In exercise of the powers conferred under sub section 2 of Section No 26 of the Pondicherry University Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Pondicherry University Act 1985 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Statutes of the Pondicherry University Act 1985, as published in the Gazette of India. The core purpose of this amendment, as detailed in the provided text, is to remove discriminatory language, specifically the phrase "Suffers from Contagious Leprosy," from Statute No. 271a related to the removal of employees other than teachers. The key finding is that this amendment aims to modernize the language of the Act and likely align it with contemporary understandings of leprosy and disability rights. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the amendment to the Statutes of the Pondicherry University Act 1985, as detailed in the provided official gazette notification. This analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** Statutes of the Pondicherry University Act 1985. * **Core Objective(s):** The amendment aims to remove the phrase "Suffers from Contagious Leprosy" from Statute 271a. This phrase appears to relate to the conditions under which University employees, other than teachers, may be removed from their position. The core objective is to remove discriminatory language from the statutes. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment addresses the presence of outdated and potentially discriminatory language within the Pondicherry University Act 1985. The phrase "Suffers from Contagious Leprosy" is considered stigmatizing and inconsistent with modern medical understanding of leprosy as a curable disease and potentially at odds with contemporary disability rights principles. The amendment seeks to rectify this by removing the specific phrase from the Act's statutes. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This document details an amendment, not a new policy. Therefore, the focus is on the specific changes. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Being Changed:** Statute No. 271a of the Statutes of Pondicherry University 1985, which relates to the removal of employees other than teachers of the University. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment mandates the removal of the phrase "Suffers from Contagious Leprosy" from Statute 271a. * **Difference/Effect of This Change:** By removing the phrase, individuals cannot be subject to removal from their employment at Pondicherry University based solely on the condition of having (or having had) leprosy. The amendment likely aims to promote inclusivity and remove discriminatory practices within the University. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are primarily: * Employees (other than teachers) of Pondicherry University. * The University administration, specifically those responsible for implementing personnel policies. * Individuals who have or have had leprosy who may seek employment at the university. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Executive Council of Pondicherry University, with the approval of the Visitor, is responsible for making and implementing the amendment. The Registrar, Prof. Amaresh Samantaraya, is also identified in the notice. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (November 26, 2022). No specific implementation procedures are detailed in the provided text, but it can be inferred that the University administration is required to update its internal policies and procedures to reflect this change. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this specific amendment is to: * Eliminate a discriminatory basis for employment termination at Pondicherry University. * Modernize the language of the University's statutes. * Promote a more inclusive and equitable environment for individuals with disabilities. * Align University policy with contemporary understandings of leprosy and human rights principles. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Statutes of the Pondicherry University Act 1985, specifically the removal of the phrase "Suffers from Contagious Leprosy" from Statute 271a, represents a significant step towards modernizing the University's policies and promoting inclusivity. By eliminating discriminatory language, the amendment aims to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their health status. This change reinforces the University's commitment to upholding human rights and adhering to contemporary ethical standards.

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