Rules and Regulations

1. MEMBERSHIP

1.1 NAME OF THE SOCIETY
The name of the Society shall be “Indian Society for Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling Technology” and shall hereinafter be referred to ‘The Society’ or “ISRMTT”.

1.2 MEMBERSHIP

1.2.1 The Membership of the Society is open to Individuals, Institutions and Organisations connected with or interested in the fields of rock mechanics, engineering geology, mining, tunnelling technology and allied fields, and their practical applications.

1.2.2 The Society shall have the following categories of membership :

  1. Individual Life Membership
  2. Institution Membership

1.3 ADMISSION AND QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
The Individual/ Institutional membership of the Society is open to Individuals/ Institutions engaged in activities consistent with the Aims of the Society.

In case the membership is refused to a person/ institution the reason for refusal shall be intimated to the person concerned.

1.3.1 Individual Membership:
The minimum qualifications for individual membership shall be one of the following:

  1. Degree in Engineering or equivalent.
  2. Diploma in Engineering with atleast three years of experience in any of the fields stipulated in Article 1.2.
  3. A Masters’ Degree in Science or equivalent with two years of experience in any field
    stipulated in Article 1.2.
  4. A Bachelors’ Degree in Science with experience of atleast 5 years in any of the fields stipulated in Article 1.2.
  5. Manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives and others involved with rock mechanics, tunnelling technology or allied fields.

1.3.2 Institution Membership: The Institution membership is open to all Institutions connected with teaching, research and development work, design, consultancy or construction work, manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, in the fields of rock mechanics and/or tunnelling technology.

1.4 SUBSCRIPTIONS
1.4.1 The subscriptions to be paid at the time of admission/ renewal of membership shall be as under:

  • Individual Life Membership – Rs 2000/-
  • Institutional Membership – Rs 5000/- [Per Year]
  • [One Time Donor Fees] – Rs 50,000/-

1.5 CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
1.5.1 There shall be no cessation of Individual Membership, unless the General Body of the Society specifically resolve so.
1.5.2 In the case of Institution Membership, the Institute will forfeit the right to membership if subscription for any year isnot paid by 31st March of the year to which it relates and the membership will be terminated. Reasons for termination shall be intimated to member concerned.

1.6 APPEAL AND RE-ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
1.6.1 In the case of Institution Members the Institute may be re-admitted only after an appeal alongwith payment of all arrears up-to-date.

1.7 RIGHT AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
1.7.1 All members shall be entitled to participate in the meetings/ symposia/ conferences/ seminars of the Society and receive publications of the Society as decided by the Executive Committee from time to time. Every member shall have the right of vote in elections for governing body and in other proceedings.
1.7.2 The members shall also be entitled to receive those priced publications of the Society that are approved by the Executive Committee at concessional rates.

2. GENERAL BODY

2.1 DEFINITION
The General Body shall consist of all categories of members who have not specifically been disqualified by the Governing Body.

2.2 POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF GENERAL BODY

  1. Supreme Authority of the Society shall be vested in the General Body.
  2. The General Body shall have, among other things, power to elect members of Executive Body.

2.3 QUORUM AND NOTICE OF MEETING AND PERIODICITY OF MEETINGS

  1. The Executive Committee shall arrange General Body meetings periodically, at least twice during the term and minimum of notice given shall be clear 21 days for the purpose.
  2. The quorum for General Body Meeting shall be 1/3rd of the total membership.
  3. In case of lack of quorum, the General Body shall be adjourned and reconvened when quorum shall not be necessary.
  4. Alongwith General Body Meeting, the Society on its own or through the local chapters or institutions shall organise conference or symposium or any other suitable activities towards the fulfillment of the aims of the Society.
  5. The organisers of the symposium/ conference under the auspices of the Society shall decide all important matters such as the topic of the symposium, venue, duration, etc. in consultation with the Executive Committee.

2.4 AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
Amendment to the constitution shall be carried out only by 75% majority of votes obtained in accordance with Section 12 and 12A of Societies Registration Act, 1860.

3. MANAGING/ GOVERNING BODY/ EXECUTIVE COMMITTE

3.1 MANAGING/ GOVERNING BODY/ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DEFINED
The management of the Society shall be looked after by an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee office bearers will be elected from the members of the Society.

3.2 COMPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, ITS FORMULATION FUNCTIONS

  1. President of the Society, [President].
  2. Two Vice-Presidents of the Society [Vice-President].
  3. The immediate Past-President [Member].
  4. Members elected from Individual Members totaling 1% of Individual Membership strength
    with a minimum of eight.
  5. Upto two elected members from the Institution Members.
  6. Honorary Secretary of the Society.
  7. Treasurer of the Society.

3.3 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM STRENGTH INCLUDING OFFICE BEARERS
The minimum strength of the Executive Committee shall be 10 and maximum strength shall be 20.

