to necessary internal approvals, introduce a Bill for the consideration of the Parliament for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University, to the Rajendra Central Agricultural University (R-CAU). However, the introduction of Bill shall be taken up with the approval of the Law Ministry. 143 6. The proposed Bill shall have necessary, provisions for taking over the assets of the existing RAU, and shall also have provisions to provide for the effective date of take-over of these assets. 7. These assets shall also include, existing RAU’s Colleges, Directorates, Research/Extension Institutes/Station, KVKs with all the existing land, building, infrastructure and associated facilities. 8. The Government of Bihar would facilitate acquisition of land and other logistic support to R-CAU for its further extension of activities. 9. The Government of India/R-CAU will take-over, subject to subsequent paragraphs, only the liabilities arising from its acts of commission or omission from, the effective date of taking over of the assets of the existing RAU, Pusa. 10. Any liability or dues of any kind existing, or becoming due to any act of commission or omission, on the part of existing RAU before the effective date of take-over, or arising from any judicial order, or otherwise, pertaining to a period prior to the effective date would be the sole liability of the RAU/ Govemment of Bihar. 11. The Government of Bihar shall make the required legal provisions for the following: (a) Existing courses or programmes which do not fit in with the scheme of the R-CAU and to which students have been admitted before conversion, shall continue till their completion as per existing rules and regulations. However, no fresh admissions would be made to these courses/ programmes, and they will cease to operate once the ongoing courses are completed. The degree of such students shall be awarded in the name of the RAU as per the existing provisions. (b) That the permanent records of the old students shall be maintained by a Special Cell and in case of demand of duplicate degree certificate, transcript, migration certificate etc., the same shall be issued in the name and seal of the Rajendra Agricultural University. (c) Whereas the R-CAU will take the requisite permanent staff as per need subject to their meeting the qualification/criteria of recruitment in the R-CAU. The

144 Government of Bihar will make efforts for engagement of surplus, temporary staff and staff (whether teaching or non-teaching) whose appointment itself is a matter of dispute. The court cases of the staff will be attended by a special cell created by the Government of Bihar for this purpose. The engagement/adjustment of such staff in the R-CAU will be subject to the requirement of staff in various programmes and the decision of the R-CAU after the outcome of the court decisions. (d) That on closure of any programme/course or scheme, the permanent staff, academic/non-academic, would be transferred/adjusted to appropriate programmes of the R-CAU as feasible in whichever manner it deems fit. (e) The Government of India through the R-CAU will accept only the payment liability for salary of the existing staff in accordance with pay structure on the line of the R-CAU only. (f) The R-CAU will bear the pension and other retiral liability of the existing staff to the extent of the period the existing staff serve the R-CAU, and the State Government would bear the liability of pension etc. in proportion to the service rendered by the existing staff up to the date of conversion of the RAU as the R-CAU. The State Government will provide its contribution to the R-CAU who may discharge the pension liability. (g) In case of existing staff being governed by the CPF Rules, the Government of India rules for CPF will be followed for them. If the current system does not provide for pension, but only for the CPF etc., then the R-CAU would also follow the same system. (h) The pension and other post retirement benefits including medical benefits of the academic/non-academic staff who have superannuated before conversion of the RAU as the R-CAU, shall be the liability of the State Government. These liabilities shall be paid by the State Government through the R-CAU. In other words, any superannuated employee of the University before take over by the Central Government will remain State Government pensioner and subject to the State Government rules. (i) The Government of Bihar has already made 65 years as the date of superannuation for the teaching staff and for

145 the non-teaching staff, it is 62 years. In Government of India/existing Central Agricultural University at Imphal, the date of superannuation for teaching staff is 65 years but for non-teaching, it is 60 years. As the date of retirement of non-teaching staff will involve legal implications at this stage, it may be appropriate that for the existing-non-teaching staff of the RAU, it may continue to be 62 years, if agreed and for those (both teaching and non-teaching) recruited after conversion to CAU, it will be governed as per rules of the R-CAU. (j) All Non-Academic staff will be treated in a manner similar to the manner stated in the aforesaid para. 12. Any new recruitment made by the R-CAU will be as per the rules governing the R-CAU, and all such new recruitments, whether of academic or non-academic staff, will be appointments to the-R-CAU. The salary, allowances and benefits, including pensionary benefits will be governed by the rules of the R-CAU which are the rules of the Government of India. The Government of Bihar, or the existing RAU, will not have any liability in this regard. 13. The Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE). Government of India and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar will set up Joint Committees for effective takeover of assets of the RAU by the R-CAU. 14. All liabilities in, terms of outstanding payments on account of any service, including charges towards electricity and water etc.; or any purchase made before the effective date of takeover will be the liability of the RAU, and the R-CAU will be responsible only for such recurring liabilities only from the effective date of takeover. 15. In case of all liabilities not covered in the para above, the principles of the liability being the responsibility of institution which incurred them will apply. Thus, any liability incurred or accrued, directly or indirectly by the RAU, before the effective date of takeover shall be the exclusive responsibility of the RAU and any liability incurred or accrued after the effective date of takeover will be that of the R-CAU. 16. A Committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor of the R-CAU and two representatives each from the DARE/ICAR (not below the rank of Dy. Secretary in the Government of India) and the State Government (not below the rank of Head of Department

146 in the Government of Bihar), will be set up for giving effect to this Memorandum of Understanding and will be known as the Asset Take-over Committee (ATC). This Committee will also demarcate the liabilities of the RAU and the R-CAU in the manner stated in the aforesaid paragraphs. 17. Any dispute with regard to the matter arising from the MoU, will be referred to a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) consisting of Secretary (DARE), Secretary (ICAR) and Agriculture Production Commissioner/Principal Secretary/Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, and their ruling will be binding on both parties. 18. This MoU shall be effective on the date on which it is entered into between the parties for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University into a Central Agricultural University.

In witness where of both the sides have signed this Memorandum of Understanding on the ______day, ______month and ______year.

For Government of Bihar For Government of India

Witness (1)

Sign.: Sign.:

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

Witness (2)

Sign.: Sign.:

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

147 GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Letter No. PPM-30/2009-1203/Agril., Patna, dated 28.02.2013.

From

Vivek Kumar Singh, Secretary to Government

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary & Director General, Department of Agriculture Research & Education Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

Subject: Conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University to Rajendra Central Agricultural University.

Sir,

I am directed to draw your kind attention to your D.O. No. 12-1/ 2010-EQR/Edn. dated 26th December, 2012 on the subject cited above. The draft MoU has been considered in this department and a few changes in Para 11(b) and (c) have been suggested. We will seek the necessary approval within the State Government, after your consent in the draft MoU. The draft MoU is enclosed for necessary action at your end.

Your faithfully,

Sd/- (Vivek Kumar Singh) Secretary to Government.

148 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, VIKASH BHAWAN, PATNA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, KRISHI BHAWAN, NEW DELHI FOR CONVERSION OF RAJENDRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PUSA INTO A CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

1. Whereas the Government of Bihar, desirous of converting the Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) situated at Pusa, District Samastipur, Bihar established in the year 1971 under the Rajendra Agricultural University Act, 1971 (replaced by the Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987) to impart teaching, research and extension activities in the field of agricultural and allied sciences, into a Central Agricultural University have made a request to the Government of India accordingly. 2. Whereas the Government of India have agreed, in principle, to consider conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa Distt. Samastipur, Bihar, utilizing the existing campus and other associated facilities, into the Rajendra Central Agricultural University, subject to approvals required within the Government of India. 3. Whereas it is necessary to establish the principles on how the assets of the RAU, including its manpower resources, will be handled in future. 4. Therefore, this MoU lays down in its subsequent paragraph the principles that will govern treatments of the assets and liabilities of RAU, including its manpower resources. 5. The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) shall, subject to necessary internal approvals, introduce a Bill for the consideration of the Parliament for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University, to the Rajendra Central Agricultural University (R-CAU). However, the introduction of Bili shall be taken up with the approval of the Law Ministry. 149 6. The proposed Bill shall have necessary, provisions for taking over the assets of the existing RAU, and shall also have provisions to provide for the effective date of take over of these assets. 7. These assets shall also include, existing RAU’s Colleges, Directorates, Research/Extension Institutes/Station, KVKs with all the existing land, building, infrastructure and associated facilities. 8. The Government of Bihar would facilitate acquisition of land and other logistic support to R-CAU for its further extension of activities. 9. The Government of India/R-CAU will take over, subject to subsequent paragraphs, only the liabilities arising from its acts of commission or omission from, the effective date of taking over of the assets of the existing RAU, Pusa. 10. Any liability or dues of any kind existing, or becoming due to any act of commission or omission, on the part of existing RAU before the effective date of take over, or arising from any judicial order, or otherwise, pertaining to a period prior to the effective date would be the sole liability of the RAU/ Govemment of Bihar. 11. The Government of Bihar shall make the required legal provisions for the following: (a) Existing courses or programmes which do not fit in with the scheme of the R-CAU and to which students have been admitted before conversion, shall continue till their completion as per existing rules and regulations. However, no fresh admissions would be made to these courses/ programmes, and they will cease to operate once the ongoing courses are completed. The degree of such students shall be awarded in the name of the RAU as per the existing provisions. (b) That the permanent records of the old students shall be maintained by a special cell consituted under R-CAU and in case of demand of duplicate degree certificate, transcript, migration etc., the same shall be issued the name and seal of Rajendra Agricultural University. (c) The R-CAU shall necessarily take over the services of all permanent staff engaged in RAU, as regard for continuance for surplus temporary and staff whose appointment is

150 itself a matter of dispute. The R-CAU shall be competent to take appropriate decision as per law. The engagement/ adjustment of such staff in the R-CAU shall be the subject to requirement of staff in various programme and as per out come of court decisions. Court cases of the staff of RAU whose appointment is in dispute shall be attended by the special RAU cell constituted under R-CAU. (d) That on closure of any programme/course or scheme, the permanent staff, academic/non-academic, would be transferred/adjusted to appropriate programmes of R-CAU as feasible in whichever manner it deems fit. (e) The Government of India through the R-CAU will accept only the payment liability for the salary of the existing staff in accordance with pay structure on the line of the R-CAU only. (f) R-CAU will bear the pension and other retiral liability of the existing staff to the extent of the period, the existing staff serve the R-CAU, and the State Government would bear the liability of pension etc. in proportion to the service rendered by the existing staff up to the date of conversion of RAU as the R-CAU. The State Government will provide its contribution to the R-CAU who may discharge the pension liability. (g) In case of existing staff being governed by the CPF Rules, the Government of India rules for CPF will be followed for them. If the current system does not provide for pension, but only for the CPF etc., then R-CAU would also follow the same system. (h) The pension and other post-retirement benefits including medical benefits of the academic/non-academic staff who have superannuated before conversion of the RAU as the R-CAU shall be the liability of State Government. These liabilities shall be paid by the State Government through the R-CAU. In other words, any superannuated employee of the University before take over by the Central Government will remain State Government pensioner and subject to the State Government rules. (i) The Government of Bihar has already made 65 years as the date of superannuation for the teaching staff and for the non-teaching staff, it is 62 years. Government of 151 India/Existing Central Agricultural University at Imphal the date of superannuation for teaching is 65 years but for non-teaching it is 60 years. As the date of retirement of non-teaching staff will involve legal implications at this stage, it may be appropriate that for the existing non- teaching staff of the RAU, it may continue to be 62 years, if agreed and for those (both teaching and non-teaching) recruited after conversion to CAU, it will be governed as per rules of the R-CAU. (j) All Non-Academic staff will be treated in a manner similar to the manner stated in the aforesaid para. 12. Any new recruitment made by the R-CAU will be as per the rules governing the R-CAU, and all such new recruitments, whether of academic or non-academic staff, will be appointments to the-R-CAU. The salary, allowances and benefits, including pensionary benefits will be governed by the rules of the R-CAU. which are the rules of the Government of India. The Government of Bihar, or the existing RAU, will not have any liability in this regard. 13. The Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE). Government of India and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar will set up Joint committees for effective takeover of assets of the RAU by the R-CAU. 14. All liabilities in, terms of outstanding payments on account of any service, including charges towards electricity and water etc.; or any purchase made before the effective date of takeover will be the liability of the RAU, and the R-CAU will be responsible only for such recurring liabilities only from the effective date of takeover. 15. In case of all liabilities not covered in the para above, the principles of the liability being the responsibility of institution which incurred them will apply. Thus, any liability incurred or accrued, directly or indirectly by the RAU, before the effective date of takeover shall be the exclusive responsibility of the RAU, and any liability incurred or accrued after the effective date of takeover will be that of the R-CAU. 16. A Committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor of the R-CAU and two representatives each from the DARE/ICAR (not below the rank of Dy. Secretary in the Government of India) and the State Government (not below the rank of Head of Department

152 in the Government of Bihar), will be set up for giving effect to this Memorandum of Understanding and will be known as the Asset Take-over Committee (ATC). This Committee will also demarcate the liabilities of RAU and R-CAU in the manner stated in the aforesaid paragraphs. 17. Any dispute with regard to the matter arising from the MoU, will be referred to a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) consisting of Secretary (DARE), Secretary (ICAR) and Agriculture Production Commissioner/Principal Secretary/Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar and their ruling will be binding on both parties. 18. This MoU shall be effective on the date on which it is entered into between the parties for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University into a Central Agricultural University.

