The Regional Centre for Biotechnology Act, 2016.
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Science and Technology / Department of Bio-Technology
Section
Section 1 Short title and commencement.
(1) This Act may be called the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Act, 2016.
(2) It shall come into force on such date1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
(2) It shall come into force on such date1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
1. 1st March, 2017, vide notification No. S.O. 642 (E), dated 28th February, 2017, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(i).
Section 2 Definitions. 4 docs
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) "academic staff" means Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors, Deans, SubDeans, Executive Director and such other persons, including Visiting Professors, Professors of Eminence, Honorary Professors, Adjunct Professors and Emeritus Professors, as may be appointed or engaged for imparting education, training or conducting research in the Regional Centre for Biotechnology;
(b) "Board" means the Board of Governors constituted under section 14;
(c) "Board of Studies" means the Board of Studies of the Regional Centre referred to in section 21;
(d) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Board;
(e) "employee" means any person appointed by the Regional Centre and includes officers, academic and other staff of the Regional Centre;
(f) "Executive Committee" means the Executive Committee of the Regional Centre constituted under section 18;
(g) "Executive Director" means the Executive Director of the Regional Centre appointed under sub-section (1) of section 23;
(h) "existing Regional Centre" means the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education at National Capital Region, Faridabad;
(i) "hall" means a unit of residence, by whatever name called, for the students of the Regional Centre, maintained or recognised by it;
(j) "institution" includes autonomous organisations within or outside India, for imparting education, training and conducting research in the areas of Biotechnology and supported by the Government of India or industry or universities or other organisations;
(k) "Ordinances" means the Ordinances framed by the Programme Advisory Committee under section 42;
(l) "Programme Advisory Committee" means the Programme Advisory Committee of the Regional Centre constituted under section 17;
(m) "region" means the region comprising the territories of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) States and generally the Asia region;
(n) "Regional Centre" means the Regional Centre for Biotechnology established under section 3;
(o) "Regulations" means the Regulations made by any authority of the Regional Centre under section 43;
(p) "Statutes" means the Statutes framed by the Board under section 41;
(q) "UNESCO" means the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
(a) "academic staff" means Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors, Deans, SubDeans, Executive Director and such other persons, including Visiting Professors, Professors of Eminence, Honorary Professors, Adjunct Professors and Emeritus Professors, as may be appointed or engaged for imparting education, training or conducting research in the Regional Centre for Biotechnology;
(b) "Board" means the Board of Governors constituted under section 14;
(c) "Board of Studies" means the Board of Studies of the Regional Centre referred to in section 21;
(d) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Board;
(e) "employee" means any person appointed by the Regional Centre and includes officers, academic and other staff of the Regional Centre;
(f) "Executive Committee" means the Executive Committee of the Regional Centre constituted under section 18;
(g) "Executive Director" means the Executive Director of the Regional Centre appointed under sub-section (1) of section 23;
(h) "existing Regional Centre" means the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education at National Capital Region, Faridabad;
(i) "hall" means a unit of residence, by whatever name called, for the students of the Regional Centre, maintained or recognised by it;
(j) "institution" includes autonomous organisations within or outside India, for imparting education, training and conducting research in the areas of Biotechnology and supported by the Government of India or industry or universities or other organisations;
(k) "Ordinances" means the Ordinances framed by the Programme Advisory Committee under section 42;
(l) "Programme Advisory Committee" means the Programme Advisory Committee of the Regional Centre constituted under section 17;
(m) "region" means the region comprising the territories of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) States and generally the Asia region;
(n) "Regional Centre" means the Regional Centre for Biotechnology established under section 3;
(o) "Regulations" means the Regulations made by any authority of the Regional Centre under section 43;
(p) "Statutes" means the Statutes framed by the Board under section 41;
(q) "UNESCO" means the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Section 3 Establishment and incorporation of Regional Centre for Biotechnology.
(1) The Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education at National Capital Region, Faridabad, Haryana functioning under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology is hereby established as a body corporate by the name of "Regional Centre for Biotechnology" having perpetual succession and a common seal with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to contract and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued.
(2) The Regional Centre shall consist of a Board of Governors and authorities specified in section 13.
