Nalanda University Bill repeals 2007 Bihar act, creates body corporate

It aims to implement decisions from the East Asia Summits to promote regional educational cooperation and understanding among member states.

Who it concerns: The Bill affects the Nalanda University, its employees, students, and academic staff. It also involves the Central Government, the State Government of Bihar, and the Member States of the East Asia Summit, which nominate members to the Governing Board and provide financial assistance.

What the bill does

• Declares Nalanda University as an institution of national importance.
• Establishes the University as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal.
• Transfers all property, rights, liabilities, and employees from the previous University of Nalanda (under the 2007 Act) to the new University.
• Creates a Governing Board consisting of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, nominees from East Asia Summit Member States, and representatives from the Central and State Governments.
• Specifies that the University's jurisdiction extends to the whole of India and to centers established within or outside India.
• Outlines objectives including imparting education in ancient science, philosophy, and history, and promoting regional peace among East Asian leaders.
• Provides for the establishment of study centers outside India with the approval of the Governing Board.

Also in the document

• The Bill repeals the University of Nalanda Act, 2007 (Bihar Act 18 of 2007).
• It designates the Nalanda Mentor Group to exercise the powers of the Governing Board for one year or until new members are nominated.
• The Bill is intended to implement decisions from the Second East Asia Summit (2007) and the Fourth East Asia Summit (2009).