The Asiatic Society Act, 1984

(1) This Act may be called the Asiatic Society Act, 1984. (2) It shall come into force on such date1as the Central Government may, by notification in theOfficial Gazette, appoint.

Whereas the lateWilliam Jones founded on the 15th day of January, 1784, an institution in Calcutta which is now knownas the Asiatic Society and the objects of which are such as to make the institution one of nationalimportance, it is hereby declared that the said Asiatic Society is an institution of national importance.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-- (a) "memorandum" means the memorandum of association of the Society; (b) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (c) "regulations" includes any rule or regulation (by whatever name called) which the Society iscompetent to make in the exercise of the powers conferred on it under the West Bengal SocietiesRegistration Act, 1961 (West Bengal Act XXVI,1961), but shall not include any bye-laws or standingorders made under the regulations for the conduct of its day-to-day administration ; (d) "Society" means the Asiatic Society being a society within the meaning of the West BengalSocieties Registration Act, 1961(West Bengal Act XXVI, 1961), and having its registered office inCalcutta.

For the purpose of enabling theSociety to discharge efficiently its functions, including in particular those relating to research, literary,library, scientific and museological activities, collection of manuscripts, coins and art objects, and thepublication of periodicals, books and other literature, the Central Government may, after dueappropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, pay to the Society in each financial year suchsums of money as that Government considers necessary by way of grants, loans or otherwise.

(1) The Society shall maintain proper accounts and other relevantrecords and prepare an annual statement of accounts including the balance sheet in such form as may beapproved by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. (2) The accounts of the Society shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India andany expenditure incurred by him in connection with such audit shall be payable by the Society to theComptroller and Auditor-General of India. (3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and any person appointed by him in connectionwith the audit of the accounts of the Society shall have the same rights, privileges and authority inconnection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India has in connection with theaudit of the Government accounts, and, in particular, shall have the right to demand the production ofbooks, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers and to inspect the office of theSociety. (4) The accounts of the Society as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or anyperson appointed by him in this behalf together with the audit report thereof shall be forwarded annuallyto the Central Government and that Government shall cause the same to be laid before each House ofParliament.