GNDU reserves 5% seats for students of border, rural areas

Addressing the concerns of students from border and rural belts, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has announced a 5 per cent increase in seats programme-wise. A decision in this regard was made during the meeting of the Syndicate held here on Wednesday.

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Presiding over his first Syndicate meeting, Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh emphasized his commitment to ensuring that children from these underprivileged regions receive access to higher education. To achieve this, a three-member committee was constituted to formulate a comprehensive plan for the benefit of students from border and rural areas. The committee recommends that 5 per cent supernumerary seats each for the categories of border area and rural area candidates, subject to a minimum of one seat in each course of study, may be reserved on the required terms and conditions.

Prof Karamjeet Singh said, “It has always been my dream to uplift children of border and rural areas by providing them access to quality higher education. Owing to a lack of opportunities, many talented students have been deprived of higher education. The decision will pave the way for their brighter future and improved living standard.”

Notably, student organisations last year had helped several protests and dharnas, demanding reservation in rural and border belt quota of seats in the university.

The Syndicate members also authorised the Vice-Chancellor to take anticipatory decisions relating to some urgent cases which require the approval of the Syndicate.

Prof Karamjeet Singh outlined his broader vision for student development, stating that along with academic excellence, vocational and employment-oriented courses will be introduced. He stressed the importance of financial independence for students and emphasized skill-based education to ensure that graduates can secure jobs or even become job providers. Special emphasis will also be placed on women’s empowerment, with plans to introduce specific courses to help female students achieve financial independence and create employment opportunities for others. Apart from these key initiatives, the Syndicate also approved teaching and non-teaching promotions and sanctioned 57 PhD degrees in various disciplines.