South Asian University Bill establishes body corporate with Delhi headquarters

It aims to promote regional cooperation in higher education, research, and knowledge dissemination across South Asia.

Who it concerns: The Bill applies to the South Asian University, its governing bodies (Governing Board, Executive Council, Academic Council), its employees and students, and the governments of SAARC Member States. It also affects any institutions or individuals within the SAARC region who interact with the University's campuses or centres.

What the bill does

• Establishes the South Asian University as a body corporate with headquarters in Delhi.
• Grants the University jurisdiction over all of India and any campuses or centres established in the SAARC region.
• Creates a Governing Board consisting of two members from each SAARC Member State and the University President.
• Defines the University's objectives, including promoting regional peace, harmonizing academic standards, and fostering a South Asian community of learning.
• Grants broad powers to the University, including conferring degrees, establishing campuses, appointing staff, and managing finances.
• Mandates that the University be open to all persons regardless of gender, caste, creed, disability, ethnicity, or socio-economic background.
• Provides for the incorporation of the University and the legal force of the SAARC Agreement in India.

Also in the document

• The Bill is based on an Agreement signed by SAARC Member States on April 4, 2007.
• The University may establish campuses and centres outside India within the SAARC region.
• The provisions of the SAARC Agreement are given the force of law in India.
• The Bill includes provisions for the University to borrow money and manage property.