The Rashtriya Raksha University Act, 2020 marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to strengthen national security, law enforcement, and allied fields through specialized education and research. Established as an institution of national importance, the University evolved from the Raksha Shakti University (Gujarat Act 14 of 2009), which was primarily focused on policing and security education in Gujarat. The 2020 Act expanded its scope to a pan-India and international level, reflecting the growing complexity of security challenges such as cybercrime, terrorism, and artificial intelligence in modern policing.
Predecessor Institution:
The University traces its roots to the Raksha Shakti University, founded in Gujarat in 2009 under state legislation. It aimed to provide training and education in policing and internal security. However, with the need for a centralized, multidisciplinary approach to security education, the Central Government enacted the 2020 Act to redefine its role and jurisdiction.
National Importance Declaration:
The Act declares the University as an institution of national importance (Section 2), aligning it with other premier institutions like IITs and AIIMS. This status empowers it to operate across India and abroad, with its headquarters in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Transition and Continuity:
The Act repealed the Gujarat Act 14 of 2009 (Section 53) but ensured continuity by transferring all assets, liabilities, employees, and students of Raksha Shakti University to the new entity. Existing administrative bodies functioned temporarily until new authorities were constituted under the 2020 framework.
Governing Body:
The apex body with 15 members, including academia, industry experts, and government representatives (e.g., Ministry of Home Affairs). It oversees policy, finances, and appointments (Sections 13–15).
Executive Council:
The principal executive authority, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, implements policies and manages daily operations (Section 16).
Academic Council:
Responsible for academic standards, curriculum design, and research supervision (Sections 17–18).
Key Officers:
Vice-Chancellor: Appointed by the Central Government, serving as the chief academic and administrative officer (Section 22).
Registrar: Manages records, funds, and statutory compliance (Section 24).
Finance Officer: Oversees financial operations (Section 26).
The Rashtriya Raksha University Act, 2020, represents a transformative step in India’s security education landscape. By integrating technology, research, and global collaborations, it aims to produce skilled professionals capable of addressing contemporary security challenges while upholding constitutional values. Its establishment underscores the government’s commitment to a modernized, inclusive, and resilient security infrastructure.