Constitution
Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association CONSTITUTION (original)
(as approved by a general meeting of the teachers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University held on March 21, 1973 at 4.00 p.m.)
I. NAME
The Association shall be known as the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association. It will be a registered Society under the Societies Registration Act.
II. MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership of the Association shall be open to all teachers and members of the research staff of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) appointed by it.
(Explanation: Research staff shall include research assistants, documentation officers and such other categories of members of research staff as the General Body may decide from time to time).
2. Teachers and members of research staff not appointed by the University, the Librarians and the Deputy Librarians and Assistant Librarians may become associate members of the Association on payment of a prescribed fee to be prescribed by the General Body from time to time. The associate members shall not have right to vote. ([Amended later])
3. Every teacher or member of the research staff intending to be a member of the Association shall apply for the same in the prescribed form; and on payment of the prescribed fee to be laid down by the General Body from time to time shall be enrolled as a member of the Association.
III. OBJECTS
1. The objects of the Association shall be:
a) To promote democratic functioning of the University specially in terms of teachers' participation in decision-making processes;
b) To promote studies and discussion on academic matters;
c) To advocate, secure, maintain and safeguard the rights and liberties of teachers and to help the teachers to fulfil their academic obligations;
d) To take necessary steps to improve the conditions of service of the teachers of the University;
e) To suggest, initiate and work for suitable legislation affecting educational policy with special reference to rights and responsibilities of teachers;
f) To organise and administer and/or help in the administration of social security for teachers;
g) To promote social harmony amongst the teachers of the University and to organize recreational activities for their benefits;
h) To promote harmonious relations and cooperation between the teachers of the University and other sections of the University Community and
i) To promote the objectives for which the University has been established.
IV. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
1. The Association shall be competent to delegate any of all of its powers excepting the power to dispose of real property to any authority or body working under the Constitution.
2. The Association, through its appropriate authority shall have the power, inter alias:
(a) To hold, own, or dispose of real and movable property in trust or otherwise received or acquired for the prosecution of the objects above named, or any of them;
(b) to accept donations, in money or in kind, in trust or otherwise, for the objects above named, or any of them, provided that no donation which is expressly intended to promote any sectional activity shall be accepted;
(c) To initiate and/or co-operate in any enterprise pertaining to the advancement of the objectives of the Association, which in the opinion of the Executive Committee of the Association, appears appropriate and advisable;
(d) To review, approve, and sanction any changes in the Constitution, subject to such procedure as may be provided for in that behalf by the Constitution or the Rules under the Constitution as may become necessary from time to time.
V. THE AUTHORITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION
1. The General Body of the Association consisting of all its members shall be the supreme authority of the Association.
2. Under the General Body of the Association, there shall be an Executive Committee and the following office bearers of the Association:
(a) a president
(b) two vice-presidents
(c) a secretary
(d) two joint secretaries
(e) a treasurer.
VI. GENERAL BODY
1. The General Body may meet as and when necessary, but shall meet at least once a semester including an Annual General Body meeting. The agenda of the General Body meeting, except the annual meeting, shall be approved by the Executive Committee and shall be circulated by the Secretary at least 10 days in advance. ([Amended later])
2. The Annual General Body meeting will be held towards the end of the Monsoon semester on a date to be fixed by the Executive Committee and shall have on its agenda the consideration of the following as approved by the Executive Committee:
a) The annual report of the Association prepared by the Secretary;
b) The financial report of the Association prepared by the treasurer along with an audit report; and
c) The budget for the next year.
3. The Executive Committee may convene a special meeting of the General Body whenever it thinks fit after giving three days notice. ([Amended later])
4. The Executive Committee shall convene a meeting of the General Body upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than one-fourth of the members of the Association within ten days of the receipt of notice for such a requisition.
VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. The day-to-day work of the Association shall be entrusted to an Executive Committee which shall consist of:
a) The President
b) The two Vice-Presidents
c) The Secretary
d) The two Joint Secretaries
e) The Treasurer
f) Two members from amongst the members of each
School having more than thirty members and one from amongst the members of each School having less than thirty members.
2. A meeting of the Executive Committee will be convened by the Secretary, with the concurrence of the President as and when necessary; a requisitioned meeting of the Executive Committee shall, however, be convened by the President within five days of the receipt of a requisition in writing signed by not less than one third of the members of the Executive Committee.