(3) The headquarters of the Regional Centre shall be at its campus in the National Capital Region, Faridabad
(2) The Regional Centre shall consist of a Board of Governors and authorities specified in section 13.
(3) The headquarters of the Regional Centre shall be at its campus in the National Capital Region, Faridabad
Section 4 Declaration of Regional Centre for Biotechnology as an institution of national importance.
Whereas the objects of the institution known as the Regional Centre for Biotechnology are such as to make the institution one of national importance, it is hereby declared that the institution known as the Regional Centre for Biotechnology is an institution of national importance.
Section 5 Effect of establishment of Regional Centre.
(1) On and from the date of commencement of this Act,—
(a) any reference to the existing Regional Centre in any law, other than this Act, or in any contract or other instrument, shall be deemed as a reference to the Regional Centre;
(b) all properties and assets, movable and immovable, of, or belonging to the existing Regional Centre shall vest in the Regional Centre;
(c) all rights and liabilities of the existing Regional Centre shall be transferred to, and be the rights and liabilities of, the Regional Centre;
(d) without prejudice to the provisions of clause (c), all debts, obligations and liabilities incurred, all contracts entered into and all matters and things engaged to be done by, with or for, the existing Regional Centre immediately before the said date, for or in connection with the purposes of the said Regional Centre shall be deemed to have incurred, entered into or engaged to be done by, with or for, the Regional Centre;
(e) all sums of money due to the existing Regional Centre immediately before that date shall be deemed to be due to the Regional Centre;
(f) all suits and other legal proceedings instituted or which could have been instituted by or against the existing Regional Centre immediately before that date may be continued or may be instituted by or against the Regional Centre;
(g) every employee (including those appointed for imparting instruction or giving training or conducting research in the existing Regional Centre), holding any office under the existing Regional Centre or teaching therein immediately before the commencement of this Act shall hold his office in the Regional Centre or continue teaching therein by the same tenure and upon the same terms and conditions of service as respects remuneration, leave, provident fund, retirement and other terminal benefits as he would have held such office if this Act had not been enacted and shall continue to do so as an employee of the Regional Centre or until the expiry of the period of six months from that date if such employee opts not to be the employee of the Regional Centre within such period.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (14 of 1947) or in any other law for the time being in force, absorption of any employee by the Regional Centre in its regular service under this section shall not entitle such employee to any compensation under that Act or any other law and no such claim shall be entertained by any court, tribunal or other authority.
(a) any reference to the existing Regional Centre in any law, other than this Act, or in any contract or other instrument, shall be deemed as a reference to the Regional Centre;
(b) all properties and assets, movable and immovable, of, or belonging to the existing Regional Centre shall vest in the Regional Centre;
(c) all rights and liabilities of the existing Regional Centre shall be transferred to, and be the rights and liabilities of, the Regional Centre;
(d) without prejudice to the provisions of clause (c), all debts, obligations and liabilities incurred, all contracts entered into and all matters and things engaged to be done by, with or for, the existing Regional Centre immediately before the said date, for or in connection with the purposes of the said Regional Centre shall be deemed to have incurred, entered into or engaged to be done by, with or for, the Regional Centre;
(e) all sums of money due to the existing Regional Centre immediately before that date shall be deemed to be due to the Regional Centre;
(f) all suits and other legal proceedings instituted or which could have been instituted by or against the existing Regional Centre immediately before that date may be continued or may be instituted by or against the Regional Centre;
(g) every employee (including those appointed for imparting instruction or giving training or conducting research in the existing Regional Centre), holding any office under the existing Regional Centre or teaching therein immediately before the commencement of this Act shall hold his office in the Regional Centre or continue teaching therein by the same tenure and upon the same terms and conditions of service as respects remuneration, leave, provident fund, retirement and other terminal benefits as he would have held such office if this Act had not been enacted and shall continue to do so as an employee of the Regional Centre or until the expiry of the period of six months from that date if such employee opts not to be the employee of the Regional Centre within such period.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (14 of 1947) or in any other law for the time being in force, absorption of any employee by the Regional Centre in its regular service under this section shall not entitle such employee to any compensation under that Act or any other law and no such claim shall be entertained by any court, tribunal or other authority.