3.4 ELECTION AND ITS MODE

  1. Members of the Society shall elect the President and the members of the Executive Committee from amongst themselves.
  2. The immediate Past President of the Society shall be the Ex-officio members.
  3. The Honorary Secretary shall be appointed by majority vote of the Executive Committee.
  4. The Executive Secretary of the Society shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Committee. The terms and conditions relating to the appointment of the Executive Secretary shall be decided by the Executive Committee. He will be the employee of the Society.
  5. The Executive Committee may co-opt a maximum of three individual members or Fellows representing disciplines or regions not otherwise represented by the elected members.
  6. Procedure for Election of President and Members of Executive Committee:

The Honorary Secretary of the Society shall address all the individual/ Institution Members calling for nominations for election of President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer and Members of Executive Committee and a notice period of 20 days shall be given for receipt of nominations. All the office bearers will be elected by the general body meeting called for this purpose. The Executive Committee shall ensure the election of new Executive Committee before expiry of the term.

3.5 TERMS AND THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

3.5.1 The term of the office of the Executive Committee shall be for a period of two years from the date of its election, to the election of new Executive Committee, whichever is earlier. No member of the Executive Committees will be eligible to hold office Committee, in any capacity, for more than two consecutive terms.
3.5.2 The office of the Executive Committee shall be located in the same organisation as the Honorary Secretary. The Executive Committee, by a majority vote, can change the office premises.

3.6 POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
3.6.1 The Executive Committee shall have all the powers for furtherance of aims and objectives of the Society. A simple majority vote of the members present at an official meeting will be sufficient to approve any item brought before the Committee for voting action. In the event of a tie-vote, the President will have an additional tie-breaking vote. However, all matters which are of basic nature, shall be decided by the simple majority of the members present at the properly convened General Body Meeting.

The function of office bearers is defined in the following.

3.6.2 President – Functions and Appointment

  1. An individual shall not be eligible to hold the office of the President for consecutive two terms.
  2. In the event of the resignation or death of the President, a new President shall be nominated by the Executive Committee for the remaining term of the office.
  3. If the President is unable to attend a particular Executive Committee meeting, the meeting shall be presided over by one of the Vice-Presidents and if they are also not available, the Executive Committee members present may elect from amongst themselves, by a simple majority, the member who should preside over the meeting.
  4. The prime duty of the President shall be to foster the aims and objectives of the Society in the national and international spheres. The President shall preside over the Executive Committee Meetings and the General Body Meetings. He may, in consultation with the Honorary Secretary, take decisions involving matters which are of immediate nature consistent with the aims of the Society and report at next Executive Committee Meeting.

3.6.3 Vice-President

  1. They shall assist the President in performance of the duties as outlined in 3.6.2
  2. The senior most [by age] and present Vice-President shall preside over the meeting of the General Body and the Executive Committee in absence of the President.

3.6.4 Honorary Secretary
The Honorary Secretary of the Society shall take necessary action under the general direction of the President and the Executive to expand the frontiers of activities of the Society. He shall have the powers to sanction expenditure upto Rs 5000/- on behalf of the Society within the frame-work of the approved budget. He shall deal with technical matters relating to the liaison with the local chapters, the International Society and the Organisation of Annual General Sessions of the Society. The Honorary Secretary shall also be responsible for publications of Society.

3.6.5 Executive Secretary

  1. The Executive Secretary shall prepare and issue agenda and minutes of the Executive Committee and the Annual General Body Meetings, correspond with members regarding subscription and other relevant matters; correspond with the International Society for Rock Mechanics with regard to the subscription and other relevant matters. He shall maintain receipts and payments account and shall have the powers to sanction expenditure upto Rs 500/- within the framework of approved budget, prepare budget and have accounts audited.
  2. The President, in consultation with the Executive Committee may, however, re-distribute the work between the Honorary Secretary and Executive Secretary and/ or assign new tasks.

3.6.6 Treasurer

  1. The Treasurer of the Society shall be responsible for operating the joint bank account either with President or Secretary of the Society.
  2. The Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the accounts of the Society.

3.7 QUORUM AND NOTICE OF MEETING
The quorum for the Executive Committee Meeting shall be 1/3rd. In case there is no quorum within one hour of the time fixed for the Executive Committee Meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned and re-convened within a period of one month giving due notice of the re-convened meeting to members of the Executive Committee. No quorum then shall be necessary for such an adjourned Executive Committee Meeting. Notice period for calling meetings will not be less than 7 days.

3.8 FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY
Any casual vacancy arising in the Executive Committee shall be filled by executive members and such members as may be non-elected will hold office till the next General Body Meeting.