In witness whereof both the sides have signed this Memorandum of Understanding on the ______day, ______month and ______year.

For Government of Bihar For Government of India

Witness (1)

Sign.: Sign.:

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

Witness (2)

Sign.: Sign.:

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

153 INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (AGRICULTURE EDUCATION DIVISION) KRISHI ANUSANDHAN BHAWAN-II, PUSA NEW DELHI-110 012

Tel Fax: 25848045, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

F.No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. Dated: 25th April, 2013

Sub.: Minutes of the meeting of Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR with the Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar on 07.03.2013 regarding MoU for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University—regarding.

The Minutes of the meeting of Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR with the Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar held on 07.03.2013 at New Delhi regarding MoU for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University, are enclosed herewith for your kind information and necessary action at your end.

Sd/- (B.S. Bisht) Assistant Director General (EQR)

Distribution:

1. Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-800 015 (Bihar) 2. Dr. R.K. Mittal, Vice-Chancellor, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur-848 125 (Bihar) 3. Agriculture Production Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-800 015 (Bihar) 4. Sr. PPS to Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-01 5. PPS to Addl. Secretary, DARE & Secretary, ICAR, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-1 6. PA to DDG (Edn.), ICAR, KAB-II, Pusa, New Delhi-12 154 Minutes of the Meeting of Secretary, DARE & Director General, !CAR with the Agricultural Production Commissioner, Govt. of Bihar on 07.03.2013 regarding MoU for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University.

The meeting was held in the office of Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi with Shri Alok Kumar Sinha, IAS, Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar. Dr. R.K. Mittal, Vice-Chancellor, RAU, Pusa; Shri Arvind Kaushal, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary, ICAR and Dr. B.S. Bisht, Asstt. Director General (EQR), ICAR also participated in the meeting.

Shri Kaushal extended welcome to the Chairman and all the Members. He also informed the objective of holding this meeting is to expedite the process of conversion of RAU, Pusa into R-CAU at Pusa (Bihar) and sort out the problems on its way. He also stated that it is necessary that the conversion should be free from liabilities and encumbrances, thus, allowing the R-CAU to grow in a fast-track mode.

APC appreciated the initiatives taken by DARE/ICAR in processing the case at various levels. He also informed that in the draft MoU sent by DARE vide letter dated 26th December, 2012, the Government of Bihar has suggested some modifications in para 11(b) and (c) only related to the constitution of a Special Cell under Rajendra Central Agricultural University (R-CAU), taking over the permanent and temporary staff by the R-CAU and handling of the court cases of the employees of RAU.

The Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR suggested that the Special Cell may be located at the R-CAU but under the control of Government of Bihar so that all the existing cases and the liabilities arising out of the court decisions are handled and borne by the Government of Bihar. This Cell may also handle the future court cases by the existing RAU employees.

He further suggested that all the employees of RAU who are presently involved with handling of court cases and the academic records etc., may be transferred to the Special Cell and taken over by the Government of Bihar. He also suggested as an alternative, that the new State Agricultural University (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour) may manage the Special Cell and the temporary, surplus and the staff whose appointment is itself a matter of dispute in Hon’ble Courts, may be transferred to BAU, Sabour.

The concern for the age of superannuation of non-teaching employees being 62 years in the RAU was also expressed by DARE as it is 60 years 155 in the Central Government. APC informed that already a clause in the draft MoU is included dealing with this issue which may be considered by DARE.

APC expressed the difficulties the Government of Bihar would face in controlling the Special Cell. He informed that the Government of Bihar may bear the financial liabilities for functioning of the Special Cell but will not have the desired manpower and expertise for its maintenance. He suggested that this will have to be critically re-examined. He further suggested that the liabilities of permanent and temporary employees, casual workers etc., and the number and type of court cases and the liabilities expected to arise can be worked out by the RAU, Pusa for which the Vice-Chancellor of RAU was requested to work them out.

It was decided that the next meeting may be held when all these details are available. The meeting was concluded with vote of thanks to the Chair.

156 Minister of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture Government of India

D.O. No. Edn. 12-1/2010-EQR 14th May, 2013

My Dear Nitish ji,

This is with reference to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) already sent vide letter No. 12-1/2010-EQR dated 26.12.2012 (copy enclosed) for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University. In this context it is to inform that a meeting of the Secretary DARE & DG, ICAR with the Agricultural Production Commissioner, Govt. of Bihar and Vice-Chancellor, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa was also held on 07.03.2013 (copy enclosed) on the matter of finalization of draft MoU for the conversion. I shall appreciate, if the MoU is agreed upon by the Government of Bihar for an early action on our part.

With regards,

Yours sincerely

Sd/- (Sharad Pawar)

Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Chief Minister’s Secretariat, 1, Deshratna Marg, Patna-800 015 (Bihar)

157 Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn~ o`Qf"k vuqla/ku Hkou&II] iwlk] ubZ fnYyh&110012 INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, KRISHI ANUSANDHAN BHAVAN-II, PUSA, NEW DELHI-110012

MkW- vjfoUn oqQekj Phone : 011-25841760 (O) mi egkfuns'kd (f'k{kk) 011-25843644 (R) Fax : 011-25843932 Dr. Arvind Kumar Deputy Director General E-mail : [email protected] (Education) Website : www.icar.org.in

F.No.12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. Dated: 26th July, 2013

Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-800 015 (Bihar) Sub: Minutes of the meeting of Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR with the Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Bihar on 07.03.2013 regarding MoU for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University-regarding Sir, Kindly refer to the letters of even number dated 25.04.2013 & 08.05.2013 and subsequent letter from Hon’ble Agriculture Minister to Chief Minister, Bihar (copy enclosed) on the above, subject requesting the Government of Bihar to agree on the proposed draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for conversion of RAU. Pusa into a Central Agricultural University. The Council has not received the same till date. It is once again requested to expedite the matter. With regards, Yours faithfully, Sd/- (Arvind Kumar)

158 Hkkjr ljdkj o`Qf"k vuqla/ku vkSj f'k{kk foHkkx ,oa Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn o`Qf"k ea=kky;] o`Qf"k Hkou] unZ fnYyh&110 001 MkW- ,l- vÕ;Iiu GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION lfpo ,oa egkfuns'kd AND Dr. S. AYYAPPAN INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE KRISHI BHAVAN, Secreatary & Director NEW DElHI 110 001 General Tel.: 23382629, Fax: 91-11-2338-173 E-mail: [email protected]

D.O. No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. 1525 Dated the 12th August, 2013

Dear Shri Singh,

Kindly refer to the letters of even number dated 25.4.2013, 8.5.2013 and 26.7.2013 of the ICAR and letter dated 14.5.2013 from Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister addressed to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Bihar (copies enclosed) requesting for consent of the State Government on the proposed draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University.

The response of the State Government is still awaited. You are requested kindly to expedite the same to enable the Council to proceed further.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/- (S. Ayyappan)

Encls. : As above.

Shri Vivek Kumar Singh Secretary Department of Agriculture Government of Bihar, Vikas Bhawan New Secretariat, Bailey Road PATNA (BIHAR)-800 015

159 GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Letter No. PPM-30/2009-4318/Agril., Patna, dated 30.8.2013 From Vivek Kumar Singh, Secretary to Government To Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary & Director General, Department of Agricultural Research & Education Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi. Sub.: Conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University to Rajendra Central Agricultural University. Sir, This is with reference to your D.O. no. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn. dated 26th December, 2012, the proposed MoU has been considered by the Finance Department and the Law Department of the State Government. As per their suggestion, a few modifications have been added in the draft MoU, which is as below: 1. “Under the R-CAU” has been added in the clause 11(b) of MoU. 2. “The R-CAU shall provide an opportunity to such permanent staff who desire to meet the qualification/criteria in a stipulated time decided by the R-CAU” has been added in the clause 11(c) of MoU. The final draft MoU is enclosed for your perusal. Kindly concur to these modifications so that the State Government’s approval is processed at the earliest. Yours faithfully, Sd/- (Vivek Kumar Singh) Secretary to Government.

160 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, VIKASH BHAWAN, PATNA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, KRISHI BHAWAN, NEW DELHI FOR CONVERSION OF RAJENDRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PUSA INTO A CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

1. Whereas the Government of Bihar, desirous of converting the Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) situated at Pusa, District Samastipur, Bihar established in the year 1971 under the Rajendra Agricultural University Act, 1971 (replaced by the Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987) to impart teaching, research and extension activities in the field of agricultural and allied sciences, into a Central Agricultural University have made a request to the Government of India, accordingly. 2. Whereas the Government of India have agreed, in principle, to consider conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University Pusa Distt. Samastipur, Bihar, utilizing the existing campus and other associated facilities, into the Rajendra Central Agricultural University, subject to approvals required within the Government of India. 3. Whereas it is necessary to establish the principles on how the assets of the RAU, including its manpower resources, will be handled in future. 4. Therefore, this MoU lays down in its subsequent paragraph the principles that will govern treatments of the assets and liabilities of RAU, including its manpower resources. 5. The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) shall, subject to necessary internal approvals, introduce a Bill for the consideration of the Parliament for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University, to the Rajendra Central Agricultural University (R-CAU). However, the introduction of Bill shall be taken up with the approval of the Law Ministry. 161 6. The proposed Bill shall have necessary, provisions for taking over the assets of the existing RAU, and shall also have provisions to provide for the effective date of take-over of these assets. 7. These assets shall also include, existing RAU’s Colleges, Directorates, Research/Extension Institutes/Station, KVKs with all the existing land, building, infrastructure and associated facilities. 8. The Government of Bihar would facilitate acquisition of land and other logistic support to R-CAU for its further extension of activities. 9. The Government of India/R-CAU will take-over, subject to subsequent paragraphs, only the liabilities arising from its acts of commission or omission from, the effective date of taking over of the assets of the existing RAU, Pusa. 10. Any liability or dues of any kind existing, or becoming due to any act of commission or omission, on the part of existing RAU before the effective date of take-over, or arising from any judicial order, or otherwise, pertaining to a period prior to the effective date would be the sole liability of the RAU/ Govemment of Bihar. 11. The Government of Bihar shall make the required legal provisions for the following: (a) Existing courses or programmes which do not fit in with the scheme of the R-CAU and-to which students have been admitted before conversion, shall continue till their completion as per existing rules and regulations. However, no fresh admissions would be made to these courses/ programmes, and they will cease to operate once the ongoing courses are completed. The degree of such students shall be awarded in the name of the RAU as per the existing provisions. (b) That the permanent records of the old students shall be maintained by a Special Cell under the R-CAU and in case of demand of duplicate degree certificate, transcript, migration certificate etc., the same shall be issued in the name and seal of the Rajendra Agricultural University. (c) Whereas the R-CAU will take over the requisite permanent staff as per need subject to their meeting the qualification/criteria of recruitment in the R-CAU. The

162 R-CAU shall provide an opportunity to such permanent staff who desire to meet the qualification/criteria in a slipulated time decided by the R-CAU. The Government of Bihar will make efforts for engagement of surplus, temporary staff and staff (whether teaching or non- teaching) whose appointment itself is a matter of dispute. The court cases of the staff will be attended by a special cell created for this purpose. The engagement/adjustment of such staff in the R-CAU will be subject to the requirement of staff in various programmes and the decision of the R-CAU after the outcome of the court decisions. (d) That on closure of any programme/course or scheme, the permanent staff, academic/non-academic, would be transferred/adjusted to appropriate programmes of the R-CAU as feasible in Whichever manner it deems fit. (e) The Government of India through the R-CAU will accept only the payment liability for salary of the existing staff in accordance with pay structure on the line of the R-CAU only. (f) The R-CAU will bear the pension and other retiral liability of the existing staff to the extent of the period the existing staff serve the R-CAU, and the State Government would bear the liability of pension etc. in proportion to the service rendered by the existing staff up to the date of conversion of the RAU as the R-CAU. The State Government will provide its contribution to the R-CAU who may discharge the pension liability. (g) In case of existing staff being governed by the CPF Rules, the Government of India rules for CPF will be followed for them. If the current system does not provide for pension, but only for the CPF etc., then the R-CAU would also follow the same system. (h) The pension and other post retirement benefits including medical benefits of the academic/non-academic staff who have superannuated before conversion of the RAU as the R-CAU, shall be the liability of the State Government. These liabilities shall be paid by the State Government through the R-CAU. In other words, any superannuated employee of the University before take over by the Central Government will remain State Government pensioner and subject to the State Government rules. 163 (i) The Government of Bihar has already made 65 years as the date of superannuation for the teaching staff and for the non-teaching staff, it is 62 years. In Government of India/existing Central Agricultural University at Imphal, the date of superannuation for teaching staff is 65 years but for non-teaching, it is 60 years. As the date of retirement of non-teaching staff will involve legal implications at this stage, it may be appropriate that for the existing non-teaching staff of the RAU, it may continue to be 62 years, if agreed and for those (both teaching and non-teaching) recruited after conversion to CAU, it will be governed as per rules of the R-CAU. (j) All Non-Academic staff will be treated in a manner similar to the manner stated in the aforesaid para. 12. Any new recruitment made by the R-CAU will be as per the rules governing the R-CAU, and all such new recruitments, whether of academic or non-academic staff, will be appointments to the-R-CAU. The salary, allowances and benefits, including pensionary benefits will be governed by the rules of the R-CAU, which are the rules of the Government of India. The Government of Bihar, or the existing RAU, will not have any liability in this regard. 13. The Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), Government of India and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar will set up Joint committees for effective takeover of assets of the RAU by the R-CAU. 14. All liabilities in, terms of outstanding payments on account of any service, including charges towards electricity and water etc., or any purchase made before the effective date of takeover will be the liability of the RAU, and the R-CAU will be responsible only for such recurring liabilities only from the effective date of takeover. 15. In case of all liabilities not covered in the para above, the principles of the liability being the responsibility of institution which incurred them will apply. Thus, any liability incurred or accrued, directly or indirectly by the RAU, before the effective date of takeover shall be the exclusive responsibility of the RAU, and any liability incurred or accrued after the effective date of takeover will be that of the R-CAU. 16. A Committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor of the R-CAU and two representatives each from the DARE/ICAR (not below

164 the rank of Dy. Secretary in the Government of India) and the State Government (not below the rank of Head of Department in the Government of Bihar), will be set up for giving effect to this Memorandum of Understanding and will be known as the Asset Take-over Committee (ATC). This Committee will also demarcate the liabilities of the RAU and the R-CAU in the manner stated in the aforesaid paragraphs. 17. Any dispute with regard to the matter arising from the MoU, will be referred to a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) consisting of Secretary (DARE), Secretary (ICAR) and Agriculture Production Commissioner/Principal Secretary/Secretary; Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, and their ruling will be binding on both parties. 18. This MoU shall be effective on the date on which it is entered into between the parties for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University into a Central Agricultural University.