Section 6 Jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the Regional Centre shall extend to whole of India and to such centres and specialised laboratories or other units for research, development and instruction, established by the Regional Centre within or outside India.
Section 7 Objectives of Regional Centre.
The objectives of the Regional Centre shall be—
(a) to disseminate and to advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in such branches of biotechnology and related fields as it may deem fit including technology policy development;
(b) to provide capacity-building through education, training, research and development in biotechnology and related academic fields for sustainable development objectives through regional and international cooperation;
(c) to facilitate transfer of knowledge and technology relating to biotechnology at the regional level;
(d) to create a hub of biotechnology expertise and to address human resources needs in the countries in the region;
(e) to promote and strengthen international co-operation to improve the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people;
(f) to promote and facilitate a network of satellite centres in the region as well as within India.
(a) to disseminate and to advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in such branches of biotechnology and related fields as it may deem fit including technology policy development;
(b) to provide capacity-building through education, training, research and development in biotechnology and related academic fields for sustainable development objectives through regional and international cooperation;
(c) to facilitate transfer of knowledge and technology relating to biotechnology at the regional level;
(d) to create a hub of biotechnology expertise and to address human resources needs in the countries in the region;
(e) to promote and strengthen international co-operation to improve the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people;
(f) to promote and facilitate a network of satellite centres in the region as well as within India.
Section 8 Functions of Regional Centre.
The functions of the Regional Centre, shall be—
(a) to establish infrastructure and technology platforms which are directly relevant to biotechnology education, training and research;
(b) to execute educational and training activities including grant of degrees in education and research in biotechnology and related fields;
(c) to produce human resource tailored to drive innovation in biotechnology, particularly in areas of new opportunities and to fill talent gap in deficient areas;
(d) to undertake research and development and scientific investigations in collaboration with relevant research centres in the region;
(e) to hold scientific symposia and conferences within India or in the region or outside the region and to conduct short-term and long-term training courses and workshops in all areas of biotechnology;
(f) to collect universally available information with a view to setting up data banks for bioinformation;
(g) to collect and disseminate, through networking, the relevant local knowledge in the field of biotechnology, ensuring protection of intellectual property rights of local stakeholder communities;
(h) to develop and implement a policy for intellectual property rights which is equitable and just to the stakeholders involved in research in the Regional Centre;
(i) to disseminate the outcome of research activities in different countries through the publication of books and articles;
(j) to promote collaborative research and development networking programme in specific areas of biotechnology with national, regional and international networks and promote exchange of scientists, at the regional level having regard to issues pertaining to intellectual property rights of collaborating institutions promoting equitable sharing of benefits with collaborating institutions.
(a) to establish infrastructure and technology platforms which are directly relevant to biotechnology education, training and research;
(b) to execute educational and training activities including grant of degrees in education and research in biotechnology and related fields;
(c) to produce human resource tailored to drive innovation in biotechnology, particularly in areas of new opportunities and to fill talent gap in deficient areas;
(d) to undertake research and development and scientific investigations in collaboration with relevant research centres in the region;
(e) to hold scientific symposia and conferences within India or in the region or outside the region and to conduct short-term and long-term training courses and workshops in all areas of biotechnology;
(f) to collect universally available information with a view to setting up data banks for bioinformation;
(g) to collect and disseminate, through networking, the relevant local knowledge in the field of biotechnology, ensuring protection of intellectual property rights of local stakeholder communities;
(h) to develop and implement a policy for intellectual property rights which is equitable and just to the stakeholders involved in research in the Regional Centre;
(i) to disseminate the outcome of research activities in different countries through the publication of books and articles;
(j) to promote collaborative research and development networking programme in specific areas of biotechnology with national, regional and international networks and promote exchange of scientists, at the regional level having regard to issues pertaining to intellectual property rights of collaborating institutions promoting equitable sharing of benefits with collaborating institutions.
Section 9 Regional Centre to work in collaboration with other institutions of UNESCO.
The Regional Centre shall pursue its objects and discharge its functions in close collaboration with other national, regional and international institutions of the UNESCO.