3. Subject to the Constitution, and the directives of the General Body, the Committee shall have:
a) To formulate the policy of the Association and to take steps to carry it out;
b) To make rules regulating the financial administration of the Association;
c) To make arrangements for any conference of JNU teachers that may be convened by the Association;
d) To issue bulletins or other publications bearing on the well-being and interests of teachers;
e) To take practical steps towards the carrying out of the various aims and objects of the Association specified in the Constitution;
f) To accept donations from any public authority, private body, or individual to promote the aims and objects of the Association.
VIII. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE BEARERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
1. The President shall preside over the meetings of the General Body and the Executive Committee.
2. The Vice-Presidents shall assist the President in the discharge of his duties and shoulder such other responsibilities as the Executive Committee may assign.
3. The Secretary shall convene meetings of the General Body and the Executive Committee with the concurrence of the President; shall keep minutes of those meetings; and shall prepare the annual report of the Association.
4. The Joint Secretaries shall assist the Secretary in the discharge of his duties and shoulder such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Executive Committee.
5. The Treasurer shall prepare the annual financial report and the budget of the Association and shoulder such other responsibilities as the Executive Committee may assign.
IX. ELECTION
The office bearers of the Association and other members of the Executive Committee will be elected by secret ballot and single transferable vote in the month of November under rules framed for this purpose by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Body; and they shall hold office for one year with effect from the commencement of the next Winter Semester;
Provided that the term of the first Executive Committee
shall expire with the end of the Monsoon Semester 1973. ([Amended later])
2. An office bearer of the Association will be eligible for re-election for the same office for not more than two consecutive terms.
X. VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE
1. A vote of no-confidence against an office bearer of the Association may be moved in a requisitioned meeting convened under Article VI, Clause 4.
2. A vote of no-confidence can be passed only by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in the General Body meeting mentioned in Clause X, Article 1; provided that the number of members so voting is not less than 50% of the total members of the Association. ([Amended later])
XI. VACANCIES
1. Any casual vacancy caused in any of the offices mentioned above, including membership of the Executive Committee, shall be filled by the Executive Committee for the remainder of the term of office, except that its choice of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be subject to confirmation by the General Body at their next meeting.
2. If any person in any of the offices mentioned above does not attend meetings of the Executive Committee without sufficient cause for three consecutive meetings, he shall be deemed to have vacated his seat, without prejudice to his being re-eligible for the same office.
XII. REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION
1. Changes in the Constitution may be made at a specially requisitioned meeting of the General Body. Change in the Constitution shall be proposed either by the Executive Committee or by a group of not less than one-fourth of the members of the Association, signifying in writing their desire to do so. ([Amended later])
2. Not less than fifteen days notice shall be given for the consideration of any such proposed change in the Constitution.
3. Changes in the Constitution can be made only by a two-thirds majority of the members present at the meeting provided that the latter is not less than a majority of the membership of the Association.
XIII. QUORUM
Quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee and the General Body shall be one-third of the number of members of the said body at the time of the meeting. ([Amended later])
XIV. YEAR
The year shall be from January 1 to December 31. ([Amended later])
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THE OBJECTS OF THE JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY
"The University shall endeavor to promote the study of the principles for which Jawaharlal Nehru worked during his life time, namely, national integration, social justice, secularism, democratic way of life, international understanding and scientific approach to the problems of society.
Towards this end, the University shall:
i. foster the composite culture of India and establish such departments or institutions as may be required for the study and development of the languages, arts and culture of India;
ii. take special measures to facilitate students and teachers from all over India to join the University and participate in its academic programmes;
iii. promote in the students and teachers an awareness and understanding of the social needs of the country and prepare them for fulfilling such needs;
iv. make special provision for integrated courses in humanities, science and technology in the educational programmes of the University;
v. establish such departments or institutions as may be necessary for the study of languages, literature and life of foreign countries with a view to inculcating in the students a world perspective and international understanding;
vi. provide facilities for students and teachers from other countries to participate in the academic programmes and life of the University."
THE FIRST SCHEDULE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966)
Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association CONSTITUTION (current)
(Last revised on October 19, 2005)
I. NAME
The Association shall be known as the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association. It will be a registered Society under the Societies Registration Act.
II. MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership of the Association shall be open to all teachers and members of the research staff of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) appointed by it.