In witness where of both the sides have signed this Memorandum of Understanding on the ______day, ______month and ______year.

For Government of Bihar For Government of India

Witness (1)

Sign.: Sign.:

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

Witness (2)

Sign.: Sign.:

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

165 Hkkjr ljdkj o`Qf"k vuqla/ku vkSj f'k{kk foHkkx ,oa Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn o`Qf"k ea=kky;] o`Qf"k Hkou] unZ fnYyh&110 001 MkW- ,l- vÕ;Iiu GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & lfpo ,oa egkfuns'kd EDUCATION Dr. S. AYYAPPAN AND INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH Secretary & Director MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, KRISHI BHAVAN, General NEW DElHI 110 001 Tel.: 23382629, 23386711, Fax: 91-11-2338-4773 E-mail: [email protected]

D.O. No. 12-1/2010-EQR/Edn./2013 Dated the 29th November, 2013

Dear Shri Chauhan,

The draft MoU for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University to Rajendra Central Agricultural University sent through your letter No. PPM-30/2009-5618/Agril. Patna dated 18th November, 2013 has been persued at this end. The modifications suggested in the draft MoU after our discussion on 31.10.2013 have been agreed for para 11(a), 11(b), however para 11(c) needs to be please retained as proposed earlier.

The signed copy of the MoU incorporating the above is enclosed herewith for your kind perusal and further needful in the matter.

With Regards,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/- (S. Ayyappan)

Shri Asok Kumar Chauhan Agriculture Production Commissioner Govt. of Bihar, Department of Agriculture Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat Bailey Road, Patna-15 (Bihar)

166 CHIEF MINISTER BIHAR

D.O. No. 4610316/C.M.S. Dated 25th December, 2013

Hon’ble Pawar Saheb,

Kindly recall our discussion on September 19, 2013 about Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University into a Central Agricultural University. Subsequently, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Bihar has visited the office of Secretary, Department of Agriculture Education and Research-cum-Director General, ICAR on October, 31, 2013. They have been able to resolve two of the three major issues related with the section 11a and 11b of the draft MoU, however difference in section 11b of the draft MoU persist, though informally agreed in the official level meeting.

Section 11c of the draft MoU relate to creation of a special cell for handling court cases related to the predecessor organization i.e. RAU. The draft MoU proposed by the Government of India has the provision of a special cell under Government of Bihar. This is not practical and will lead to serious difficulties in resolving pressing issues in the future. Therefore, the draft proposed by the State Government has the provision of special cell under the R-CAU. The draft MoU proposed by the State Government also makes provision for the existing staff to attain the educational qualification in a stipulated time of two years, who at the outset may not fulfill the educational qualification criteria of the Central Agricultural University. The provisions contained in the draft proposed by the Government of India and by the State Government is listed below:

MoU- Draft proposed by Draft proposed by Para Government of India Government of Bihar

12 3

(11c) Whereas the R-CAU will take Whereas the R-CAU will take the the requisite permanent requisite permanent staff as per staff as per need subject need subject to their meeting the to their meeting the qualification/criteria of recruitment qualification/criteria of in the R-CAU. The R-CAU shall

167 12 3

recruitment in the R-CAU. provide an opportunity to such The Government of Bihar permanent staff who desire to meet will make efforts for the qualification/criteria in a engagement of surplus, stipulated time of two years from temporary staff and staff the date of establishment of R-CAU. (whether teaching or non- The Government of Bihar will make teaching) whose appoint- efforts for engagement of surplus, ment itself is a matter of temporary staff and staff (whether dispute. The court cases of teaching or non-teaching) whose the staff will be attended appointment itself is a matter of by a special cell created by dispute. The court cases of the staff the Government of Bihar for will be attended by a special cell this purpose. The created (by the Government of engagement/ adjustment of Bihar-deleted) for this purpose. The such staff in the R-CAU will engagement/adjustment of such be subject to the staff in the R-CAU will be subject requirement of staff in to the requirement of staff in various programmes and the various programmes and the decision of the R-CAU after decision of the R-CAU after the the outcome of the court outcome of the court decisions. decisions.

Your kind intervention is needed to resolve the above difference. This will facilitate establishment of a Central Agricultural University at Pusa, the historical seat of agricultural research and education in the country.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely

Sd/- (Nitish Kumar)

Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister for Agriculture, Government of India, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001.

168 'kjn iokj o`Qf"k ,oa [kk| izlaLdj.k m|ksx ea=kh SHARAD PAWAR Hkkjr ljdkj MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

D.O. No. 12(1)/2010-EQR/Edn. 22nd January, 2014 My Dear Nitish Ji, I am in receipt of your D.O. letter No. 4610316 dated 25.12.2013 in connection with the MoU for conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University into a Central Agricultural University. The draft proposed by the Government of Bihar provides that the R-CAU shall provide an opportunity to such permanent staff who desire to meet the qualification/criteria in a stipulated time of two years from the date of establishment of R-CAU. In this connection, the teaching staff who does not meet the requisite qualification shall be given two years from the date of establishments for upgrading their qualification. For other permanent staff retained by the CAU, an opportunity will also be given to improve their qualification to meet the requirement. However, the court cases of the staff need to be attended by a special-cell created (by the Government of Bihar) for the purpose. I feel that the old court cases can be pursued better by the Government of Bihar. The MoU may be modified accordingly and forwarded to the ICAR for signature. With regards, Yours sincerely Sd/- (Sharad Pawar) Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Chief Minister’s Secretariat, 1, Deshratna Marg, Patna-800015 (Bihar)

Office : Room No. 120, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001 Tel.: 23383370, 23782691 Fax : 23384129 Resi. : 6, Janpath, New Delhi-110011 (India) Tel.: 011-23018870, 23018619 Fax: 011-23018609 E-mail: [email protected]

169 Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn~ o`Qf"k Hkou] MkW- jktsUnz izlkn ekxZ] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH KRISHI BHAWAN, DR. RAJENDRA PRASAD MARG, NEW DELHI-110 001

No. 12(1)/2010-EQR/Edn. Dated 14th March, 2014

Shri Vivek Kumar Singh Principal Secretary, Government of Bihar, Department of Agriculture, Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna-800 015 (Bihar)

Subject: Conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa to Rajendra Central Agricultural University—reg.

Sir,

This is with reference to your letter No. PPM-30/2009-671 dated 13.2.2014 regarding setting up of a special cell by the Government of Bihar in Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa.

It is clarified that the special cell created by the Government of Bihar should handle all court cases related to Rajendra Agricultural University. However, the court cases related to the matters pertaining to the R-CAU, if any, will be handled by the R-CAU authorities.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (Arvind Kaushal) Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary, ICAR

170 Hkkjr ljdkj o`Qf"k vuqla/ku vkSj f'k{kk foHkkx ,oa Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn~ o`Qf"k ea=kky;] o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 MkW- ,l- vÕ;Iiu GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & lfpo ,oa egkfuns'kd EDUCATION Dr. S. AYYAPPAN AND INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH Secretary & Director MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, KRISHI BHAVAN, General NEW DElHI-110001 Tel.: 23382629, 23386711, Fax: 91-11-2338-4773 E-mail: [email protected] fe-la-f'k{kk@12&1@2010&bZ-D;w-vkj- (ikVZ&1)@887 fnukad 29 ebZ] 2014 fiz; Jh flag]

o`Qi;k Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn~ }kjk 29 uoacj] 2013 dks izsf"kr lgefr Kkiu (MoU) dk lanHkZ ysus dk d"V djsa tks fd jktsUnz o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky;] iwlk (fcgkj) dks osaQnzh; o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; dk ntkZ nsus osQ laca/ esa gSA mDr laca/ esa vko';d Li"Vhdj.k Hkh lfpo] Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn~ }kjk 14 ekpZ] 2014 dks izsf"kr dj fn;k x;k gSA

vr% bl laca/ esa fcgkj ljdkj }kjk lgefr Kkiu (MoU) ij gLrk{kj dj vèkksgLrk{kjh dks vfxze dk;Zokgh gsrq 'kh?kz izsf"kr djus dk d"V djsaA

lknj

Hkonh;

g-@& (,l- vÕ;Iiu)

Jh foosd oqQekj flag] iz/ku lfpo] fcgkj ljdkj] o`Qf"k foHkkx] u;k lfpoky;] fodkl Hkou csyh ekxZ iVuk&800015] fcgkj

171 jk/k eksgu ¯lg o`Qf"k ea=kh RADHA MOHAN SINGH Hkkjr ljdkj MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Mh-vks- ua- 798@14 fe-la- 12(1)@2010@bZ-D;w-vkj- (ikVZ) fnukad 8 tqykbZ] 2014 fiz; Jh ujsUnz flag th] o`Qi;k jktsUnz o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; (vkj-,-;w)] iwlk dks osQUnzh; o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; (lh,;w) osQ :i esa ifjorZu djus osQ laca/ esa viuh v/Z'kkldh; i=k la- 2693 fnukad 26 twu] 2014 dk voyksdu djsaA eSaus Lis'ky lsy osQ mÙkjnkf;Ro ls lacaf/r ekeys dh tkap dh gS ftlosQ }kjk bl ekeys esa vkxs dh izxfr ckf/r gks jgh gSA bl ekeys esa lqn`<+rk osQ lkFk ;g egwll fd;k x;k gS fd vkj,;w dk lh,;w esa ifjorZu fd, tkus ls iwoZ dh frfFk ls igys tkus vutkus esa gqbZ fdlh Hkwy&pwd ls mits mÙkjnkf;Ro ls lacaf/r fdlh Hkh izdkj dh dkjZokbZ djus osQ fy, xfBr izLrkfor Lis'ky lsy jkT; ljdkj osQ fu;a=k.k esa gksuk pkfg,A ;g blfy, vko';d gS rkfd fo'ofo|ky; iz'kklu viuk è;ku xq.koÙkk] f'k{kk dh vkiwfrZ ij osaQfnzr dj losQ vkSj blosQ vfLrRo esa vkus ls iwoZ okyh vof/ ls lacaf/r dkuwuh ekeyksa dks xfBr Lis'ky lsy gh lqy>k,A fcgkj ljdkj ls vuqjks/ gS fd og bl rF; ij iqufoZpkj djs rkfd yafcr le>kSrk Kkiu ij fcuk fdlh foyac osQ gLrk{kj fd, tk loasQ vkSj vk,;w dk lh,;w esa ifjorZu osQ laca/ esa iqu% dkjZokbZ dh tk losQA lknj vkidk

g-@& (jk/k eksgu flag) Jh ujsanz flag ea=kh] o`Qf"k foHkkx] fcgkj ljdkj dk;kZy;% dejk la- 120] o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 nwjHkk"k% 23383370] 23782691 • iSQDl% 23384129

172 ujsUnz ¯lg NARENDRA SINGH

v-'kk-i-la-μih-ih-,e-&30@2009@4489 o`Q-@iVuk fnukad 26-09-2014 fiz; Jh jk/k eksgu ckcw

jktsUnz o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky;] fcgkj dks osaQnzh; o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; osQ :i esa laifjofrZr djus laca/h fo"k;&oLrq ij fnukad 09-09-2014 dks vkils foLrkjiwoZd okrkZ gqbZ FkhA

2- mYys[kuh; gS fd fo'ofo|ky; dfeZ;ksa dh lsok 'krks± ls lacaf/r fof/d ekeyksa osQ izca/u gsrq jkT; ljdkj }kjk ,d fof/d dks"kkax xfBr djus dk lq>ko Hkkjr ljdkj }kjk fn;k tk jgk gS] ftl ij jkT; ljdkj dk ;g er jgk gS fd ,slk dks"kkax izHkkoh ugha gksxkA lkFk gh lkFk izca/u] osaQnzh; o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; osQ :i esa gks tkus ij bl dks"kkax dh dksbZ lkFkZdrk ugha gksxhA