Section 10 Powers of Regional Centre. 1 docs
(1) The Regional Centre shall have the following powers, namely:—
(a) to provide for masters degree (including integrated programmes leading to masters degree), post-graduate diploma and doctoral degrees in biotechnology and related subjects at the interface of varied disciplines including physical, chemical, biological, medical, agricultural and engineering and other relevant sciences, as may be determined by the Regional Centre, from time to time;
(b) to provide for short-term and long-term training courses in biotechnology on specific issues related to the development, extension, implementation and regulation of biotechnology and related areas, as may be specified by Statutes, from time to time;
(c) to organise and undertake extramural studies, training and extension services in biotechnology;
(d) to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions referred to in clause (a), in the manner specified by the Statutes;
(e) to institute Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships and other academic positions required by the Regional Centre and to appoint persons to such Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships or other academic positions;
(f) to recognise an institution of higher learning within India for the purposes of this Act and to withdraw such recognition in accordance with the norms laid down in the Statutes;
(g) to appoint persons working in any other institution, including those located outside the country, as academic staff of the Regional Centre for such period as may be specified by the Statutes;
(h) to create administrative, technical and other posts and to make appointments thereto, as may be specified by Statutes;
(i) to co-operate or collaborate or associate with any institution, including those located outside the country, in such manner as may be specified and for such purposes as may be determined or agreed upon by the Regional Centre;
(j) to establish and maintain centres and specialised laboratories or other units for research, development and instruction in India or outside India, as may be determined by the Statutes from time to time;
(k) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes as may be specified by the Statutes;
(l) to make provision for research and advisory services and for that purpose to enter into such agreements with other institutions, industrial or other organisations, including those located outside the country as may be specified by the Statutes;
(m) to organise and conduct refresher courses, workshops, seminars and other programmes for teachers, evaluators and other stakeholders;
(n) to appoint visiting Professors, Professors of Eminence, Honorary Professors, Adjunct Professors, Emeritus Professors, Consultants and such other persons who may contribute to the advancement and objects of the Regional Centre;
(o) to determine standards of admission to the Regional Centre, including examination, evaluation or any other method of testing;
(p) to fix, demand and receive payment of fees and other charges;
(q) to establish, recognise, maintain and manage halls or residences of students of the Regional Centre and other accommodation for students and to withdraw any such recognition;
(r) to lay down conditions of service of all categories of employees, including their code of conduct;
(s) to regulate and enforce discipline among the students and the employees, and to take such disciplinary measures in this regard as may be deemed by the Regional Centre to be necessary;
(t) to make arrangements for promoting the health and general welfare of the students and employees of the Regional Centre;
(u) to receive benefactions, donations and gifts and to acquire, hold and manage, and dispose of, with the prior approval of the Central Government, any property, movable or immovable, including trust and endowment properties, for the purposes or objectives of the Regional Centre;
(v) to borrow money, with the prior approval of the Central Government on the security of the property of the Regional Centre; and
(w) to do all such other acts and things as may be necessary in furtherance of the objects specified in section 7.
(2) In exercising its powers under sub-section (1), it shall be the endeavour of the Regional Centre to maintain high standards of education, training and research and the Regional Centre shall, among other measures which may be necessary for the said purpose, take, in particular, the following measures, namely:—
(a) conduct innovative courses and programmes of studies with a provision for periodic review and restructuring; and
(b) promote e-governance with an effective management information system.