(Explanation: Research staff shall include research assistants, documentation officers and such other categories of members of research staff as the General Body may decide from time to time).
2. Every teacher or member of the research staff intending to be a member of the Association shall apply for the same in the prescribed form; and on payment of the prescribed fee to be laid down by the General Body from time to time shall be enrolled as a member of the Association.
III. OBJECTS
1. The objects of the Association shall be:
a) To promote democratic functioning of the University specially in terms of teachers' participation in decision-making processes;
b) to promote studies and discussion on academic matters;
c) to advocate, secure, maintain and safeguard the rights and liberties of teachers and to help the teachers to fulfill their academic obligations;
d) to take necessary steps to improve the conditions of service of the teachers of the University;
e) to suggest, initiate and work for suitable legislation affecting educational policy with special reference to rights and responsibilities of teachers;
f) to organize and administer and/or help in the administration of social security for teachers;
g) to promote social harmony amongst the teachers of the University and to organize recreational activities for their benefits;
h) to promote harmonious relations and cooperation between the teachers of the University and other sections of the University community; and
i) to promote the objectives for which the University has been established.
IV. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
1. The Association shall be competent to delegate any of all of its powers excepting the power to dispose of real property to any authority or body working under the Constitution.
2. The Association, through its appropriate authority shall have the power, inter alias:
(a) to hold, own, or dispose of real and movable property in trust or otherwise received or acquired for the prosecution of the objects above named, or any of them;
(b) to accept donations, in money or in kind, in trust or otherwise, for the objects above named, or any of them, provided that no donation which is expressly intended to promote any sectional activity shall be accepted;
(c) to initiate and/or co-operate in any enterprise pertaining to the advancement of the objectives of the Association, which in the opinion of the Executive Committee of the Association, appears appropriate and advisable;
(d) to review, approve, and sanction any changes in the Constitution, subject to such procedure as may be provided for in that behalf by the Constitution or the Rules under the Constitution as may become necessary from time to time.
V. THE AUTHORITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION
1. The General Body of the Association consisting of all its members shall be the supreme authority of the Association.
2. Under the General Body of the Association, there shall be an Executive Committee and the following office bearers of the Association:
(a) a president
(b) two vice-presidents
(c) a secretary
(d) two joint secretaries
(e) a treasurer.
VI. GENERAL BODY
1.The General Body may meet as and when necessary, but shall meet at least once a semester including an Annual General Body meeting. The agenda of the General Body meeting, except the annual meeting, shall be approved by the Executive Committee and shall be circulated by the Secretary at least one week in advance. [Amended]
2. The Annual General Body meeting will be held towards the end of the Monsoon semester on a date to be fixed by the Executive Committee and shall have on its agenda the consideration of the following as approved by the Executive Committee:
a) the annual report of the Association prepared by the Secretary;
b) the financial report of the Association prepared by the treasurer along with an audit report; and
c) the budget for the next year.
3. The Executive Committee may convene an Emergency meeting of the General Body whenever it thinks fit after giving one day notice. The quorum for this meeting shall be one-seventh of the General Body. [Amended]
4. The Executive Committee shall convene a meeting of the General Body upon a requisition in writing signed by not less than one-fourth of the members of the Association within ten days of the receipt of notice for such a requisition.
VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. The day-to-day work of the Association shall be entrusted to an Executive Committee which shall consist of:
a) The President
b) The two Vice-Presidents
c) The Secretary
d) The two Joint Secretaries
e) The Treasurer
f) Two members from amongst the members of each School having more than thirty members and one from amongst the members of each School having less than thirty members.
2. A meeting of the Executive Committee will be convened by the Secretary, with the concurrence of the President as and when necessary; a requisitioned meeting of the Executive Committee shall, however, be convened by the President within five days of the receipt of a requisition in writing signed by not less than one third of the members of the Executive Committee.
3. Subject to the Constitution, and the directives of the General Body, the Committee shall have:
a) to formulate the policy of the Association and to take steps to carry it out;
b) to make rules regulating the financial administration of the Association;
c) to make arrangements for any conference of JNU teachers that may be convened by the Association;
d) to issue bulletins or other publications bearing on the well-being and interests of teachers;
e) to take practical steps towards the carrying out of the various aims and objects of the Association specified in the Constitution;
f) to accept donations from any public authority, private body, or individual to promote the aims and objects of the Association.
