INFORMATION HANDBOOK Under Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI) ARSD COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF DELHI INTRODUCTION The Right to Information Act intends to set out the practical regime of Right to Information for citizens to enable them to access the information under the control of public authority in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of such authority. Section 2(h) of the Act defines “public authority” as any authority or body or institution of self-governance established or constituted by or under the constitution or by law made by the Parliament or any state legislature or by notification issued by the appropriate government. It includes body owned, controlled or substantially financed by the government. In accordance with the provisions contained in section 2(j) of the Act, Right to Information means right to information accessible under this Act which is held by or under control of a public authority. This Information Handbook will enable the citizens to obtain information as to the provisions contained in various rules and regulations governing the ARSD College, University of Delhi and related information. For further information on the above, please go through the following url: http://du.ac.in/du/RTI.pdf MANUAL – 1 Section 4(1)(b)(i) Particulars of organization, functions and duties Objectives:- • To develop and maintain college dedicated to organisation, conduct and promotion of educational pursuits for undergraduate and post-graduate studies and to encourage research. • To undertake endeavours calculated to subserve the above objective. Brief history of ARSD College: Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, formerly Sanatan Dharma College, is a Co-educational Constituent College of the University of Delhi. The college was founded on August 3, 1959 by the Sanatan Dharma Sabha (Rawalpindi) Delhi. Late Shri Atma Ram Chadha, who was a great philanthropist, a man of great vision and was keenly interested in the propagation of education, took over as Chairman of the College Governing body in the year 1967. The College is now functioning under the able and dynamic leadership of the Chairman, Mr. Chander Mohan Chadha. The college moved to the present picturesque site at Dhaula Kuan in July 1965. The campus covers an area of 12.3 acres. The College is an outstanding institution with highly qualified and experienced teaching faculty who are the scholars of International repute, and extremely efficient non- teaching staff. The College provides an ALL ROUND FORMATION of the students. They are challenged to pursue an education that combines excellence in humanistic and cultural development. The College is progressing towards achieving excellence in academics, sports and extra curricular activities. Various departments organize seminars and talks by eminent speakers on subjects of academic interest from time to time, to take the students beyond class-room teaching.Our students regularly take part and excel in inter-college intervarsity, national and international sports events. The College has societies like debating, quiz, dramatics, etc. to provide opportunity for self development and display of their talents. We have consistently fared well in inter college festivals and in various competitive events. The college has an impressive double-storeyed building comprising Class rooms and a Seminar room, Departmental rooms, well-equipped Physics, Chemistry, Computer, Electronics, Biology laboratories, a well-stocked Excellent Library (The College has a large Library automated with computer and internet facilities), Common Rooms for girls and boys, a Canteen which caters to the staff and students, and an Administrative Block. The College maintains beautiful lawns, spacious playgrounds and elaborated sports facilities. NCC, NSS and Dramatic society is also in the college for the students. The College has also Bank Facility (Syndicate Bank) for staff and bonafied students of the College. The College looks forward to its Golden Jubilee. Duties of the College: To conduct academic programmes for the preparation of under-graduate and post-graduate examinations in various faculties available in the college, and to undertake activities that are contributory to this object. Main activities/functions of the College include: 1. To conduct designated courses and examinations in obtaining a Graduate and Post graduate degree of Delhi University. 2. To conduct research in various branches of learning available in the College. Services being provided by the College: The College facilitates the following: • The College offers facilities for pursuing under-graduate courses in arts, commerce and Science. • The College offers facilities for pursuing post-graduate courses and research. Expectation of the College from the public for enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency: The College expects objective and considered support from citizens of the country as well as persons directly associated with the affairs of the College. Address : ARSD COLLEGE, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi-110021 Working hours of the College: Office hours: 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) MANUAL 2 Section 4(1)(b)(iv) Norms set by the College for the discharge of its functions: Norms and standards for various activities of the College are set by the competent authorities such as - The Governing Body of ARSD College and - The Staff Council of ARSD College MANUAL 3 Section 4(1)(b)(v) Rules, regulations and instructions used: 1. College Regulations 1.When a student seeks admission to the college, it is assumed by the college that he/she has an earnest purpose. He/She is expected to aim at the highest achievement in every sphere and to conduct himself/ herself in a responsible and dignified manner wherever he/she may be. 2.By joining the college the student accepts all its rules and regulations. 