(a) to provide for masters degree (including integrated programmes leading to masters degree), post-graduate diploma and doctoral degrees in biotechnology and related subjects at the interface of varied disciplines including physical, chemical, biological, medical, agricultural and engineering and other relevant sciences, as may be determined by the Regional Centre, from time to time;
(b) to provide for short-term and long-term training courses in biotechnology on specific issues related to the development, extension, implementation and regulation of biotechnology and related areas, as may be specified by Statutes, from time to time;
(c) to organise and undertake extramural studies, training and extension services in biotechnology;
(d) to confer honorary degrees or other academic distinctions referred to in clause (a), in the manner specified by the Statutes;
(e) to institute Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships and other academic positions required by the Regional Centre and to appoint persons to such Professorships, Associate Professorships, Assistant Professorships or other academic positions;
(f) to recognise an institution of higher learning within India for the purposes of this Act and to withdraw such recognition in accordance with the norms laid down in the Statutes;
(g) to appoint persons working in any other institution, including those located outside the country, as academic staff of the Regional Centre for such period as may be specified by the Statutes;
(h) to create administrative, technical and other posts and to make appointments thereto, as may be specified by Statutes;
(i) to co-operate or collaborate or associate with any institution, including those located outside the country, in such manner as may be specified and for such purposes as may be determined or agreed upon by the Regional Centre;
(j) to establish and maintain centres and specialised laboratories or other units for research, development and instruction in India or outside India, as may be determined by the Statutes from time to time;
(k) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes as may be specified by the Statutes;
(l) to make provision for research and advisory services and for that purpose to enter into such agreements with other institutions, industrial or other organisations, including those located outside the country as may be specified by the Statutes;
(m) to organise and conduct refresher courses, workshops, seminars and other programmes for teachers, evaluators and other stakeholders;
(n) to appoint visiting Professors, Professors of Eminence, Honorary Professors, Adjunct Professors, Emeritus Professors, Consultants and such other persons who may contribute to the advancement and objects of the Regional Centre;
(o) to determine standards of admission to the Regional Centre, including examination, evaluation or any other method of testing;
(p) to fix, demand and receive payment of fees and other charges;
(q) to establish, recognise, maintain and manage halls or residences of students of the Regional Centre and other accommodation for students and to withdraw any such recognition;
(r) to lay down conditions of service of all categories of employees, including their code of conduct;
(s) to regulate and enforce discipline among the students and the employees, and to take such disciplinary measures in this regard as may be deemed by the Regional Centre to be necessary;
(t) to make arrangements for promoting the health and general welfare of the students and employees of the Regional Centre;
(u) to receive benefactions, donations and gifts and to acquire, hold and manage, and dispose of, with the prior approval of the Central Government, any property, movable or immovable, including trust and endowment properties, for the purposes or objectives of the Regional Centre;
(v) to borrow money, with the prior approval of the Central Government on the security of the property of the Regional Centre; and
(w) to do all such other acts and things as may be necessary in furtherance of the objects specified in section 7.
(2) In exercising its powers under sub-section (1), it shall be the endeavour of the Regional Centre to maintain high standards of education, training and research and the Regional Centre shall, among other measures which may be necessary for the said purpose, take, in particular, the following measures, namely:—
(a) conduct innovative courses and programmes of studies with a provision for periodic review and restructuring; and
(b) promote e-governance with an effective management information system.
Section 11 Regional Centre open to all castes, creed, race or class.
The Regional Centre or any institution recognised by it shall be open to persons of either sex and whatever caste, creed, race, ethnicity, nationality or class, and it shall not be lawful for the Regional Centre or such institution to adopt or impose on any person, any test whatsoever of religious belief or profession in order to entitle him to be appointed as a member of the academic staff of the Regional Centre or such institution or to hold any other office therein or to be admitted as a student in the Regional Centre or such institution or to enjoy or exercise any privilege thereof.
Section 12 Privileges and immunities of Regional Centre.
The Regional Centre or persons attending the meetings of the Regional Centre shall enjoy such privileges and immunities as the Central Government may grant, pursuant to agreement entered into between the UNESCO and the Government of India from time to time concerning the Regional Centre.
Section 13 Authorities of Regional Centre. 1 docs
The following shall be the authorities of the Regional Centre, namely:—
(i) the Board of Governors;
(ii) the Programme Advisory Committee;
(iii) the Executive Committee;
(iv) the Finance Committee;
(v) the Board of Studies; and
(vi) such other authorities as may be declared by the Statutes to be the authorities of the Regional Centre.
(i) the Board of Governors;
(ii) the Programme Advisory Committee;
(iii) the Executive Committee;
(iv) the Finance Committee;
(v) the Board of Studies; and
(vi) such other authorities as may be declared by the Statutes to be the authorities of the Regional Centre.
Section 14 Board of Governors. 2 docs
(1) There shall be a Board of Governors which shall be responsible for the governance of the Regional Centre.