VIII. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE BEARERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
1. The President shall preside over the meetings of the General Body and the Executive Committee.
2. The Vice-Presidents shall assist the President in the discharge of his duties and shoulder such other responsibilities as the Executive Committee may assign.
3. The Secretary shall convene meetings of the General Body and the Executive Committee with the concurrence of the President; shall keep minutes of those meetings; and shall prepare the annual report of the Association.
4. The Joint Secretaries shall assist the Secretary in the discharge of his duties and shoulder such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Executive Committee.
5. The Treasurer shall prepare the annual financial report and the budget of the Association and shoulder such other responsibilities as the Executive Committee may assign.
IX. ELECTION
1. The office bearers of the Association will be elected by the entire Association. The School Representatives will be elected only by the School that they represent. A teacher or member of research staff who has been found guilty of financial irregularities, physical violence, and/or sexual harassment by a statutory enquiry or any equivalent thereof as prescribed by the rules of the University shall be debarred from contesting the JNUTA elections. However, he/she may retain the right to vote. Each candidate will be required to follow a 'full disclosure norm' while filing the nomination stating whether any such enquiry was instituted against her/him, and if any, whether it is pending, or has been dismissed, on what grounds. Any such information shall be widely circulated among the electorate. The voting will be by secret ballot in the month of November under rules framed for the purpose by the Executive Committee, approved by the General Body and carried out by the Election Commissioner; and they shall hold office for one year. The outgoing Executive Committee will hand over charge to the new team immediately after the declaration of the results. [Amended].
2. An office bearer of the association will be eligible for re-election for the same office for not more than two consecutive terms.
X. VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE
1. A vote of no-confidence against an office bearer of the Association may be moved in a requisitioned meeting convened under Article VI, Clause 4.
2. A vote of no-confidence can be passed only by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in the General Body meeting mentioned in Clause X, Article 1; provided that the number of members so voting is not less than one-fifth of the total members of the Association [Amended]
XI. VACANCIES
1. Any casual vacancy caused in any of the offices mentioned above, including membership of the Executive Committee, shall be filled by the Executive Committee for the remainder of the term of office, except that its choice of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be subject to confirmation by the General Body at their next meeting.
2. If any person in any of the offices mentioned above does not attend meetings of the Executive Committee without sufficient cause for three consecutive meetings, he shall be deemed to have vacated his seat, without prejudice to his being re-eligible for the same office.
XII. REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION
1. Changes/amendments in the Constitution may be made at a specially requisitioned meeting of the General Body. Amendments in the Constitution shall be proposed either by the Executive Committee or by a group of not less than one-fifth of the members of the Association, signifying their desire to do so. Amendments to the Constitution may also be ratified through circulation to all members, giving at least 15 days for comments/objections. [Amended]
2. Not less than fifteen days notice shall be given for the consideration of any such proposed change in the Constitution.
3. Changes in the Constitution can be made only by a two-thirds majority of the members present at the meeting provided that the latter is not less than a majority of the membership of the Association.
XIII. QUORUM
Quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee shall be one-third of the number of members of the said body at the time of the meeting. Quorum for a General Body meeting will be one-sixth of the membership at the time of the meeting. For GBMs discussing Constitutional amendments or no-confidence resolutions, quorum shall be one-fifth of the number of membership at the time of meeting. [Amended]
XIV. YEAR
The year shall be from November 30th to the following November 29th OR commencing after the declaration of the JNUTA election results, for a period of one year. [Amended ]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE OBJECTS OF THE JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY
"The University shall endeavor to promote the study of the principles for which Jawaharlal Nehru worked during his life time, namely, national integration, social justice, secularism, democratic way of life, international understanding and scientific approach to the problems of society.
Towards this end, the University shall:
i. foster the composite culture of India and establish such departments or institutions as may be required for the study and development of the languages, arts and culture of India;
ii. take special measures to facilitate students and teachers from all over India to join the University and participate in its academic programmes;
iii. promote in the students and teachers an awareness and understanding of the social needs of the country and prepare them for fulfilling such needs;
iv. make special provision for integrated courses in humanities, science and technology in the educational programmes of the University;
v. establish such departments or institutions as may be necessary for the study of languages, literature and life of foreign countries with a view to inculcating in the students a world perspective and international understanding;
vi. provide facilities for students and teachers from other countries to participate in the academic programmes and life of the University."
THE FIRST SCHEDULE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966)
