There are 39 Central Universities under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, made under the Act of Parliament. Out of them 15 new Central Universities have been established w.e.f 15.1.2009 in hitherto uncovered States (except Goa), by an ordinance promulgated by the president of India. The ordinance has in view of the fact that been replaced by an Act of parliament, namely, Central Universities Act, 2009 which has been assented to by the president of India on 20th Development, 2009. While 38 of these are getting maintenance and development grants by the Central Regime through the UGC, IGNOU, New Delhi is funded directly by the Ministry of HRD.
President of India is the Visitor of all Central Universities
President/Visitor nominates some members to the executive Committee/ Board of Management/Court/Selection Committees of the University as per the provisions made in the relevant University Act.
President as Visitor also exercises powers in respect of amendments, additions and repeal of status; suspension and disallowance of Ordinances; ordering enquiries into the affairs of the Universities; and resolution of disputes between Selection Committees and the executive Councils.
Ministry provides secretariat service for appointment of Vice-Chancellor, Visitor’s nominee on the Executive Committees, Courts, Selection Committees by the Visitor and also examines each matter that comes up for Visitor’s consideration and orders.