Open House: Will restructuring Senate, Syndicate rid PU of political control & ring in academic control?

Weaken institutional independence not ideal

A reformed structure should prioritise academic expertise, ensuring transparent decisions are made by those with relevant knowledge and experience, protecting academic freedom and autonomy. Conduct a thorough review of existing structures, engage with stakeholders, including faculty, students and alumni. Develop a comprehensive reform plan and ensure potential models for restructuring give academic stakeholders a significant voice in decision-making processes. By dissolving the Senate, the Centre has attempted to silence voices of dissent and weaken institutional independence.

Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh

Decision taken without consultation

It appears that the now-withdrawn decision to dissolve the Punjab University Senate and Syndicate was taken without proper consultation. Such unilateral action may not align with the broader interests of Punjab and Chandigarh, especially considering that in 1990, the central government withdrew its notification declaring the region a "troubled state". The historical context underscores the importance of maintaining institutional stability. The current move risks undermining public trust and regional harmony.

Narinder Banwait, Chandigarh

Will hand over control to centre

The restructuring of Punjab University Senate and Syndicate will put the varsity directly under the political control of Centre. The new system may make Vice Chancellor the super power. The nominated members may either be confidantes or may toe the VC's line. The loss of proper representation in the senate may put an end to the 59 years old extra-ordinary system, which cannot be equated with other central varsities.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd.), Mohali

Transparency needs to be improved

Restructuring Panjab University's Senate and Syndicate can curb political dominance if done with integrity and vision. The key lies in depoliticising appointments and ensuring representation based on merit, research contribution and proven academic leadership rather than affiliations. Introducing transparent selection processes, fixed performance-linked tenures, and stronger conflict-of-interest rules can restore credibility. Including accomplished alumni, neutral education experts, and external evaluators can dilute power concentration and inject accountability.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Ensuring proper representation is key

Ensuring representation from diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students and experts can bring in fresh perspectives but it needs to done transparently. Implementing a clear and merit-based selection process for key positions can help mitigate political interference. Clear guidelines and policies can also prevent politicisation. A comprehensive review of the existing statutes and ordinances, followed by stakeholder consultations, can help create a more inclusive and efficient governance structure.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Will keep PU under political control

From the looks of it, the restructuring of the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University will not rid it of political control. It would still be controlled by the humans who might owe allegiance to one political party or the other. Directly or indirectly, it would be controlled by the political bosses in power. Academicians are not likely to control the functioning of the varsity as per their own system and decision-making will still be influenced by the politicians.

Kailash Garg, Chandigarh

Current system gives voice to stakeholders

Elected Senate and Syndicate provided democratic element in the management of Panjab University. It gave voice to the students, college teachers and principals to put up their views on academic problems faced at the ground level. A number of new courses were introduced, improvements were made in syllabus, in infrastructure of colleges on the basis of suggestions and discussions in the Senate. Though rowdy behaviour of some elected senators should be opposed, replacing elected representatives with nominated representatives is not at all justified. Elected senators have never been a hindrance. Earlier, senate also had ex-officio members and both groups worked in harmony for academic improvement and welfare of students and teachers.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Keep education away from politics

Punjab University has been plagued by politics and has lost its educationist outlook. All kind of politics should be abolished from academic institutions. It is high time to move past the selfish interests. Creation of new power centres should be stopped as separate elections for each purpose, institution or setup create hurdles and stop progress.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

A renewed civic mindset required

The move was projected as a step to reduce political interference and bring in greater academic control. However, converting these long-established democratic bodies into nominated ones would go against the university's historical and constitutional foundations. PU, the legal successor of the institution originally established in Lahore in 1882, has a rich legacy of participative governance through elected representation of teachers, alumni, and other stakeholders. Diluting it risks undermining the university's autonomy. Genuine academic reforms should focus on improving transparency, accountability and academic excellence rather than curbing democratic traditions.