3- vuqjks/ gS fd Hkkjr ljdkj osQ Lrj ls yafcr fo"k;&oLrq ij fof/d ijke'kZ izkIr djosQ jkT; ljdkj dks voxr djkus dh o`Qik dh tk, rkfd bl fo"k; ij vxzsrj fu.kZ; gks losQA

Hkonh;

g-@& (ujsUnz flag) lsok esa] Jh jk/k eksgu flag] ekuuh; osQUnzh; o`Qf"k ea=kh] Hkkjr ljdkj] ubZ fnYyh&110 001

173 vij egk&lkWfyflVj Hkkjr MANINDER SINGH ADDITIONAL SOLICITOR-GENERAL OF INDIA SUPREME COURT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI-110 001 PH: 23071463

18.11.2014

Querist: Indian Council for Agricultural Research

The querist above named has sought my opinion in relation to a stipulation suggested by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar in his letter dt. 25.12.13 to the effect that on the taking over of/converting Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (RAU) into a Central Agricultural University, Pusa (CAU), the disputes regarding engagement/appointment of surplus/ temporary staff, whether teaching or non-teaching, and the court cases in that regard will be attended by a “Special Cell” to be created by the Government of Bihar. It has been proposed by the Government of Bihar that the stipulation with regard to such a ‘Special Cell’ to be created by the Government of Bihar should be deleted from the MoU to be executed/ implemented between the State of Bihar and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

2. It may also be noticed that the MoU, with the above-mentioned stipulation for creation of a ‘Special Cell’ by the State of Bihar to deal with the disputes with regard to engagement/appointment of surplus/ temporary staff, whether teaching or non-teaching, had been signed on behalf of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India and had been sent to the Government of Bihar for its execution. It is at that stage, that the Hon’ble Chief Minister, vide his D.O. letter dated 25.12.13, has proposed for deletion of this condition obliging the State of Bihar to create such a ‘Special Cell’.

3. Reference has also been made in the note for opinion to a D.O. letter dt. 22.01.14, addressed by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar reiterating that the court cases of the staff of RAU shall be taken over by the ‘Special Cell’ to be created by the Government of Bihar for this purpose. In response to the said D.O. letter of the Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister dt. 22.01.14, the Principal Secretary, Government of Bihar, Department of Agriculture had addressed a communication dt. 13.02.14 seeking a clarification as to whether the ‘Special Cell’ envisaged by the Government

174 of India will be handling the court cases related to the period prior to the period of takeover or will it be required to handle the court cases which may arise after the date of takeover of this institution by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

4. By a communication dt. 14.03.14, the Additional Secretary (DARE), Government of India had clarified that the ‘Special Cell’ to be created by the Government of Bihar to handle all court cases related to the RAU with the further clarification that further court cases relating to the matters pertaining to the R-CAU, if any, will be handled by the R-CAU authorities.

5. Reference has also been made to a letter dt. 26.06.14, addressed by the Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, Government of Bihar to the Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister, Government of India to the effect that after the taking over of the RAU and converting the same to a Central Agricultural University, all the administrative responsibilities of the previous institutions i.e. RAU should become the responsibilities of the Central Agricultural University.

6. He has also emphasized that it would not be practically prudent to require the State of Bihar to create a ‘Special Cell’ for the legal cases relating to the employees of the RAU. He has also highlighted that this particular stipulation has delayed the finalization of the MoU thereby delaying the conversion of RAU to CAU and has, thus, requested for resolution of this aspect at an early date.

7. It is on that basis that the legal opinion has been sought on the above-mentioned subject and about the implication of para 11(c) of the MoU as such or to amend it as desired by the Government of Bihar.

8. In this regard, it would be useful to refer to the provision of clause 11(c) of the MoU, which is reproduced as under:—

“....11(a) & (b)....

(c) Whereas the R-CAU will take the requisite permanent staff as per need subject to their meeting the qualification/criteria of recruitment in the R-CAU. The Government of Bihar will make efforts for engagement of surplus, temporary staff and staff (whether teaching or non-teaching) whose appointment itself is a matter of dispute. The court cases of the staff will be attended by a ‘Special Cell’ created by the Government of Bihar for this purpose. The engagement/ adjustment of such staff in the R-CAU will be subject to the requirement of staff in various programmes and the decision of R-CAU after the outcome of the court decisions...”

175 9. The papers, which have been placed before me do not indicate as to how big is the problem of legal and other disputes in relation to surplus/temporary staff, whether teaching or non-teaching, in the existing Rajendra Agricultural University. Normally speaking, whenever such a takeover/conversion takes place, it is usually with takeover of all properties, moveable and immoveable, and all rights and liabilities of the erstwhile institution by the newly created institution. However, there is no hard and fast rule in this regard. It always depends upon the understanding/agreement reached between the parties— which in the present case would be State of Bihar on one side and the DARE, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India on the other.

10. There would not be two opinions on the aspect that it would be practically difficult and would not be feasible (after takeover of the RAU by CAU) to set up/keep in existence a ‘Special Cell’ by the State of Bihar for conducting/managing legal disputes in relation to surplus/temporary staff, whether teaching or non-teaching. If any such ‘Special Cell’ is required to be set up by the State of Bihar then once again it would be impractical that the existing disputes, as mentioned above, are made to be conducted by the ‘Special Cell’ of State of Bihar upto the date of takeover and the disputes regarding surplus/temporary staff, whether teaching or non-teaching—coming into existence thereafter to be conducted/managed by the Central Agricultural University.

11. It may, however, be kept in mind that if the Rajendra Agricultural University gets taken over/converted into a Central Agricultural University, all employees whether temporary or surplus would be the responsibility/ liability of the Central Agricultural University. They would be the employees of the CAU. Thus, if the liability/responsibility with regard to all temporary, surplus employees of the erstwhile RAU necessarily becomes the liability/ responsibility of the newly created Central Agricultural University, there would neither be any logic nor any justification for setting up of a ‘Special Cell’ by the State of Bihar to conduct/manage the disputes with regard to those employees.

12. The question which, therefore, arises is—what are the possible options ?

13. In my view, the following options would be available to the Central Agricultural University which are purely dependent upon and legally permissible as per the agreement between the two parties and which are:—

(i) To take over the RAU with the clear stipulation that the CAU will not be responsible/liable for any liability in relation to any surplus/temporary staff of the RAU, whether teaching or non-

176 teaching and the same will continue to remain the responsibility/liability of the State of Bihar. They will be required to be continued to be the employees of the RAU and not of the CAU. This may be legally possible but may not be practically feasible and may require the acceptance of the arrangement by the employees. (ii) In the event of any such stipulation introduced in the MoU, the responsibility to conduct and manage all disputes with temporary/surplus employees of RAU should be well-advised to be left to the State of Bihar itself who may create a ‘Special Cell’ in that behalf or adopt any other methodology by which no liability of any kind whatsoever in this regard falls upon the CAU. However, both the above-mentioned options would necessarily involve a number of practical difficulties, in that, all the liabilities with regard to any of the employee of the erstwhile RAU would fall upon the newly created/converted CAU. Thus, even when the above-mentioned two options are legally available to the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, these would indeed pose practical and other difficulties in their implementation. (iii) To accept the proposal of the State of Bihar and to delete the stipulation requiring the State of Bihar to set up a ‘Special Cell’ for-handling, the disputes with regard to temporary, surplus employees of RAU, whether teaching or non-teaching and treat them as the liability/responsibility of the Central Agricultural University and therefore, also take the responsibility of conducting/managing the disputes in this regard by the CAU itself. The acceptance of the above-mentioned option number (iii) as a matter of agreement between the Government of India and Government of Bihar would be legally permissible but would be completely dependent on the agreement and acceptance of the same by both the parties. In effect, it is for the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India to take a call for an appropriate decision in this regard.

I have nothing more to add at this stage.

Yours sincerely

Sd/- (Maninder Singh)

177 R. RAJAGOPAL Hkkjr ljdkj ADDITIONAL SECRETARY o`Qf"k ea=kky; (DARE) & SECRETARY, ICAR o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ,oa f'k{kk foHkkx TELE: 23384450 o`Qf"k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh&110 001 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION KRISHI BHAWAN, NEW DELHI-110 001

D.O. No. 12-1/2010-EQR December 22, 2014 Dear Shri Meena, Please recall the conversation between us regarding upgrading of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa into a Central Agricultural University. There are a number of operational difficulties in setting up the Legal Cell under the Central Government. The Government of Bihar has already been made a party to several cases in court concerning the University. And these cases relate to the action taken by Government of Bihar with regard to various matters concerning the University when the University was under the control of Government of Bihar. In such cases creating a legal cell under the Central Government for handling cases related to the earlier period when the University was entirely under the control of Government of Bihar would not be unwise but also improper. You will appreciate that when a State Agriculture University is upgraded into a Central Agricultural University, a large portion of recurring expenses borne by the State Government become the liability of the Central Government. This would be already a large financial burden for which necessary provisions have to be made in the coming Union Budget. In this situation, I request you to give your concurrence for the MoU between the State and the Central Government to enable us to proceed further in the matter. Yours sincerely

Sd/- (R. RAJAGOPAL) Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna, Bihar 800 015

178 Hkkjrh; o`Qf"k vuqla/ku ifj"kn Indian Council of Agricultural Research f'k{kk foHkkx (Education Division) o`Qf"k vuqla/ku Hkou&II] iwlk] ubZ fnYyh&110 012 Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan-II, Pusa, New Delhi-110 012 Phone: (O) 25848033, E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.icar.org.in

F.No. Agril.Edn.12(1)/2010-EQR(Pt.) Dated the 4th February, 2015

The Registrar Rajendra Agricultural University Pusa, Samastipur-848125 Bihar

Subject: Visit of the team regarding conversion of RAU, Pusa to Central Agricultural University.

Sir,

You may be aware that a team has been constituted for taking necessary steps with regard to the above. In this regard, I am directed to request you to make available the following documents for scrutiny at Head Quarter of Council:

1. Master Plan of University indicating all buildings and infrastructure. 2. Plinth area of all the existing buildings with date of construction of each. 3. Service drawings indicating S.W. drainage, sewer lines, water supply drawings, location of source of water, point of outer disposal of sewage, treatment plants if any, location of bore wells etc. complete. 4. All Electrical drawings indicating the layout, location of substation route of cables feeder pillars, etc. all complete. 5. Works in progress status of payment liabilities created if any.

179 6. Yearly budget for maintenance of all buildings of institute. 7. Detail of Plan works to be undertaken with complete details. 8. Complete inventories of all the building indicating the various installations etc. complete. An updated and authenticated asset register may be kept ready for verification by the team, besides the above.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- (Kanhaiya Chaudhary) Deputy Secretary (Edn.)

Copy to:

1. The Vice Chancellor, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur-848 125 2. ADG(EQR), Agril. Edn. Division, ICAR, KAB-II, Pusa 3. Director (Works), ICAR, KAB-I, Pusa 4. PA to DDG (Agril. Edn.), ICAR, KAB-II, Pusa

180 In pursuance of the MoU signed between the Government of India, Deptt. of Agricultural Research and Education and the Government of Bihar, a team of officers from the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research was constituted in to facilitate transfer of ‘Assets and liabilities’ of the RAU, Pusa to the proposed Central RAU, vide letter F.No. Edn.12/1/2010-EQR (pt). dated 4th February, 2015.

The following officers were proposed to visit the RAU, Pusa from 14.02,2015 to 17.02.2015:

(i) Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu, ADG (HRD) — Chairman (ii) Shri. Ravinesh Kumar, Director (DARE) (iii) Shri V.P. Kothiyal, Director (Works) (iv) Shri Kanhaiya Chaudhary, Deputy — Member Secretary Secretary (Agril. Edn.)

The Committee visited RAU, Pusa as scheduled. Shri Kothiyal, Director (Works), ICAR was represented by Shri Manchanda, Executive Engineer, Shri Ravinesh Kumar, Director (DARE) could not join.

The University was also informed in advance of the proposed visit of the team and the initial documents which should be kept ready for the purpose. The VC also informed about constitution of a dedicated team of the university officers for the purpose, vide O/O No. 02/RAU (VC), Pusa dated 7th February, 2015.

The team reached Pusa on 14.02.2015 in the night. On 15.02.2015 the team met the Hon’ble VC, the team members and the Dean and Directors of RAU, Pusa. The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Chaired this meeting. After welcoming the officers to the meeting, he updated the officers about the progress in the process of conversion of the RAU, Pusa into the Central Agricultural University and also the necessary actions now required in this direction. Subsequently, ADG (EQR) briefed about the purpose of visit of the team and sought cooperation of the university officers in completing the task on hand. A three day programme was also chalked out. The University officers were requested to prepare asset register for equipment, machinery, furniture & fixtures, plants, Livestock and Books & Journals etc. along with book value and location. For this purpose, the formats prescribed in the General Financial Rule, 2005 were also shared. The University officers were also advised to provide a 181 detailed information on the staff strength, both Teaching and Non-teaching, on their rolls. To facilitate this, a proforma (enclosed) was also developed and shared. The University officers were also requested to provide the Account (the Balance Sheet/Income & Expenditure Statement/P & L Account etc. of the last year and also list out the liabilities accruing to the Central Agricultural University, as laid down in the MoU.