3.9 SUB-COMMITTEES, IF ANY, FORMATION II [COMPOSITION III]
3.9.1 The Executive Committee may constitute from time to time sub-committees co-opt both members and non-members and may delegate such of the powers and duties of the Body as deemed necessary. Such sub-committees shall not have any power to transact business other than that expressly authorised by the Governing Body. Such a sub-committee shall have a convener appointed by the Executive and elect its own chairman and secretary. The Chairman and Secretary as designated by the Governing Body shall be ex-officio members of such sub-committees.

3.9.2 Local Chapters
3.9.2.1 The Executive Committee will promote the establishment of Local Chapters of the Society to serve only a city or number of nearby towns in a region.

3.9.2.2 Objectives
The objectives of the Local Chapters shall be :

  1. Organize talks, seminars, field trips, etc. of interest to local members.
  2. To act as hosts to or assist the parent body when it holds its meetings, symposia, etc in its
    region.
  3. To keep the parent body informed about the activities and problems of interest in the
    region.

3.9.2.3 Formation of Local Chapters
The Secretary of the Society shall by convenient and suitable means ascertain from the members of each potential or existing Local Center their willingness of organising the activities of an existing Local Chapter or possible new chapter. The Secretary will take appropriate action and keep the Executive Committee informed.

3.9.2.4 Membership of Local Chapters

  1. All members of the Society located in region shall be entitled to be members of the Local Chapter Instituted for that region.
  2. An individual/ institution can be Member of the Local Chapter if he/ it is not a member of the Society. For such members, the Local Chapter will pay a suitable fee to the Society.

3.9.2.5 Officers and Management of the Chapter
The first Secretary for the formation of the Chapter, shall be nominated by the Executive Committee of the Society.

3.9.2.6 Duties of the Secretary

  1. He/ she shall on behalf of the chapter, convene meetings of the chapter.
  2. Organise the activities of the chapter, as desired by its membership.
  3. Operate the funds for the Chapter.
  4. Take steps to raise funds for the chapter in a manner agreeable to membership.
  5. Receive gifts and donations from the parent body or any other organisation.
  6. Keep the Secretary of the Society and Editor of the Newsletter of the Society informed of the
    activities of the chapter.

3.10 SOURCES OF INCOME & UTILISATION OF FUNDS

3.10.1 The Society shall raise funds for pursuing its aims and objectives through:

  1. Subscription from the members.
  2. Sale of publications.
  3. Grants-in-aid from Government and other institution members.
  4. Advertisements.
  5. Any other source approved by the Executive Committee.

3.10.2 Bank Account of the Society
The Society shall maintain a deposit account in any scheduled bank into which, subscription etc collected, shall be deposited. The said account shall be operated upon by treasurer alongwith President or Secretary authorised by the Governing Body from time to time.

3.10.3 Utilisation
Withdrawals from the invested funds shall be made only with the approval of the Executive Committee to the extent of 25% per year of the funds so invested expect where these are specifically required for the purpose of procuring fixed assets. This limit shall not apply if the funds are required for the purpose of investment in fixed assets.

3.11 FINANCIAL YEAR
The financial year of the Society shall be from 1st April to 31st March.

3.12 AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS
3.12.1 The Society shall cause to maintain such books of accounts and other books in relation to its accounts in such form and manner as required, in consultation with Auditors of the Society.
3.12.2 The budget for each year shall be prepared by the Executive Secretary in consultation with the Honorary Secretary and placed before the Executive Committee for its consideration and approval. Expenditure on any item not specified in the budget upto a maximum of Rs 500/- may be incurred by the Honorary Secretary/ Executive Secretary, subject to ratification by the Executive Committee at its next meeting.
3.12.3 The accounts of the Society shall be audited by a Chartered Accountant every year and presented to the Executive Committee and General Body Meeting. Chartered Accountant shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.

3.13 OPERATION OF BANK ACCOUNT
The joint bank account of the Society shall be operated by treasurer alongwith either President or Secretary of the Society.

3.14 ANNUAL LIST OF MANAGING/ GOVERNING BODY [See 4 of Act]
Once in every year, a list of office bearers and members of the governing body of the Society shall be filed with Registrar of Society, Delhi as required under Section 4 of Societies Registration Act, 1860.

3.15 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS [Section 6 of the Act]
The Society may sue in the name of President, Secretary as per provision laid down under Section 6 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as applicable to the Union Territory of Delhi.

3.16 AMENDMENTS
Any amendment in the Memorandum of Rules will be carried out in accordance with the procedure laid down under Sections 12 & 12A of Societies Registration Act, 1860.

3.17 DISSOLUTION AND ADJUSTMENT OF AFFAIRS
If the Society needs to be dissolved, it shall be dissolved as per provisions laid down under Sections 13 & 14 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as applicable to the Union Territory of Delhi.

3.18 APPLICATION OF THE ACT
All the provisions under all the Sections of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, applicable to the Union Territory of Delhi, shall apply to this Society.

3.19 ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATE
Certified that this is the correct copy of rules and regulations of the Society.