Vineet Gandhi, Chandigarh

Suppression of academic autonomy

The restructuring of Panjab University's senate and syndicate has sparked concerns about the growing grip of central politics on academic institutions. The new appointments appear to be driven by allegiance to a particular ideology rather than academic merit. This has led to fears that the university is becoming a mouthpiece for a specific ideology. Students, who are the future leaders of the country, are likely to be impacted by this shift. The stifling of dissenting voices and the suppression of academic autonomy can have far-reaching consequences, as evident in the government's handling of the farmers' protests. Universities should be bastions of critical thinking, debate, and growth, free from external influences. The current situation at Panjab University underscores the need for greater autonomy and democratic processes in academic institutions.

Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh

Upholding autonomy is essential

This decision deeply wounds the sentiments of countless people and beyond. As Punjab's sole major university, Punjab University stands as a beacon of academic excellence, democratic participation and rich heritage most vitally, a vibrant promoter of culture amid bureaucratic overreach in Chandigarh. Far from improving education, it will only sow tension, breed resentment and jeopardise the future of aspiring students while eroding Punjab's hard won identity and autonomy. The Centre is urged to preserve cultural legacy and uphold PU's institutional autonomy.

Balbir Singh

Representation must be based on merit

True reform lies not just in changing the composition of certain bodies but in redefining their purpose and accountability. For far too long, political alignments have overshadowed academic priorities, affecting appointments, policy decisions, and campus culture. To ensure genuine academic control, representation must be based on merit, research contribution, and service to education rather than political affiliation. Transparent elections, term limits and inclusion of independent academicians can restore credibility. Only then can restructuring translate into meaningful change.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Voice of the youth needs to be heard

Present youth are very much aware of their rights, democracy and how to press their demands. Elections and student councils exercise much political control over raising issues and protests, leaving a negative impact on academics. Restructuring the Senate and Syndicate of Punjab University will not prove to be fruitful, as the present generation wants their rights, their voice to be heard, and redressal of their grievances at any cost. Gen Z's outrage and protests changing the government in Nepal and Africa are recent examples.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Work in tandem for best results

The recent decision of centre to dissolve age old PU senate was hasty. The age-old senate system for the people of Punjab and providing more freedom to the Senate in its working for the betterment of education and

have cordial relations with the Centre can improve functioning

of the university.

Col TBS Bedi, Mohali

Choose reform, not reduction

Restructuring and upgradation are essential even to remain relevant in today's competitive environment. The same applies to the Punjab University Senate, which urgently needs reform, not reduction. Instead of cutting seats, the government should increase representation, especially for women, and ensure automatic voting rights without the need for written requests. The campus environment must shift towards output-oriented education rather than mere degrees and protests. Panjab University deserves progressive reforms to preserve its legacy and ensure a future-ready institution.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

Shouldn’t undermine democratic character

Change is the only constant and is never easy. The now-withdrawn decisiont to restructure the senate and syndicate was a wlecome step, considering its size and functionality aspect. It surely promises efficient administration, reduced politicisation, alignment with New Education Policy. However, such progress should not come at the cost of institutional autonomy and democratic character. Such reform should be accompanied by safeguards, such as balancing the ratio of elected and nominated members. The aim should not be the complete inclusion of academic control or complete exclusion of political participation.

Bhoomika

Can save time and resources

The role of senate was to assist in the working of the PU. It consisted of a big number of elected members from many faculties. The elections, meetings and deliberations took much time and incurred much expenses as well. The nominated members from various branches can also assist the Vice Chancellor in taking important decisions. It is possible that the intellectuals did not come forward to be elected but under the present system can be nominated.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Time to Rise above politics

Politics at every level spoils the work culture in every institution and decision making becomes a casualty. Everybody should rise above political consideration in the interest of Punjab University. Since Central government is contributing funds to run the varsity, it must have the power to appoint efficient and accountable governing council.

KC Rana, Chandigarh