3.He/She also commits herself to participating in intra and inter college programmes. 2. Student Contact Programme In order to ensure that every student benefits from the opportunities the college offers, a group of students is entrusted to a teacher with whom they maintain regular contact. 3. Internal Assessment 1. The College has a system of tutorial/preceptorials in which students are expected to participate in group discussion and submit written work regularly as per the EC resolution 2003 from the academic year 2003-2004. 2. 25% of the total marks in a course shall be awarded by the college based on internal assessment on a continuous basis. Such assessment could be base on Attendance, tutorial work/perceptional work/class presentation and Home examination. 3.The internal assessment marks will be shown separately in the mark sheet issued by the University and there marks will be added to the annual examination marks for determining the division of the student. 4. For Examination and Promotion Rules refer to University Calendar Volume I & II 1989 and Volume I 2004. As per the Ordinance VIII-E of Delhi University the Internal Assessment marks of Students of our college is posted on the College website "www.arsdcollege.net". 4. Academic Association 1.Each academic department organizes in its own discipline an association of teachers and students. 2.Every student becomes a member of one academic association and takes an active part in the seminars, symposia, debates, and lectures etc., arranged by the association. 3.Each association has a Memorandum, Rules and Regulations. 5. Written Assignments, Home Examinations, Project Work 1.A system of regular assignments, including written assessments and follow-up discussion complements the classroom teaching and promotes better understanding, comprehension and expression in each of the subjects offered by the college. For further details refer to University Calendar Volume I & II 1988, 1998. 2.For examination and promotion rules refer to University Calendar Volume I & II 1989 and 2004. 6. Attendance 1.Students are expected to attend classes regularly. The University rules require a student to attend a minimum of two-third lectures and practicals delivered in each subject separately, failing which the student shall not be permitted to sit for the University examination. 2.All sports students playing at any level (state, national or international) must have minimum required attendance. 3.Students are expected to attend the following College Functions: Founders Day, Annual Cultural Festival, Sports Day and any other functions announced by the Principal as college Functions. 4.The college reserves the right to grant examination clearance to students on the basis of their attendance record. 5.Students who do not attend classes for more than four consecutive weeks should inform the Principal/Teacher in charge in writing or else their names shall be struck off the rolls of the college. 6.In case of illness, application for leave along with a medical certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner signed by a parent and counter signed by concerned teachers should be submitted within one week of rejoining the college. 7.Discipline The Principal reserves the right to take appropriate action: suspend/expel students found guilty of any kind of indiscipline as laid down in the University Ordinance XV-B. 8. Notice Boards The college notice boards are used to convey official and other information to students. Once a notice has appeared on the notice board, ignorance of it can not be pleaded as justification for non-observance. 9. Wall of Democracy The wall of Democracy i.e. the College wall-newspaper keeps students informed of college, university, local, national and international current events. It is located at the entrance of the College. Further details concerning its management are to be found under student societies. 10. Identity Card 1.The Identity Card establishes the student's identity both within and outside the college. The students may be called upon to produce their Identity Card at any time by any of the college staff. Students without their Identity card are liable to be sent home. 11. Certificates, Testimonials, Transcripts 1.Character certificates and testimonials will be issued as per the performa in use by the college. Students are advised to compile documents towards the Character certificate they wish to receive on leaving college. 