The University was requested to provide the following details in respect of various other assets present in the University and should be kept ready at the time of transfer:

1. Layout Plan of entire University indicating all topographical features i.e.

– Residential Area (______sqm.)

– Non-Residential Area (______sqm.)

– Circulation Area (______sqm.)

– Green Area (______sqm.)

– Farm Area (______sqm.)

– Institutional Area (______sqm.)

– Commercial Area like shopping centres etc. (______sqm.)

– Any encroachment if there (______sqm.)

Location of other offices not belonging to University

2. All above stated features for all KVKs, Research Centres and Colleges of the University.

3. List of all buildings indicating

(i) Plinth area

(ii) Date of construction

(iii) Book value of each

(iv) Inventories of each building

4. List of under construction buildings indicating

(i) Cost for each (ii) Status of works (Physical and Financial both)

182 5. Infrastructure details on layout indicating

(i) Existing water supply lines (ii) Sewage lines (iii) Location of soak pits (iv) Fire-fighting lines if any (v) Source of water supply (vi) Point of disposal for sewage if any (vii) Location of bore wells

6. Maintenance Budget for all existing buildings.

7. Location of all electrical lines, route of cables and all electrical installation like sub-stations, pump house etc.

8. All construction projects in pipe line with complete details like cost for each, location details, provision of funds i.e. funds available for these or required in future.

9. Details of Infrastructure required to be developed in future.

10. All livestock details like physical nos., cost and their date of acquisition.

11. Details of orchids and ponds available with the University.

12. Existing Master Plan of University, if available.

This was also explained that the information is required for the entire University, its main Campus, Colleges, Regional Research Centre(s), Farm and KVKs etc.

Post-lunch the team visited the campus and inspected from outside various buildings viz. the Administrative block, faculty building, Library, Sports Complex, Residential Quarters in the campus and also the farm of the main campus.

Next day, i.e. 16.02.2015, the team visited the Tirhut College of Agriculture Campus and its different departments, Boys’ & Girls’ Hostels, Farms, Hatchery etc. In the afternoon, the team also visited Biroulli KVK and its orchard and farm, the river side area, the livestock and farm, the Sugarcane Research Centre, the forest area, the water body (like Manna) of the University.

183 On 17.02.2015 the team again met with the officers of the University in a meeting convened by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and the status of preparation of different documents were reviewed. It was assured by the Hon’ble VC that all the required documents shall be ready in a week’s time. It was suggested by the VC to convene a meeting in the last week of February, 2015 at New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Director General, ICAR to discuss and finalize the revised DPR and EFC in the presence of officials from DARE, ICAR, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar and RAU, Pusa.

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/- (S.P. Manchanda) (K. Chaudhary) (G. Venkateshwarlu)

184 INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH KRISHI BHAVAN, NEW DELHI-110 001

F.No. 2(78)/2013-PI&M Dated the 5th June 2015

Subject: DARE/ICAR’s 12th Plan SFC-Memo for the Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, at Bihar

In pursuance of the desire to greatly increase food production in Eastern India for which a large potential exists, kindly find enclosed SFC proposal of 12th Plan Scheme of DARE/ICAR’s for the “Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University (RCAU) Bihar”, for your kind perusal. There is ‘in-principle’ approval for this proposal from the Planning Commission. It is confirmed that proposed outlay projected in the proposal is within the 12th Plan allocation of DARE/ICAR for this scheme and also the proposal is sent with the concurrence of FA (DARE/ICAR).

It is requested that your valuable comments may kindly be forwarded to undersigned (Dr. A.K. Vasisht, ADG PI&M, ICAR, Room No. 330, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi) at the earliest. The date, time and venue of the SFC meeting concerning above mentioned scheme will be communicated in due course of time. Sd/- (A.K. VASISHT)

Asst. Director General (PI&M) Phone: 23389526

Distribution:

1. Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110 001 2. Secretary (Expenditure), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi-110 001 3. Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001 4. Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001 5. Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110 016

185 6. Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource and Development (Department of Higher Education), Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001 7. Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Legal Affairs, 4th Floor “A” Wing, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001 8. Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Block-2, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003 9. Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003 10. Advisor (Agri), NITI Aayog, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110 00I 11. Joint Secretary (PF. II), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi. 12. Director, Prime Minister Office, South Block, New Delhi-110 011 13. Joint Director (PF. II), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, North Block, New Delhi-110 001 14. Director, (Finance)/Director (Works), ICAR 15. PPS to FA (DARE/ICAR)

186 F.No. 8(21)/PF.II/2014 MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE PLAN FINANCE-II DIVISION

Room No. 65, North Block, New Delhi dated the 18th July, 2015

Office Memorandum

Sub:Minutes of EFC Meeting held on 16th July, 2015 for Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

Please find enclosed herewith the Minutes of EFC Meeting held on 16th July, 2015 for establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

2. The recommendations of the EFC have also been approved by the Finance Minister. Therefore, Cabinet Note in accordance with these recommendations may be placed before the Cabinet for approval.

Encl: As stated above.

S d/- (Satish Kumar Dubey) Section Officer (PF-II) Ph. 23095622

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Ministry of Agriculture Shri A.K. Vasisht, Assistant Director General (PI&M) Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001 Telefax No. 23389526

187 Minutes of EFC Meeting held on 16 July 2015 for Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar

The meeting was chaired by Shri A.N. Jha, Additional Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance, List of participants is enclosed at Annexure I.

The Chairman welcomed participants to the meeting. Then, Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR explained about the objectives behind the proposal and the need to convert the existing Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU), Pusa, into a Central University. Dr. Arvind Kumar, Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR thereafter gave a detailed account of the potential that exists in the eastern regions of the country to increase agricultural production. He also explained about the manpower needs (teaching and non-teaching), fund requirement, the need for civil works (ongoing and proposed works), and the proposal for the new colleges and research centre.

The details of the financial proposals were explained by Shri R. Rajagopal, Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary, ICAR. He also informed that Rs. 10 crore has been allocated in the budget estimates for the financial year 2015-16.

Shri Raghava Chandra, AS & FA, DARE, while appreciating the proposal emphasized on the need for greater focus on research in the area of mechanization in agriculture and felt that the university should have a specialized faculty on this aspect.

The Chairman, thereafter, invited suggestions from representatives of different Ministries/Departments.

The Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation supported the proposal and mentioned that there is a need to ensure enhanced extension efforts by the University, so that the benefits of research percolate to the farming community.

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF), while supporting the proposal mentioned the need for following the VCI norms for establishment of new Veterinary College, the need to establish a Freshwater Fisheries Research Centre and the details of proposed livestock for strengthening of existing Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), Pusa.

188 Ministry of Environment and Forest mentioned that they are in agreement with the views expressed at the meeting and that they do not have any specific observation.

The Joint Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development supported the proposal and added that any new nomenclature, not approved by UGC if it is to be adopted for awarding degrees, then the application must be made at least six months in advance.

The Adviser, NITI Aayog supported the proposal for conversion and added that they agreed to it “in Principle” even in 2009. He also mentioned that RCAU should act as a centre of excellence with focus on quality human resource development for basic, strategic research and agricultural extension. The functioning of KVKs should be left to the agencies of the State Government. While emphasizing the importance of Banana as an important crop of the region, he suggested to pursue research on this crop with the strengthening of Horticultural Research & Education faculty in the University, rather than, setting up a separate centre.

Joint Secretary (PF-II), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance welcomed the proposal and added that Pusa is a Heritage site, with historical importance for Agricultural Research and Education. He mentioned that the following important points should be noted:

(a) Finance does not support the creation of new posts, as already half the positions are vacant. For creation of new colleges, departments and research facilities, the human resources (both Teaching and Non-teaching) already sanctioned need to be redeployed to meet the emerging demand-supply gap and the requirements of modern technology. (b) The relevance of running a college of home science and teaching humanities in an Agricultural University should be re-examined. It is better to leave such activities to the State Universities and focus on core areas of Agriculture teaching and research. (c) Since, all existing manpower may not meet the standards of Central University, a Screening Committee should be put into place to assess the fitness of all existing employees and those not found suitable should be absorbed in the State universities. (d) There should be emphasis on commercially viable agriculture and self-generation of resources. The university should focus

189 on production and development of commercial products of high quality in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries, which have a huge potential in the area. He said the new Central University should aim at becoming a well known brand, and we hope to see Pusa seed in the market in five to ten years.

At the end, the Chairman supported the proposal for converting the existing State University into Central University. He also mentioned that the various issues raised in the meeting should be appropriately reflected in the Cabinet Note.

With regard to the new colleges proposed to be stated the Chairman desired that there is a need to spell out more details. The required land is still to be made available for opening of four new colleges. Hence it will only be possible to record in-principle approval for these colleges with the condition that the details should be brought before a EFC/SFC again. He emphasized the point that pension liabilities of the Central Government will be limited only to the period of service in the Central University under the Central Government. The retirement age of existing new staff of (teaching & non-teaching) should conform to the Central University Pattern. All legal liabilities arising from the period of management as a State University should rest with the State Government/ State University.

Shri R. Rajagopal, AS, DARE & Secretary, ICAR, while agreeing broadly on the points made by the members clarified that the KVKs which serve as frontline extension are fully funded by ICAR and they shall be continued to be administered by RCAU, Pusa. He also informed that the MoU signed between Government of Bihar and DARE has clear sharing provisions in respect of pension liabilities. DDG (Education) added that the retirement age of existing non-teaching staff as per the MoU is 2 years more than in Central Government and that this point may be examined in the light of the principle adopted when converting RECs into NITs.

Finally, the Expenditure Finance Committee recommended as follows:

i. It recommended the conversion of “Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar” into “Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa” and strengthening of existing Colleges/Research Institutes/Research Stations/Research Sub-Stations by providing Rs. 295 crore as grants-in-aid for capital and revenue expenditure for the remaining two years of the Twelfth Five Year Plan.

190 ii. Transfer of existing Colleges/Research Institutes/Research Stations/Research sub-Stations/KVKs along with their assets including manpower (teaching and non-teaching) and infrastructure from Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar to the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Government of India. iii. “in-principle” approval for opening of four new colleges: (1) College of Agriculture at Saran/Siwan/Gopalganj, (2) College of Agriculture at Aurangabad/Magadh region, (3) College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at Madhubani/ Sitamarhi, (4) College of Horticulture & Forestry at Motihari (East Champaran); and for revival of the Banana Research Centre at Goraul (Vaishali). iv. No new posts will be sanctioned beyond the sanctioned strength in the existing University. The human resource (both Teaching and Non-teaching) already sanctioned needs to be redeployed to meet the requirements of new colleges, and the requirements of restructuring of departments and course in accordance with the emerging needs. v. The DARE should set up a screening committee to assess the suitability of the existing employees who can be absorbed into the new Central University. Those not found suitable should not be laid off, but redeployed to other State universities. The issue of retirement age may be referred to the Department of Expenditure separately.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

191 List of Participants of the EFC Meeting under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance on 16th July, 2015 at 9.30 am in FRESCO Room, Room No. 169-D, North Block, New Delhi

The following were attended the meeting:

Department of Expenditure

Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, Addl. Secretary (Expenditure) & Chairman Shri Arunish Chawla, Joint Secretary (PF-II) Dr. Shivalli M. Chauhan, Director (PF-II)

DARE/ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary (DARE) & DG, ICAR Shri Raghav Chandra, AS&FA (DARE) Shri R. Rajagopal, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary, ICAR Dr. Arvind Kumar, DDG (Edn.), ICAR Dr. R.K. Mittal, VC, RAU, Pusa, Bihar Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Joint Secretary, DoAC, Ministry of Agriculture Dr. A.K. Vashisht, ADG (PIM), ICAR Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu, ADG (EQR), ICAR Shri Davendra Kumar, Director (Finance), ICAR Shri V.P. Kothiyal, Director (Works), ICAR Shri P.C. Chakraborty, DADF, Ministry of Agriculture Shri Naresh Kumar, Consultant, PIM, ICAR

NITI Aayog

Dr. J.P. Mishra, Advisor (PAMD)

Ministry of Human Resource Development

Sh. Praveen Kumar, JS, I/E

Ministry of Environment & Forest

Sh. Anup Badhwa, IGF

192 F.No. 5-03/2015-CAU Government of India Ministry of Agriculture Department of Agricultural Research & Education

Copy No. 62

New Delhi, dated the 20th July, 2015

NOTE FOR THE CABINET

Subject: Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University in Bihar by converting the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

1. Introduction

1.1 This is a proposal seeking approval to establish a Central Agricultural University in Bihar by converting the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar into Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

2. Background

2.1 In pursuance of the suggestion of Special Task Force on Bihar in 2008, efforts were taken to convert the Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar into a Central Agricultural University. Based on this, a proposal to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) [Annexure-I (pages 13-19)] between the Central Government and Government of Bihar was pending from then onwards till 2014.

2.2 Owing to vigorous efforts taken in the second half of 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Bihar and Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India in the presence of Chief Minister of Bihar and Union Minister of Agriculture at Patna on 25th January 2015 to facilitate the conversion.

