Centre puts Panjab University overhaul on hold, says new date to be notified later

Amid a growing political storm over the restructuring of Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate, the Centre on Wednesday appeared to soften its stand, holding back the immediate implementation of the overhaul.

In a revised order, the Central Government stated that “the Punjab University Act, 1947 (East Punjab Act 7 of 1947) shall have effect from the date, as appointed by the Central Government, subject to the following modifications.”

This means the changes will take effect only from the date of a fresh notification to be issued later.

The development comes in the wake of intense protests by students, opposition parties, and farmer unions, and days after The Tribune first broke the story on Saturday — setting off a political firestorm across Punjab and Chandigarh. The Union Government’s clarification is being seen as a tactical pause amid the escalating confrontation over what critics have called an “unconstitutional” and “anti-federal” move, while supporters maintain the reforms are vital to free the university from political interference.