2.All students are advised to collect their original certificates submitted at the time of admission, when instructed or at the end of the final year, failing which the college would not be responsible for them. 12. Student Travel Concession 1.Application forms for obtaining concession by railway or bus travel are available at the general office. 2.The office requires at least 48 hours to process an application. 3.An application should contain the following information: - (i) Name of the Student (ii) Class in which the student is studying (iii) Age of the student (iv) Destination , i.e., town to which the student is traveling. 13. Lost Property 1.This service is rendered to the students by the store-keeper. Lost property found in the college premises should be submitted to him/her for safe keeping. Claims for lost property should be made in writing, giving a full description of the article lost. 2.The college does not accept responsibility for articles lost. 14. Telephone The students are expected to use the Public Telephones installed in the college. 15. Canteen The canteen is at the service of the staff and students from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Students are expected to leave the tables as they would wish to find them. They use the canteen for dining only. 16. Compulsory Societies 1.The college offers its students opportunities for personality development and enrichment by means of community and social service in any one of the following programmes. NCC National Cadet Corps NSS National Service Scheme 18. Student's Societies There are various societies operating in the college to promote extra-curricular activities. 1.General rules pertaining to all societies are as follows: (i) Each Society is guided by a team of at least two teachers (ii) It has a managing committee i.e., a president, a secretary and a treasurer. The managing committee consists of students elected by the student members of the society. (iii) The funds of each society are in the custody of the accounts officer and are managed by the managing committee of the society under the supervision of the staff in charge. (iv) The secretary of each society maintains: (a) A list of the names of the students in the society indicating the class to which each student belongs. A timely record of late-joining members will also be maintained. (b) An annual report according to the prescribed guidelines to be submitted to the Principal. 23. ARSD-Alumni Association The college has an Alumni Association to keep alive interest and involvement of our alumni/alumnae in the life of the College. All the students are required to enroll themselves as members of the Association. Students will be required to make a one time payment of Rs. 200/-. See the College website "www.arsdcollege.net". 24. Library Rules 1.The library is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on all working days, any change in timings will be notified on the library and college notice board. 2.The library is essentially a place of quiet serious study, and as such there must be complete silence at all times. 3.All bonafide students are admitted to membership of the library. Non-members are not permitted the use of the library. 4.Personal belongings such as hand-bags, books, tiffin carriers, etc., are kept at the property counter. Students, may, however, take into the library note books and essential stationery at their own risk. 5.The library has the following special sections: Text-Book Section Reference Section In this section there are encyclopedias, dictionaries, annuals, as well as a copy of every prescribed text-book of the courses offered by the college. Books from this section are meant for consultation in the reading room only. Periodicals Section Periodicals, Journals etc., of special value are included in this section; bound or loose volumes are available for use in the library only. Book Bank Text-books are loaned to the students for the entire academic year; preference is given to needy students. These students should apply in writing on the prescribed form available at the library counter. Weekly Section Books are issued for a period of one week. 6.A penalty of Re. 1 per day, per volume is levied on books issued for 2 days use and not returned in time by 10.00 A.M. The fine for all other books not returned by the date indicated on the due date slip is 25 paise per day per volume. If either of these offences is repeated thrice, the reader loses her membership and can regain it only the following term. 7.As books are extremely expensive, students are expected to take greatest care of them. When books are issued they should be carefully examined and any defect or flaw, e.g. missing pages, pencil or ink-marks, etc., must be brought to the notice of the counter assistant. Students found defecting or damaging books will be required to pay for them, and if the book is one of a series, this penalty will necessarily be extended to the entire set. 8.The loss of readers tickets should be immediately reported (in writing) to the librarian. Any loss that the library may incur on account of the loss of a library ticket will be the responsibility of the owner of the ticket. 