(2) The Board shall be the apex body of the Regional Centre and shall consist of the following members, namely:—
(a) Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology—ex officio Chairperson;
(b) three eminent scientists in the relevant field not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent, out of whom at least one shall be a woman, to be nominated by the Central Government—ex officio members;
(c) a representative of the Director-General of UNESCO;
(d) two representatives from amongst the other member States of UNESCO, who substantially contribute resources to the running of the Regional Centre, in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes—members.
(3) The Chairperson of the Programme Advisory Committee shall be a permanent invitee of the Board.
(4) The Executive Director of the Regional Centre shall be the Convenor of the meetings of the Board.
(5) The Chairperson shall ordinarily preside over the meetings of the Board.
(6) The Board shall meet at least once in a year and at such times as the Chairperson may decide in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes.
(7) The term of office of the members of the Board, other than ex officio members, shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
(8) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and the Ordinances made thereunder, the Board may regulate its own procedure (including quorum) for the conduct of meetings and transacting business.
(2) The Board shall be the apex body of the Regional Centre and shall consist of the following members, namely:—
(a) Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology—ex officio Chairperson;
(b) three eminent scientists in the relevant field not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent, out of whom at least one shall be a woman, to be nominated by the Central Government—ex officio members;
(c) a representative of the Director-General of UNESCO;
(d) two representatives from amongst the other member States of UNESCO, who substantially contribute resources to the running of the Regional Centre, in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes—members.
(3) The Chairperson of the Programme Advisory Committee shall be a permanent invitee of the Board.
(4) The Executive Director of the Regional Centre shall be the Convenor of the meetings of the Board.
(5) The Chairperson shall ordinarily preside over the meetings of the Board.
(6) The Board shall meet at least once in a year and at such times as the Chairperson may decide in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes.
(7) The term of office of the members of the Board, other than ex officio members, shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
(8) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and the Ordinances made thereunder, the Board may regulate its own procedure (including quorum) for the conduct of meetings and transacting business.
Section 15 Powers and functions of Board. 1 docs
Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board shall have the following powers and functions, namely:—
(a) to approve the annual plan and budget of the Regional Centre;
(b) to review, from time to time, the broad policies and programmes of the Regional Centre, and to suggest measures for the improvement and development of the Regional Centre;
(c) to consider the annual report and the annual accounts of the Regional Centre and the audit report on such accounts;
(d) to study and approve the internal procedures, including financial procedure and staff regulations of the Regional Centre;
(e) to approve the organisational structure and number of academic staff and other employees at the Regional Centre;
(f) to convene special consultative sessions of its members, to which it may invite representatives of other interested countries and international organisations in order to obtain proposals for strengthening the scope of services of the Regional Centre;
(g) to carry out projects and activities relevant to the Regional Centre, and to expand the fundraising strategy and capabilities; and
(h) to frame the Statutes.
(a) to approve the annual plan and budget of the Regional Centre;
(b) to review, from time to time, the broad policies and programmes of the Regional Centre, and to suggest measures for the improvement and development of the Regional Centre;
(c) to consider the annual report and the annual accounts of the Regional Centre and the audit report on such accounts;
(d) to study and approve the internal procedures, including financial procedure and staff regulations of the Regional Centre;
(e) to approve the organisational structure and number of academic staff and other employees at the Regional Centre;
(f) to convene special consultative sessions of its members, to which it may invite representatives of other interested countries and international organisations in order to obtain proposals for strengthening the scope of services of the Regional Centre;
(g) to carry out projects and activities relevant to the Regional Centre, and to expand the fundraising strategy and capabilities; and
(h) to frame the Statutes.
Section 16 Powers and functions of Chairperson. 1 docs
(1) The Chairperson shall exercise such powers and discharge such functions as may be delegated to him by the Board or as may be specified by the Statutes.
(2) If for any reason, the Chairperson is unable to attend any meeting of the Board, any member of the Board nominated by the Chairperson shall preside over the meeting.
(2) If for any reason, the Chairperson is unable to attend any meeting of the Board, any member of the Board nominated by the Chairperson shall preside over the meeting.
