Sikkim Legislative Assembly Enacts Law for New Science and Technology University

The Sikkim Legislative Assembly passed the Shri Rukmani Dwarkadhish University of Science and Technology Act, 2024 (Act No. 12 of 2024), which received the Governor's assent on June 20, 2025. This significant legislation was subsequently published for general information in the Sikkim Government Gazette on July 17, 2025. The Act provides for the establishment and incorporation of the Shri Rukmani Dwarkadhish University of Science and Technology within the State of Sikkim, along with all matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. The enactment is rooted in the objective to deliver a transformative educational experience that integrates academic excellence, cultural preservation, and sustainable innovation through rigorous and inclusive learning, inter-disciplinary research, and global engagement. The University aims to emerge as a leading centre for academic excellence, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable innovation, driven by a commitment to holistic development to empower students as compassionate leaders for positive societal transformation. The Manudiaz Education Foundation, a non-profit company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, based in Ludhiana, Punjab, is the sponsoring body intending to establish this self-funded private university in Sikkim. It proposes to offer world-class academic and infrastructure support facilities for higher and technical education across diverse disciplines, including Science and Technology, Pure and Applied Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Pharmacy, and Law.

The Act explicitly states that the University shall operate on a self-financing model, precluding it from receiving any grants or financial assistance from the State Government. Furthermore, it clarifies that the University will not possess the authority to affiliate or extend its privileges to other institutions. Key provisions of the Act delineate the University's extensive powers, which include establishing and enforcing its own rules, conferring degrees, diplomas, and certificates that conform to the National Skill Qualification Framework, and instituting and awarding fellowships and scholarships. The University is also empowered to organize extra-mural studies, provide online education, launch academic and research programmes, determine and collect fees, and appoint its faculty and staff. Collaboration with other institutions and industries is also permitted. The legislation mandates the establishment of study centres, skill centres, and specialized laboratories within the state. The legislation provided: “AN ACT to provide for the establishment and incorporation of Shri Rukmani Dwarkadhish University of Science and Technology, in the State of Sikkim and matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.” A crucial requirement is for the University to obtain accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) within three years of its establishment, as well as from other pertinent regulatory bodies, prior to commencing any course. It must also adhere to all rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by regulatory bodies and the State Government. The Act affirms that the University will be accessible to all, irrespective of class, caste, creed, religion, region, language, or gender, while allowing for special provisions in admissions for students who are bonafide residents of the State and those from socially and economically weaker sections. Admissions are to be strictly merit-based, with professional and technical courses necessitating an entrance test. A significant clause reserves at least 50% of admission seats for bonafide residents of Sikkim. The University's fee structure, subject to annual preparation and revision, requires government approval before December 31st of each preceding academic year and cannot be altered during an academic year. The Act also details the constitution and powers of various authorities, including the Governing Body, Board of Management, Academic Council, Finance Committee, and Examination Committee, and outlines the roles of officers such as the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Registrar. Notably, it incorporates specific reservations for local people in Grade I, II, III, and IV employee appointments, ranging from 40% to 100% based on the grade. The University is mandated to establish an Endowment Fund of at least two crore rupees, pledged to the Government as security, with the income designated for infrastructure development rather than recurring expenditure.

The legislative intent behind the Shri Rukmani Dwarkadhish University of Science and Technology Act, 2024, is to cultivate intellectual growth, critical thinking, and practical skills among students, thereby ensuring their readiness for professional success. The Act aims to celebrate and safeguard Sikkim's rich cultural heritage by integrating local traditions, languages, and arts into the curriculum, fostering cultural awareness and respect. It seeks to advance inter-disciplinary research, innovation, and collaboration to address both local and global challenges, contributing to the expansion of knowledge and the development of sustainable solutions. By establishing comprehensive facilities for education and training and creating centres of excellence for research and development pertinent to the State's requirements, the legislation intends to elevate the quality and accessibility of higher education. The Act addresses the need for a robust statutory framework to govern the establishment and operation of a self-financed private university, ensuring accountability and adherence to academic benchmarks. It introduces new obligations for the University, such as mandatory accreditation from national bodies including the UGC, NCTE, and NAAC, and strict compliance with their norms. The Act also mandates specific reservation policies for local residents and socially and economically weaker sections, aiming to provide equitable access to educational opportunities. While the earlier legal position is not explicitly detailed, the Act implicitly fills a potential statutory gap by providing a comprehensive framework for private universities of this nature, or by expanding the State's higher education landscape through private investment under clear regulatory oversight. The Act defines the powers, functions, and financial mechanisms of such an institution, including the creation of an Endowment Fund to ensure financial stability and compliance. Enforcement mechanisms include government approval of fee structures, specified timelines for result declarations, and provisions for de-recognition or liquidation of the University in instances of non-compliance or mismanagement, with the State Government retaining special powers to intervene and issue directions. The Act further ensures the continuity of education for students from constituent colleges previously affiliated with other universities prior to the Act's commencement, by allowing them to complete their courses.

Keywords: Sikkim, University, Science and Technology, Private University, Education, Manudiaz Education Foundation, Accreditation, Higher Education, Legislative Act, Self-financed

Geo Tags: India, Sikkim District: Not Applicable