9.The loss of books should also be immediately reported to the librarian. If a book cannot be recovered, the student responsible for its loss will replace the book, and if the volume is one of a series, the student has the liability to replace the entire set. 10.Before leaving the library students should ensure that they have returned all the reading material used by them: they are strictly forbidden to take away any book which is not issued to them. At the exit counter books issued to students will be examined and personal belonging will be returned. 11.Any change in course, subject, class, section, address etc., must be notified to the librarian. 12.Disregard of library regulation, indiscipline and misbehavior render a student liable to be refused access to the library. 26. Withdrawal of Admission and Refund of Fees 1.Application for withdrawal of admission should be submitted in the prescribed form (in duplicate) obtainable from the college office. 2.If the withdrawal application is submitted in the college office on or before 31st July, a sum of Rs. 5/- only will be deducted and rest of the fees will be refunded by cheque in due course. 3.If withdrawal application is submitted between 1st and 14th August, a sum of Rs. 30/- only will be deducted and rest of the fees will be refunded by cheque in due course. 4.If the withdrawal application is submitted after 14th august, only caution deposit will be refunded by cheque in due course. 5.Caution deposit can be claimed within three years of leaving the college after which the same will not be refundable. MANUAL 4 Section 4(1)(b)(x) Monthly remuneration received by each of its employee: The pay scales of various teaching and non-teaching staff are as prescribed by the University Grants Commission and adopted by the University of Delhi. MANUAL 5 Section 4(1)(b)(xiii) Concessions granted by the College: Scholarships, Prizes and Financial Assistance The college offers various scholarships, prizes, student aid fund etc. The purpose is to encourage the bright students and the students less privileged. I. Financial Assistance 1. Fee Concession: 1.Students who are in need of financial assistance may apply on the prescribed form that is available at the accounts office. The completed form must reach the cashier by 14th august. 2.Until the fee concession is sanctioned all fees must be paid by the student. A refund of payments made at the beginning of the year may be subsequently claimed, if the concession is sanctioned. 3.Student's Aid Fund: Students may also avail themselves of financial assistance offered by the student's aid fund. Applications for it must be made on the prescribed form and must reach the cashier by 30th August. Note: Fee concession and assistance from the students aid fund are not tenable by students repeating a class, if their failure has been due to neglect of work or irregular attendance. II. Book Bank Scheme A book bank scheme is in operation for needy students. The application form in this respect is available from the Librarian. III. Scholarship and Prizes MANUAL 6 Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) Information available in electronic form: All the manuals as well as the Delhi University Calendars and relevant rules of Delhi University are available on the University website – www.du.ac.in All relevant rules of ARSD College are available on the College website: www.arsdcollege.net MANUAL 7 Section 4(1)(b)(xv) Means, methods and facilities available to citizens for obtaining information: Through the notice boards, relevant brochures, University Calendars and various other rules which are available in print as well as on the Website www.du.ac.in And www.arsdcollege.net MANUAL 8 Section 4(1)(b)(xvi) Appellate Authority: Dr. Rajesh Mohan (Offg.) Principal, ARSD College Public Information Officer: Mr. A.P. Suri (PIO) Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, ARSD College MANUAL 9 Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) Other information: The person seeking information may apply on a plain paper giving particulars of information being sought and his/her correct address for communication. Separate applications for seeking information on different subjects are required. The application has to be accompanied with the prescribed fee (at present a fee of Rs. 10/-). The fee is payable with each application which is towards the cost of processing the request. The schedule of fees can be obtained from the Public Information Officer of the ARSD College. For the time being the rates are as follows:- (i) Rs. 2/- per page of A-4 or A-5 size. (ii) Actual cost for sizes bigger than A-4 or A-5. (iii) In case of printed material, the printed copies could be had from the University sales counter/authorized sales agents on payment. (iv) In case of photo copies, the rate would be Rs. 2/- per page. (v) If information is needed on a disk or floppy subject to availability of information in soft form, the fee will be Rs. 50/- per disk/floppy. (vi) Admissible records may be allowed to be inspected on as per RTI Act, 2005. A major portion of the information will be available from the University Calendars Volumes I & II, and other rules as applicable to the University from time to time and printed syllabi for various courses. Some of these are available on the website of the College www.arsdcollege.net. Note: For any other information please refer to college web site: www.arsdcollege.net and Universty web site www.du.ac.in.