Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. For universities, this goal translates into fostering transparent governance, participatory decision-making, and empowering communities through education. At BML Munjal University (BMU), SDG 16 is embedded within the institution’s governance and operational frameworks.
School of Law and Law Graduates:
School of Law at the University was established in 2019. Law at BMU has a multidisciplinary and international orientation with equal emphasis on learning the ‘black letter law’, developing professional skills, and understanding the social, political, and moral foundations of law. This is achieved through the School of Law’s rigorous interdisciplinary and experiential pedagogy. The school prioritises practical, research-based education that builds problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work in teams to tackle global and local problems. BMU offers five-year integrated courses in BA LLB (Hons) and BBA LLB(Hons), a three-year LLB degree, and a PhD in law. The curriculum is externally reviewed by internationally renowned academics and practitioners, and courses are approved by the Bar Council of India.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/schools/school-of-law/
The Centre on Law, Regulation and Technology:
The Centre on Law, Regulation and Technology (CLRT) at BMU advocates legal and economic regulation that places consumer welfare and innovation at the core of the modern economy. CLRT aims to blend academic rigour with policy research to inform decision-making on economic activities related to, but not limited to, telecommunications, new technology, and digitisation. The COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed the uptake of digital technologies, reaching masses hitherto untouched. The Centre endeavours to harness the process of digitisation through a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure welfare.
CLRT is a platform that nurtures ideas by bringing together regulators, academia, industry, policymakers, and civil society. Through its inter-disciplinary research work, the Centre aims to periodically contribute to policy discourse through reports, expert analysis and research papers.
Website Link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/clrt/
BMU’s Vision and Mission Alignment with SDG 16:
BMU’s vision and mission articulate a commitment to fostering a community that excels in creative solutions, research, and learning within an inclusive and collaborative environment. This commitment is evident in the university’s governance, which integrates academic, administrative, and participatory decision-making processes. BMU aims to build a community that values knowledge application for social and economic impact, aligning closely with SDG 16’s objectives of effective and transparent governance.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/university/overview/
Democratic Governance and Participatory Structures:
BMU operates a democratic, participatory governance model that includes a variety of stakeholders—students, faculty, staff, and external representatives from industry and other organizations. Key governance bodies at BMU include:
Statutory Bodies: BMU’s governance structure is comprised of the Governing Body, Board of Management, Academic Council, Finance Committee, and Board of Studies. These bodies ensure inclusive decision-making through active representation from faculty, industry professionals, and administrators.
Roles and Responsibilities: Leadership roles such as Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Deans, and Directors are integral to guiding BMU’s strategic goals. Regular meetings of these bodies facilitate collaboration, transparency, and documentation of decisions, promoting accountability and inclusivity in governance.
Website link to Organogram: https://www.bmu.edu.in/mandatory-disclosures/
Commitment to Excellence Through Partnerships:
BMU leverages national and international academic and industrial partnerships to foster advanced research, support student development, and enhance institutional capabilities. This collaboration enhances transparency and inclusivity, allowing faculty and students to engage with cutting-edge research and practical learning. BMU’s curriculum, centered around experiential learning, encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches, reflecting SDG 16’s focus on fostering peace and just societies.
Empowered Faculty and Administration in Decision-Making: Faculty members play a central role in BMU’s governance, participating actively in critical committees such as the Academic Council, Examination Committee, Research Committee, and others. By involving faculty in decision-making processes, BMU reinforces an environment of accountability and shared governance. Similarly, administrative functions are coordinated through the Registrar’s Office, following clear policies and protocols that are periodically reviewed and updated for alignment with statutory guidelines.
Student Participation and Empowerment:
BMU recognizes students as the core of the institution’s ecosystem, placing emphasis on their active involvement in governance. The Student Council, primarily through its Student Council Executive Committee (SCEC) and the Student Council Advisory Board (SCAB), serves as the voice of the student community. These bodies manage both academic and non-academic concerns, organize student activities, and facilitate communication between students and the administration.
Student Council Structure: The Student Council, structured democratically, consists of committees that manage diverse areas like hostel affairs, academic affairs, club activities, and more. These committees ensure that students are integrally involved in shaping campus life.
Feedback and Communication: The SCEC holds regular meetings to gather feedback from students, addressing concerns and representing them to university management. This participatory model reinforces transparency and accountability in addressing students’ needs and concerns.
Inclusive and Collaborative Decision-Making Framework:
BMU emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration within its organizational structure, blending top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid decision-making models. With over 25 committees, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents, BMU exemplifies a truly participatory institution. Committees such as the Executive Council, Academic Calendar Committee, Research Ethics Committee, and many more serve specialized functions while upholding BMU’s core values of inclusion and diversity.
Autonomy and Decentralization: Each school and function within BMU enjoys a significant degree of autonomy and decentralization. The Delegation of Power (DOP) document clearly outlines administrative and financial authority, ensuring efficient, empowered decision-making at all levels.
Feedback Mechanisms: BMU utilizes satisfaction surveys, town hall meetings, and retreats to gather stakeholder feedback. These regular reviews create a 360-degree feedback loop, allowing BMU to refine and improve its processes continually.
Student Council Advisory and Oversight: The Student Council Advisory Board (SCAB) supervises the Student Council Executive Committee, ensuring accountability and providing leadership mentorship. Comprising members from top management and faculty, SCAB reviews monthly reports, oversees elections, and guides student leaders in ethical conduct, conflict resolution, and skill development. This structure enables students to develop leadership skills while ensuring responsible participation in governance.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability: BMU’s policies and processes are underpinned by span accountability mechanisms. Administrative roles, committees, and departments are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with BMU’s mission and vision. Feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders are actively integrated into decision-making, further strengthening BMU’s accountability to its community. Transparency in BMU’s governance is maintained through regular meetings, documented minutes, and adherence to established policies, creating a robust institutional framework for sustainable growth.
Commitment to SDG 16 and lasting impact:
BML Munjal University’s governance structure and participatory processes demonstrate a span commitment to SDG 16, fostering a transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutional environment. By promoting collaboration, student empowerment, and active stakeholder engagement, BMU exemplifies a governance model that aligns with global standards for peaceful and just institutions. The university’s democratic ethos, feedback-driven improvements, and participatory structures contribute to its goal of building an effective and inclusive educational ecosystem that supports both academic excellence and holistic community development. Through these initiatives, BMU not only advances its mission but also champions SDG 16 in the academic sector.