Panjab University to wait for MHA guidelines before opening libraries, campus

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 31

Panjab University (PU) will wait for the new guidelines of the UT Administration before taking any decision regarding opening the campus or its libraries, confirmed sources.

The Panjab University (PU) authorities and student political parties are already at loggerheads on the same issues. The authorities decided to shut libraries, including AC Joshi library, on the campus till March 31, which led to protests by students’ political parties.

“In the wake of rising Covid cases in Chandigarh, the PU authorities will follow guidelines issued by the MHA and the UT Administration. Though no decision has been taken today, we will wait for the fresh instructions before discussing opening of libraries or the campus. Our prime concern is students’ safety. Everyone can assess the condition of Chandigarh and Punjab,” said a university official.

Students’ protest enters Day 8

Meanwhile, the ongoing protest by the Panjab University’s SFS for opening the campus entered its eighth day today. “Today, protesting students organised a discussion on Labour Code laws brought by the Central Government. Minimum wages system is being dismantled. Hire and fire policy has been adopted. These laws deprive basic needs and essential social security network from workers. Neoliberal economic policies are pushing workers and toiling masses to wall by exploiting them to the hilt. Issue of contract workers is being raised by scholars from the ISSER, Mohali,” stated the SFS press release.

Memorandum submitted

An ABVP delegation submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, and Advisor, UT Administrator, regarding opening PU libraries. “Studies and research projects are affected as university libraries are lying closed. As the Administration takes final decision on this issue, we submitted a memorandum requesting them to release new guidelines for opening PU libraries,” stated ABVP’s press release.