3. Proposal

3.1 The proposal prepared by the department envisages to convert Rajendra Agricultural University into Rajendra Central Agricultural University by taking over the infrastructure and staff available with the Rajendra Agricultural University. Government of Bihar has given its consent

193 and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for conversion and transfer of all assets to Rajendra Central Agricultural University.

3.2 The proposed Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa will have a national mandate with focus to address the needs of eastern region of the country and particular attention to Bihar for achieving excellence in teaching, research and extension. Rajendra Central Agricultural University (RCAU) will be having the following existing colleges/research institutes/research stations/Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under its control:

I. Educational Institutes

1. Faculty of Agriculture, Pusa (Samastipur) 2. Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (Muzaffarpur) 3. College of Home Science, Pusa (Samastipur) 4. College of Agricultural Engineering, Pusa (Samastipur) 5. College of Fisheries, Dholi (Muzaffarpur) 6. College of Basic Science and Humanities, Pusa (Samastipur)

II. Research Institutes/Stations

1. Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa (Samastipur) 2. Animal Production Research Institute, Pusa (Samastipur) 3. Regional Research Station, Madhopur (West Champaran) 4. Banana Research Station, Hajipur (Vaishali) 5. Regional Research Station for Flood Prone Rice, Jhanjharpur (Madhubani) 6. Regional Research Station for Deep Water Rice, Biraul (Darbhanga) 7. Horticultural Research Station, Birauli (Samastipur)

III. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

1. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khodawandpur (Begusarai) 2. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saraiya (Muzaffarpur) 3. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jale (Darbhanga) 4. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hariharpur (Vaishali) 5. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhagwanpur Hat (Siwan) 6. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Madhopur (West Champaran) 194 7. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birauli (Samastipur) 8. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Manji (Saran) 9. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sipaya (Gopalganj) 10. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Piprakothi (East Champaran) 11. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sheohar.

3.3 Provision has also been made for the consolidation and strengthening, of existing facilities and laboratories, libraries and IT- related infrastructure at the headquarters, its constituent Colleges and research institutes/stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

3.4 The proposal also includes establishment of four new colleges namely (i) College of Agriculture at Saran/Siwan/Gopalganj, (ii) College of Agriculture at Aurangabad/Magadh region, (iii) College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at Madhubani/Sitamarhi, (iv) College of Horticulture & Forestry at Motihari (East Champaran) and one Banana Research Centre, Goraul (Vaishali).

4. Justification

4.1 Agriculture is the mainstay of economy in the Eastern region but the production levels have remained low due to lack of appropriate production technologies to suit the needs of the farming community. The Eastern region, particularly the middle Gangetic plain of Bihar is well endowed with natural resources and holds promise for improving the productivity of major crops including rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, mustard, pulses, spices, jute, horticultural crops etc. This will lead to raising the socio-economic status of the farmers. This can be only accomplished through holistic management of land, water, crops, livestock and fisheries resources. To fulfil the desired goal and achieve excellence in teaching, research and frontline extension; strengthening of infrastructure, trained manpower and world class facilities are essential. Therefore, the present proposal is to convert Rajendra Agricultural University into Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

5. Inter-ministerial consultations/appraisal by Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC)

5.1 Note for the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) was circulated to the NITI Aayog, Department of Expenditure, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Higher Education), Ministry of Law & Justice

195 (Department of Legal Affairs), Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and PMO on 5th June, 2015. NITI Aayog, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries and Department of Legal Affairs have offered their comments supporting the proposal with some suggestions. Subsequently the EFC meeting was held in which all the above mentioned Departments/Ministries were invited.

5.2 The EFC chaired by the Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance considered the proposal in its meeting held on 16th July, 2015 and recommended the proposal for the conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University into Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar with detailed comments on a variety of issues. A copy of the minutes of the EFC meeting is at Annexure-II (pages 20-25). The recommendations of the EFC have also been approved by the Finance Minister Annexure-III (page 26). The Cabinet note in accordance with the recommendations of the EFC is being placed before the Cabinet for approval.

5.3 This Department agrees with the minutes of the EFC meeting held on 16th July, 2015.

6. Financial implications

6.1 The estimated cost in this Plan period for the establishment of the University by conversion of the existing Rajendra Agricultural University to Rajendra Central Agricultural University would be Rs. 295.00 crore, of which a sum of Rs. 30.37 crore is already available with the University for civil works. The break-up of Rs. 295 crore includes Rs. 107.31 crore for Grants-in-Aid General, Rs. 64.82 crore for Grants- in-Aid Capital and Rs. 122.82 crore for Grants-in-Aid Salaries. Out of Rs. 295.00 crore recommended by the EFC for the remaining period of the Twelfth Five Year Plan, an amount of Rs. 62.5 crore has been proposed to be allocated for the year 2015-16 and Rs. 232.5 crore for the year 2016-17.

6.2 A provision of Rs. 400.00 crore has been made in the Twelfth Five Year Plan of DARE. An amount of Rs. 10.00 crore has already been allocated in the Budget Estimate (BE) 2015-16 for Rajendra Central Agricultural University and the remaining will be met through the budget of ongoing works of Rajendra Agricultural University amounting to Rs. 12.5 crore and by adjustment of Rs. 40.00 crore from within the budget of Education Division of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the Revised Estimate (RE) stage.

196 7. Approval sought

7.1 Approval of the Cabinet is solicited for:

(a) the conversion of “Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar” into “Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa” and strengthening of existing Colleges/Research Institutes/ Research Stations/Research Sub-Stations by providing Rs. 295 crore as grants-in-aid for capital and revenue expenditure for the remaining two years of the Twelfth Five Year Plan; (b) transfer of existing Colleges/Research Institutes/Research Stations/Research sub-Stations/KVKs along with their assets including manpower (teaching and non-teaching) and infrastructure from Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar to the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Government of India; (c) “in-principle” approval for opening of four new colleges: (1) College of Agriculture at Saran/Siwan/Gopalganj, (2) College of Agriculture at Aurangabad/Magadh region, (3) College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at Madhubani/ Sitamarhi, (4) College of Horticulture & Forestry at Motihari (East Champaran), and for revival of the Banana Research Centre at Goraul (Vaishali); (d) without creating any new posts beyond the sanctioned strength in the existing University, the human resource (both teaching and non-teaching already sanctioned) to be redeployed to meet the requirements of new colleges and the requirements of restructuring of departments and course in accordance with the emerging needs;

8. The Statement of Implementation Schedule is at Appendix-I (pages 8-10)

9. The Statement of Equity, Innovation and Public Accountability is at Appendix-II (pages 11-12).

10. The note has been seen and approved by the Hon’ble Agriculture Minister.

Sd/- (R. Rajagopal)

Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary, ICAR Telephone No. 23384450

197 APPENDIX I

STATEMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Subject: Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University in Bihar by converting the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

Gist of decision required Project benefit/ Time-frame and result manner of- implementation/ Reporting to Cabinet Secretariat

123

1. Approval of the Cabinet is solicited for: The conversion of After approval of the Rajendra Agricultural Cabinet, the Rajendra (a) the conversion of “Rajendra University, Pusa into Central Agricultural Agricultural University, Bihar” into Rajendra Central university Bill will be “Rajendra Central Agricultural Agricultural University, introduced in the University, Pusa” and strengthening Pusa and its existing Parliament at the earliest of existing Colleges/Research colleges will produce opportunity. Institutes/Research Stations/ the much needed Research Sub- Stations by providing manpower educated in Rs. 295 crore as grants-in-aid for agriculture and allied capital and revenue expenditure sciences. Addition of four for the remaining two years of new colleges will help in the Twelfth Five Year Plan; getting over the shortage of technical manpower (b) transfer of existing Colleges/ and infrastructural Research Institutes/Research facilities that would Stations/Research sub-Stations/ KVKs contribute to the along with their assets including development of manpower(teaching and non- agriculture, including teaching) and infrastructure from animal husbandry and Department of Agriculture, Govt. of fisheries in the region. Bihar to the Department of The existing and new Agricultural Research and Education, colleges will help Govt. of India. familiarise the farmers (c) ‘in-principle’ approval for opening with new techniques, of four new colleges: (1) College of thereby contributing to

198 123

Agriculture at Saran/Siwan/ the production and Gopalganj, (2) College of Agriculture productivity of at Aurangabad/Magadh region, (3) agriculture in the region. College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at Madhubani/ Sitamarhi, (4) College of Horticulture & Forestry at Motihari (East Champaran), and for revival of the Banana Research Centre at Goraul (Vaishali);

(d) without creating any new posts beyond the sanctioned strength in the existing University, the human resource (both teaching and non- Teaching) already sanctioned to be redeployed to meet the requirements of new colleges, and the requirements of restructuring of departments and course in accordance with the emerging needs.

Sd/- (R. Rajagopal) Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary, ICAR Telephone No. 23384450

199 APPENDIX II

STATEMENT OF EQUITY, INNOVATION AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

Subject: Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University in Bihar by converting the existing Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar

SI. The required goal How does the proposal No. advance this goal

12 3

1. Equity/or Inclusiveness The establishment of new Rajendra Central Agricultural University and its colleges will provide an opportunity to the people of Eastern Region to get facilities for education in agriculture related areas because of increase in the number of colleges and admission capacity. The girl students will also get equal opportunity for higher education in these institutes. This will provide new technologies to the farming community to increase their agricultural production.

2. Innovation The new technology developed by students as a result of the post graduate research programmes will provide new knowledge and information to the farmers by way of modified practices of agriculture related activities. This will benefit the farmers by empowering them with latest know how.

3. Public Accountability The Statutory Bodies of the University by regular meetings of Research Council and Extension Education Council, where the stakeholders, namely, the farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs and line departments

200 12 3

of the Government are represented, will provide an opportunity to share new knowledge and development in the field of agriculture related areas. The information so generated will be made available to the public with regular publications of research newsletter and farm magazines. Agricultural Technology Information Centres will provide an opportunity to the farmers to personally see for themselves the available technologies and choose the needed one.

Sd/- (R. Rajagopal) Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary, (ICAR Telephone No. 23384450

201 ANNEXURE I

F. No. 5-03/2015-CAU Government of India Ministry of Agriculture Department of Agricultural Research & Education MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, VIKASH BHAWAN, PATNA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, KRISHI BHAWAN, NEW DELHI FOR CONVERSION OF RAJENDRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PUSA INTO A RAJENDRA CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY 1. Whereas the Government of Bihar, desirous of converting the Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) situated at Pusa, District Samastipur, Bihar established in the year 1971 under the Rajendra Agricultural University Act, 1971 (replaced by the Bihar Agricultural University Act, 1987) to impart teaching, research and extension activities in the field of agricultural and allied sciences, into a Central Agricultural University have made a request to the Government of India accordingly. 2. Whereas the Government of India have agreed, in principle, to consider conversion of Rajendra Agricultural University Pusa, Distt. Samastipur, Bihar, utilizing the existing campus and other associated facilities, into the Rajendra Central Agricultural University, subject to approvals required within the Government of India. 3. Whereas it is necessary to establish the principles on how the assets of the RAU, including its manpower resources, will be handled in future. 4. Therefore, this MoU lays down in its subsequent paragraph the principles that will govern treatments of the assets and liabilities of RAU, including its manpower resources. 202 5. The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) shall, subject to necessary internal approvals, introduce a Bill for the consideration of the Parliament for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University, to the Rajendra Central Agricultural University (RCAU). However, the introduction of Bill shall be taken up with the approval of the Law Ministry. 6. The proposed Bill shall have necessary provisions for taking over the assets of the existing RAU, and shall also have provisions to provide for the effective date of take-over of these assets. 7. These assets shall also include, existing RAU’s Colleges, Directorates, Research/Extension Institutes/Station, KVKs with all the existing land, building, infrastructure and associated facilities. 8. The Government of Bihar would facilitate acquisition of land and other logistic support to RCAU for its further extension of activities. 9. The Government of India/R-CAU will takeover, subject to subsequent paragraphs, only the liabilities arising from its acts of commission or omission from, the effective date of taking over of the assets of the existing RAU, Pusa. 10. Any liability or dues of any kind existing, or becoming due to any act of commission or omission, on the part of existing RAU before the effective date of take over, or arising from any judicial order, or otherwise, pertaining to a period prior to the effective date would be the sole liability of the RAU/ Government of Bihar. 11. The Government of Bihar shall make the required legal provisions for the following: (a) Existing courses of programmes which do not fit in with the scheme of R-CAU and to which students have been admitted before conversion, shall continue till their completion as per existing rules and regulations. However, no fresh admissions would be made to these courses/ programmes, and they will cease to operate once the ongoing courses are completed. The degree of such students shall be awarded in the name of R-CAU as per the existing provisions. 203 (b) That the permanent records of the old students shall be maintained by a Special Cell under the R-CAU and in case of demand of duplicate degree certificate, transcript, migration certificate etc., the same shall be issued in the name and seal of Rajendra Agricultural University. (c) Whereas the R-CAU will take the requisite permanent staff as per need subject to their meeting the qualification/criteria of recruitment in the R-CAU. The R- CAU shall provide an opportunity to such permanent staff who desire to meet the qualification/criteria in a stipulated time decided by the R-CAU. In this connection, the teaching staff who does not meet the requisite qualification shall be given two years from the date of establishment for upgrading their qualification. For other permanent staff retained by the CAU, an opportunity will also be given to improve their qualification to meet the requirement. The Government of Bihar will make efforts for engagement of surplus, temporary staff and staff (whether teaching or non-teaching) whose appointment itself is a matter of dispute. The court cases of the staff of RAU will be attended by a special cell created by the Government of Bihar for this purpose. However, the court cases related to the matters pertaining to the R-CAU, if any, will be handled by the R-CAU authorities. The engagement/adjustment of such staff in the R-CAU will be subject to the requirement of staff in various programmes and the decision of R-CAU after the outcome of the court decisions. (d) That on closure of any programme/course or scheme, the permanent staff, academic/non-academic, would be transferred/adjusted to appropriate programmes of R-CAU as feasible in whichever manner it deems fit. (e) The Government of India through the R-CAU will accept only the payment liability for salary of the existing staff in accordance with pay structure on the line of the R-CAU only. (f) The R-CAU will bear the pension and other retiral liability of the existing staff to the extent of the period the existing staffs serve the R-CAU, and the State Government

204 would bear the liability of pension etc. in proportion to the service rendered by the existing staff up to the date of conversion of RAU as R-CAU. The State Government will provide its contribution to R-CAU who may discharge the pension liability.