Section 17 Programme Advisory Committee. 2 docs
(1) The Programme Advisory Committee shall be the principal academic body of the Regional Centre and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, advice planning, execution, review and monitoring of the scientific and academic programmes of the Regional Centre.
(2) The Programme Advisory Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:—
(a) a Chairperson of the Programme Advisory Committee to be nominated by the Board;
(b) two members to be nominated by the UNESCO;
(c) three members to be nominated by rotation, from amongst the member States of UNESCO which provide maximum financial assistance;
(d) two members having expertise and experience in biotechnology policy and legal matters to be nominated by the Central Government;
(e) six members from amongst the persons being renowned scientist or academician, to be nominated by the Board.
(3) The Executive Director shall be the Member-Secretary, ex officio, to the Programme Advisory Committee.
(4) The Programme Advisory Committee shall be responsible for—
(a) making recommendations on matters of planning and coordinating of the education, training and research activities;
(b) recommending modifications or revision of education, training and research programmes of the Regional Centre and submitting reports thereon;
(c) reviewing annually the programmes of the Regional Centre, evaluating its progress and submitting the reports thereon;
(d) publishing reports on any matter concerning scientific and technical issues referred to it by the Board or by the Executive Director;
(e) performing all such duties and to do all such acts as may be necessary for furtherance of education, training and research under this Act;
(f) framing the Ordinances; and
(g) performing such other functions as may be specified by the Statutes.
(5) The fees and allowances payable to members of the Programme Advisory Committee and their term of office shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
(6) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and Ordinances made thereunder, the Programme Advisory Committee may regulate its own procedure (including quorum) for the conduct of meetings and transacting of its business:
Provided that the Programme Advisory Committee shall place the minutes of its meetings before the Board of Governors.
(2) The Programme Advisory Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:—
(a) a Chairperson of the Programme Advisory Committee to be nominated by the Board;
(b) two members to be nominated by the UNESCO;
(c) three members to be nominated by rotation, from amongst the member States of UNESCO which provide maximum financial assistance;
(d) two members having expertise and experience in biotechnology policy and legal matters to be nominated by the Central Government;
(e) six members from amongst the persons being renowned scientist or academician, to be nominated by the Board.
(3) The Executive Director shall be the Member-Secretary, ex officio, to the Programme Advisory Committee.
(4) The Programme Advisory Committee shall be responsible for—
(a) making recommendations on matters of planning and coordinating of the education, training and research activities;
(b) recommending modifications or revision of education, training and research programmes of the Regional Centre and submitting reports thereon;
(c) reviewing annually the programmes of the Regional Centre, evaluating its progress and submitting the reports thereon;
(d) publishing reports on any matter concerning scientific and technical issues referred to it by the Board or by the Executive Director;
(e) performing all such duties and to do all such acts as may be necessary for furtherance of education, training and research under this Act;
(f) framing the Ordinances; and
(g) performing such other functions as may be specified by the Statutes.
(5) The fees and allowances payable to members of the Programme Advisory Committee and their term of office shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
(6) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the Statutes and Ordinances made thereunder, the Programme Advisory Committee may regulate its own procedure (including quorum) for the conduct of meetings and transacting of its business:
Provided that the Programme Advisory Committee shall place the minutes of its meetings before the Board of Governors.
Section 18 Executive Committee. 1 docs
(1) The Executive Committee shall be responsible for management of the Regional Centre and implementation of policies and decisions of the Board relating to management.
(2) The constitution, powers and functions of the Executive Committee and the term of office of its members shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
(2) The constitution, powers and functions of the Executive Committee and the term of office of its members shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
Section 19 Finance Committee. 1 docs
(1) The Finance Committee shall review finances, consider the annual budget estimates, the statements of accounts and the audit reports and make recommendations thereon, to the Board.
(2) The constitution, powers and functions of the Finance Committee and the term of office of its members shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
(2) The constitution, powers and functions of the Finance Committee and the term of office of its members shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.
Section 20 Other authorities of Regional Centre. 1 docs
The constitution, powers and functions of other authorities referred to in clause (vi) of section 13, and the term of office of its members shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.