(g) In case of existing staff being governed by CPF Rules, the Government of India rules for CPF will be followed for them. If the current system does not provide for pension, but only for CPF etc., then R-CAU would also follow the same system.

(h) The pension and other post retirement benefits including medical benefits of the academic/non-academic staff who have superannuated before conversion of RAU as the R-CAU shall be liability of State Government. These liabilities shall be paid by the State Government through the R-CAU. In other words, any superannuated employee of the University before takeover by the Central Government will remain State Government pensioner and subject to State Government rules.

(i) The Government of Bihar has already made 65 years as the date of superannuation for the teaching staff and for the non-teaching staff, it is 62 years. In Government of India/existing Central Agricultural University at Imphal, the date of superannuation for teaching staff is 65 years but for non-teaching, it is 60 years. As the date of retirement of non-teaching staff will involve legal implications at this stage, it may be appropriate that for the existing non-teaching staff of the RAU, it may continue to be 62 years, if agreed and for those (both teaching and non-teaching) recruited after conversion to CAU, it will be governed as per rules of the R-CAU.

(j) All Non-Academic staff will be treated in a manner similar to the manner stated in the aforesaid para. 12. Any new recruitment made by R-CAU will be as per the rules governing the R-CAU, and all such new recruitments, whether of academic or non-academic staff, will be appointments to the R-CAU. The salary, allowances and benefits, including 205 pensionary benefits will be governed by the rules of the R-CAU, which are the rules of the Government of India. The Government of Bihar, or the existing RAU, will not have any liability in this regard. 13. The Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), Government of India and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar will set up Joint Committees for effective takeover of assets of the RAU by the R-CAU. 14. All liabilities in terms of outstanding payments on account of any service, including charges towards electricity and water etc., or any purchase made before the effective date of takeover will be the liability of RAU, and R-CAU will be responsible only for such recurring liabilities only from the effective date of takeover. 15. In case of all liabilities not covered in the para above, the principles of the liability being the responsibility of institution which incurred them will apply. Thus, any liability incurred or accrued, directly or indirectly by the RAU, before the effective date of takeover shall be the exclusive responsibility of the RAU, and any liability incurred or accrued after the effective date of takeover will be that of the R-CAU. 16. A Committee consisting of the Vice Chancellor of the R-CAU and two representatives each from the DARE/ICAR (not below the rank of Dy. Secretary in the Government of India) and the State Government (not below the rank of Head of Department in the Government of Bihar), will be set up for giving effect to this Memorandum of Understanding and will be known as the Asset Takeover Committee (ATC). This Committee will also demarcate the liabilities of the RAU and the R-CAU in the manner stated in the aforesaid paragraphs. 17. Any dispute with regard to the matter arising from the MoU, will be referred to a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) consisting of Secretary (DARE), Secretary (ICAR) and Agriculture Production Commissioner/Principal Secretary/Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, and their ruling will be binding on both parties. 18. This MoU shall be effective on the date on which it is entered into between the parties for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University into a Rajendra Central Agricultural University.

206 In witness whereof both the sides have signed this Memorandum of Understanding on the 25th day, January month and 2015 year.

For Government of India For Government of Bihar

Sign. : Sd/- Sign. : Sd/- Name : Dr. S. Ayyappan Name : Vijoy Prakash Designation : Secretary, DARE Designation : Agriculture Production Commissioner Witness (1) Witness (1) Sign. : Sd/- Sign. : Sd/- Name : G. Venkateshwarlu Name : Ramjee Singh Designation : Assistant Director Designation : Joint Secretary General (EQAR), ICAR Witness (2) Witness (2) Sign. : Sd/- Sign. : Sd/- Name : B.P. Bhatt Name : Dharmendra Singh Designation : Director, ICAR-RCER, Designation : Director, Agriculture Patna

207 Minutes of EFC Meeting held on 16 July 2015 for Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar

The meeting was chaired by Shri A.N. Jha, Additional Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance, List of participants is enclosed at Annexure I.

The Chairman, thereafter, invited suggestions from representatives of different Ministries/Departments.

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF), while supporting the proposal mentioned about the need for following the VCI norms for establishment of new Veterinary College, the need to establish a Freshwater Fisheries Research Centre and the details of proposed livestock for strengthening of existing Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), Pusa.

208 Ministry of Environment and Forests mentioned that they are in agreement with the views expressed at the meeting and that they do not have any specific observation.

The Adviser, NITI Aayog supported the proposal for conversion and added that they agreed to it “in Principal” even in 2009. He also mentioned that R-CAU should act as a centre of excellence with focus on quality human resource development for basic, strategic research and agricultural extension. The functioning of KVKs should be left to the agencies of the State Government. While emphasizing the importance of Banana as an important crop of the region, he suggested to pursue research on this crop with the strengthening of Horticultural Research & Education faculty in the University, rather than, setting up a separate centre.

Joint Secretary (PF-II), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance welcomed the proposal and added that Pusa is Heritage site, with the historical importance for Agricultural Research and Education. He mentioned that the following important points should be noted:

(b) The relevance of running a college of home science and teaching humanities in an Agricultural University should be re-examined. It is better to leave such activities to the State Universities and focus on core areas of agriculture teaching and research.

(c) Since, all existing manpower may not meet the standards of Central University, a Screening Committee should be put into place to assess the fitness of all existing employees and those not found suitable should be absorbed in the State Universities.

209 (d) There should be emphasis on commercially viable agriculture and self generation of resources. The university should focus on production and development of commercial products of high quality in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries, which have a huge potential in the area. He said the new Central University should aim at becoming a well known brand, and we hope to see Pusa seed in the market in five to ten years.

At the end, the Chairman supported the proposal for converting the existing State University into Central University. He also-mentioned that the various issues raised in the meeting should be appropriately reflected in the Cabinet Note.

With regard to the new colleges proposed to be stated the Chairman desired that there is a need to spell out more details. The required land is still to be made available for opening of four new Colleges. Hence it will only be possible to record in principle approval for these colleges with the condition that the details should be brought before a EFC/SFC again. He emphasized the point that pension liabilities of the Central Government will be limited only to the period of service in the Central University under the Central Government. The retirement age of existing new staff of (teaching & non-teaching) should conform to the Central University Pattern. All legal liabilities arising from the period of management as a State University should rest with the State Government/ State University.

Finally, the Expenditure Finance Committee recommended as follows:

(i) It recommended the conversion of “Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar” into “Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa’’ and strengthening of existing Colleges/Research Institutes/Research Stations/Research Sub-Stations by providing Rs. 295 crore as grants-in-aid for capital and revenue expenditure for the remaining two years of the Twelfth Five Year Plan.

210 (ii) Transfer of existing Colleges/Research Institutes/ Research Stations/Research sub-Stations/KVKs along with their assets including manpower (teaching and non-teaching) and infrastructure from Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar to the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Government of India. (iii) “in-principle” approval for opening of four new colleges: (1) College of Agriculture at Saran/Siwan/Gopalganj, (2) College of Agriculture at Aurangabad/Magadh region, (3) College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at Madhubani/ Sitamarhi, (4) College of Horticulture and Forestry at Motihari (East Champaran), and for revival of the Banana Research Centre at Goraul (Vaishali). (iv) No new posts will be sanctioned beyond the sanctioned strength in the existing University. The human resource (both teaching and non-teaching) already sanctioned needs to be redeployed to meet the requirements of new colleges, and the requirements of restructuring of departments and course in accordance with the emerging needs. (v) The DARE should set up a screening committee to assess the suitability of the existing employees who can be absorbed into the new Central University. Those not found suitable should not be laid off, but redeployment to other state universities. The issue of retirement age may be referred to the Department of Expenditure separately.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

211 List of Participants of the EFC Meeting under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance on 16th July, 2015 at 9.30 am in FRESCO, Room, Room No. 169-D, North Block, New Delhi

The following attended the meeting.

Department of Expenditure

Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, Addl. Secretary (Expenditure) & Chairman Shri Arunish Chawla, Joint Secretary (PF-II) Dr. Shivali M. Chauhan, Director (PF-II)

DARE/ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary (DARE) & DG, ICAR Shri Raghav Chandra, AS&FA (DARE) Shri R. Rajagopal, Additional. Secretary (DARE) & Secretary, ICAR Dr. Arvind Kumar, DDG (Edn.), ICAR Dr. R.K. Mittal, VC, RAU, Pusa, Bihar Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Joint Secretary, DoAC, Ministry of Agriculture Dr. A.K. Vashisht, ADG (PIM), ICAR Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu, ADG (EQR), ICAR Shri Davendra Kumar, Director (Finance), ICAR Sh. V.P. Kothiyal, Director (Works), ICAR Shri P.C. Chakraborty, DADF, Ministry of Agriculture Shri Naresh Kumar, Consultant, PIM, ICAR NITI Aayog Dr. J.P. Mishra, Advisor (PAMD) Ministry of Human Resource Development Sh. Praveen Kumar, JS, I/E Ministry of Environment & Forests Sh. Anup Badhwa, IGF

212 F.No. 8(21)/PF.II/2014 MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE PLAN FINANCE-II DIVISION

Room No. 65, North Block, New Delhi, dated the 18th July, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Minutes of EFC Meeting held on 16th July, 2015 for Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

Please find enclosed herewith the Minutes of EFC Meeting held on 16th July,2015 for establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.

2. The recommendations of the EFC have also been approved by the Finance Minister. Therefore, Cabinet note in accordance with these recommendations may be placed before the Cabinet for approval.

Encl: As stated above.

Sd/- (Satish Kumar Dubey) Section Officer (PF-II) Ph. 23095622

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Agricultural Research and education, Ministry of Agriculture, (Shri A.K. Vasisht, Assistant Director General (PI&M) Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001 Telefax No. 23389526

213 No. 29/CM/2015(i) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR) CABINET SECRETARIAT (MANTRIMANDAL, SACHIVALAYA)

New Delhi, the 24th July, 2015

The undersigned is directed to circulate herewith the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21st July, 2015 (Case Nos. 207/29/2015 to 11/29/2015).

Sd/- (S.G.P. Verghese) Director Tel. No. : 23011791 Fax No. : 23793504 E-mail:[email protected]

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Copy, with a copy of the relevant minutes, forwarded to the following, in respect of the case(s) mentioned against each:—

Case No. (s)

Foreign Secretary 207 CEO, NITI Aayog 207, 208, 209 and 211 Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Department 207, 208, 209, 210 and of Expenditure 211 Secretary, Ministry of Power 207, 209 and 211 Secretary, Department of Agricultural 208 Research and Education Secretary, Department of Bio-technology 208 Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, 208 Dairying and Fisheries Secretary, Department of Higher Education 208 Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs 208 and 209 Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest 208 and 209 and Climate Change. 214 Secretary, Department of Science and 208 and 211 Technology Secretary, Department of Agriculture and 208, 209 and 210 Cooperation. Secretary, Department of Land Resources 209 Secretary, Department of Defence 209 Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and 209 Natural Gas Secretary, Legislative Department. 209 Chairman, Railway Board 209 Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development. 209 Secretary, Ministry of Coal 209 Secretary, Ministry of Mines 209 Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and 209 Highways. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs 209 Secretary, Ministry of Culture 209 Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy. 209 and 211 Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy 209 and 211 and Promotion Secretary, Department of Financial Services 210 Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs 210 and 211 Secretary, Department of Electronics and 211 Information Technology Secretary, Department of Commerce 211 Secretary, Department of Revenue 211 Secretary, Department of Space 211 Secretary, Department of Telecommunications 211 Secretary, Department of Defence Production 211 Secretary, Department of Health and Family 211 Welfare

Sd/- (S.G.P. Verghese) Director

215 izfr la- 4 xqIr

la-29@lh,e@2015 eaf=keaMy lfpoky;

eaf=keaMy dh eaxyokj] 21 tqykbZ] 2015 dks 1840 cts] iapoVh] 7 jsldkslZ jksM+] ubZ fnYyh esa gqbZ cSBd osQ dk;Zo`Ùk dk lkjka'k izdj.k la- 208@29@2015 en 2

ekStwnk jktsUnz o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky;] iwlk] fcgkj dks ifjofrZr djosQ jktsUnz osQUnzh; o`Qf"k fo'ofo|ky; dh LFkkiukA

eaf=keaMy us o`Qf"k ea=kky;] o`Qf"k vuqla/ku vkSj f'k{kk foHkkx osQ fnukad 20-07-2015 osQ uksV (lhMh&467@2015) ij fopkj fd;k vkSj mlosQ iSjkxzkiQ 7 esa mfYyf[kr izLrkoksa dks Loho`Qfr iznku dhA

xqIr

11 izfr;ka

eaf=keaMy dh dk;Zokfg;ksa osQ laca/ esa izfØ;k fu;ekoyh (fu;e 10) osQ vuqlkj] fu.kZ; dks ykxw djus dh dkjZokbZ dh izxfr dks eaf=kifj"kn osQ lnL;ksa osQ lwpukFkZ ea=kky; osQ ekfld lkjka'k esa 'kkfey fd;k tk,A

dk;Zlwph fVIi.kh osQ lkFk layXu dk;kZUo;u vuqlwph dk lanHkZ nsrs gq, fu.kZ; dks ykxw djus gsrq dh xbZ dkjZokbZ ls eaf=keaMy lfpoky; dks voxr djk;k tk,A

------

216 lfpo] [kku eaa=kky; 209 lfpo] lM+d ifjogu vkSj jktekxZ ea=kky; 209 lfpo] x`g ea=kky; 209 lfpo] laLo`Qfr ea=kky; 209 lfpo] ijek.kq mQtkZ foHkkx 209 vkSj 211 lfpo] vkS|ksfxd uhfr vkSj lao/Zu foHkkx 209 vkSj 211 lfpo] foÙkh; lsok,a foHkkx 210 lfpo] vkfFkZd dk;Z foHkkx 210 vkSj 211 lfpo] bysDVªkWfudh vkSj lwpuk izkS|ksfxdh foHkkx 211 lfpo] okf.kT; foHkkx 211 lfpo] jktLo foHkkx 211 lfpo] varjf{k foHkkx 211 lfpo] nwjlapkj foHkkx 211 lfpo] j{kk mRiknu foHkkx 211 lfpo] LokLF; vkSj ifjokj dY;k.k foHkkx 211

g-@& (,l-th-ih- oxhZl) funs'kd xqIr

;'k NkcM+k 46 izfr;ka

217 ANNEXURE III

STATE-WISE LIST OF ICAR INSTITUTES

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair

Andhra Pradesh

Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajamundry

Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Hyderabad

Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi

Arunachal Pradesh

NRC on Yak, Dirang

Assam

NRC on Pig, Guwahati

Bihar NRC Litchi, Muzzafarpur ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna including Makhana NRC Integrated Farming System, Motihari, Bihar Chhattisgarh National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur Delhi National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi NRC Biotechnology Centre for Crop Science, New Delhi Indian Institute of Maize Research, New Delhi National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM), New Delhi Indian Agricultural Statistical Research Institute, New Delhi National Institute of Agricultural Economics & Policy Research, New Delhi

218 Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi

Gujarat

Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagarh

Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand

Goa

Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institutes, Goa

Himachal Pradesh

Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan

Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla

Haryana

Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal

Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal

National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal

National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal

Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hissar

National Centre for Veterinary Type Culture Collection, Hisar

Jharkhand

Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi

Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Ranchi

Jammu & Kashmir Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar Kerala Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasargod Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi Central Institute of Fisheries and Technology, Kochi

Karnataka

National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru

219 Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Bengaluru

Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur

National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru

National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru

Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Bengaluru

Meghalaya

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani

Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Barapani

Maharashtra

Central Institute of Cotton Research, Nagpur

Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur

NRC Grapes, Pune

NRC Pomegranate, Solapur, Maharashtra

Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar, Pune

Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune

National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur

National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, Maharashtra

Central Institute of Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai

Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai

Madhya Pradesh

Directorate of Soybean Research, Indore

Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal

Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur

Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal

National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal

Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Jabalpur

Nagaland

NRC on Mithun, Jharnapani, Nagaland 220 Orissa

National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack

Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneshwar

Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar

Central Institute of Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar

Punjab

Central Institute on Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana

Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Ludhiana

Rajasthan

Directorate of Rapeseed—Mustard Research, Bharatpur

Central Institute of Arid Horticulture, Bikaner

NRC Seed Spices, Ajmer

Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur

Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar

NRC on Camel, Bikaner

Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Jodhpur

Sikkim

NRC Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim

Telangana

Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad

Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad

Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad

Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad

Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad

NRC on Meat, Hyderabad

National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad

221 Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore Central Institute of Brackish Aquaculture, Chennai NRC Banana, Trichy Uttar Pradesh Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow Directorate of Seed Research, Mau National Bureau of Agricultural Important Microorganisms, Mau Central Institute of Sub-Tropical Horticulture, Lucknow Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi Indian Institute of Farming System Research, Modipuram Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kanpur National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow Uttarakhand Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhanshala, Almora Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun Directorate of Foot & Mouth Disease, Mukteshwar Project Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries, Bhimtal West Bengal Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore National Institute of Research on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology, Kolkata Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata

222 APPENDIX I

STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE (2015-16)

MINUTES OF THE THIRTEENTH SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE

The Committee sat on Monday, the 01st February, 2016 from 1500 hours to 1600 hours in Committee Room ‘B’, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

PRESENT Shri Hukm Deo Narayan Yadav — Chairperson

MEMBERS Lok Sabha

2. Prof. Richard Hay 3. Md. Badaruddoza Khan 4. Dr. Tapas Mandal 5. Shri Dalpat Singh Paraste 6. Shri Nityanand Rai 7. Shri Mukesh Rajput 8. Shri C.L. Ruala 9. Shri Satyapal Singh (Sambhal)

Rajya Sabha

10. Smt. Renuka Chowdhury 11. Shri Janardan Dwivedi 12. Shri Vinay Katiyar 13. Shri Modh. Ali Khan 14. Shri Rajpal Singh Saini 15. Shri Ram Nath Thakur 16. Shri Shankarbhai N. Vegad

SECRETARIAT 1. Shri U.B.S. Negi — Joint Secretary 2. Shri Arun K. Kaushik — Director 3. Shri Sumesh Kumar — Under Secretary

223 WITNESSES

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE (DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION, ICAR)

1. Dr. S. Ayyappan Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) 2. Shri Chhabilendra Roul Addl. Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) 3. Dr. R.C. Srivastava Vice Chancellor, Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar 4. Dr. Narendra Singh Rathore Dy. Director General (Education) 5. Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu Assistant Director General (EQA&R) 6. Dr. R.K. Mittal Officer on Special Duty (IR)

2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members of the Committee to the sitting convened for briefing on the Subject “The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015”. Thereafter, the representatives of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) were ushered in. After welcoming the representatives of the Ministry to the sitting, the Chairperson apprised them of the provisions of the Directions 55 (1) and 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha regarding confidentiality of the proceedings.

3. After the witnesses introduced themselves, the Secretary, DARE briefed the Committee on the subject. Thereafter, the Chairperson and the Members of the Committee raised several issues/points as briefly mentioned below and sought clarification/information of the Department thereon:—

(i) Reasons for bringing State Agricultural University under the purview of Central Government; (ii) Reach, spread and infrastructure availability of the University; (iii) Manner in which university will address the needs of eastern region of the country with particular attention to Bihar for achieving excellence in teaching, research and extension activities in the field of agricultural and allied sciences; (iv) Role of University in extending agriculture to Eastern States; (v) Brining together higher education and skill development; (vi) Administrative technical and financial issues after conversion to a Central University;

224 (vii) Representation of public representative specially Members of Parliament; (viii) Possibility of involving Panchayati Raj Institutions in framing curriculum; (ix) Representation of progressive farmers and related organisations in Board of Management; (x) Provisions regarding the term of Head of Department, representation of Head of Department in extension education council of the University; (xi) Issue of Granting status of Institute of national importance to the proposed university; and (xii) Issues of contention with State Government of Bihar such as age of retirement of teaching and non-teaching staff, validity of degree of students already enrolled, court cases, etc.

4. The Representatives of the Department responded to most of the queries raised by the Members. The Chairperson thanked the witnesses for sharing valuable information with the Committee on the subject and directed them to furnish the requisite information on the points/items, which was not readily available with them to the Secretariat of the Committee at the earliest.

5. A copy of the verbatim proceedings of the sitting has been kept separately.

The Committee then adjourned.

225 APPENDIX II

STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE (2015-16)

MINUTES OF THE Fifteenth SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE

The Committee sat on Wednesday, the 02 March, 2016 from 1500 hours to 1630 hours in Committee Room ‘E’, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

PRESENT Shri Hukm Deo Narayan Yadav — Chairperson

MEMBERS Lok Sabha

2. Prof. Richard Hay 3. Shri Sanganna Karadi 4. Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel 5. Md. Badaruddoza Khan 6. Shri C. Mahendran 7. Shri Janardan Mishra 8. Shri Ajay Nishad 9. Shri Dalpat Singh Paraste 10. Shri C.L. Ruala 11. Shri Satyapal Singh (Sambhal) 12. Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa Rajya Sabha 13. Shri Vinay Katiyar 14. Shri Modh. Ali Khan 15. Shri Ram Nath Thakur 16. Shri Shankarbhai N. Vegad

SECRETARIAT 1. Shri U.B.S. Negi — Joint Secretary 2. Shri Arun K. Kaushik — Director 3. Smt. Juby Amar — Additional Director 4. Shri Sumesh Kumar — Under Secretary

226 WITNESSES

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION)

1. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) 2. Shri Chhabilendra Roul Addl. Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) 3. Dr. R.C. Srivastava Vice-Chancellor, Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar 4. Dr. Narendra Singh Rathore Dy. Director General (Education) 5. Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu Assistant Director General (EQA&R) 6. Dr. R.K. Mittal Officer on Special Duty (IR)

2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members of the Committee to the Sitting convened for Oral Evidence of the representatives of Ministry of Agriculture (DARE) on ‘The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill 2015’. Thereafter, the representatives of Ministry of Agriculture (DARE) were ushered in. After welcoming the representatives of the Ministry to the Sitting, the Chairperson apprised them of the provisions of the Directions 55 (1) and 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha regarding confidentiality of the proceedings.

3. After the witnesses introduced themselves, the Chairperson and the Members of the Committee raised several issues/points as briefly mentioned below and sought clarification/information from the Ministry thereon:

(i) Need to evolve mechanism to provide representation to Head of the Departments in Extension Education Council by rotation;

(ii) Need to reorient curriculum of agriculture education as per demands of modern agriculture and problem faced by the farmers;

(iii) Need to give impetus on practical aspects of agriculture education by providing incentives to the students so that they can undertake research along with the farmers in rural setup;

(iv) Need to provide adequate funds to the proposed University for availability of world class infrastructure and research facilities; 227 (v) Need to introduce courses to provide scientific basis to indigenous knowledge of agriculture available with the farmers in the country; and (vi) Need of defining criteria for nomination of farmers’ representatives in Board of Management and Extension Education Council.

4. The Representatives of the Ministry responded to most of the queries raised by the Members. The Chairperson thanked the witnesses for sharing valuable information with the Committee on the subject and directed them to furnish the requisite information on the points/ items, which were not readily available with them to the Secretariat of the Committee at the earliest.

5. A copy of the verbatim proceedings of the sitting has been kept separately.

The Committee then adjourned.

228 APPENDIX III

STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE (2015-16)

EXTRACTS OF MINUTES OF THE EIGHTEENTH SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE

The Committee sat on Monday, the 28th March, 2016 from 1430 hours to 1630 hours in Committee Room ‘E’, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

PRESENT Shri Hukm Deo Narayan Yadav — Chairperson

MEMBERS Lok Sabha

2. Prof. Richard Hay

3. Md. Badaruddoza Khan

4. Dr. Tapas Mandal

5. Shri Janardan Mishra

6. Shri Dalpat Singh Paraste

7. Shri Nityanand Rai

8. Shri Mukesh Rajput

9. Shri Konakalla Narayana Rao

10. Shri Satyapal Singh (Sambhal)

Rajya Sabha

11. Smt. Renuka Chowdhury

12. Shri Janardan Dwivedi

13. Shri Vinay Katiyar

14. Modh. Ali Khan

15. Shri Ram Nath Thakur

16. Shri Shankarbhai N. Vegad 229 SECRETARIAT 1. Shri Arun K. Kaushik — Director 2. Shri C. Vanlalruata — Deputy Secretary 3. Shri Sumesh Kumar — Under Secretary

2. At the outset, the Committee decided to take up the draft report on “The Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill 2015”. The Committee, after brief discussion adopted the draft report without any modification. Since, the House is in recess, the Committee also authorized Chairperson to finalize and present the Report on their behalf to Hon’ble Speaker under Direction 71 A of ‘The Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha’.

[Thereafter, the witnesses were called]

2. *** *** ***

3. *** *** ***

4. *** *** ***

5. A copy of the verbatim proceedings of the sitting has been kept separately.

The Committee then adjourned.

***Not related to this Report. 230