Nod to restrictions on pvt sponsorship for seminars

Chandigarh, October 14

The Panjab University (PU) Syndicate gave principal approval to the restrictions proposed on the private sponsorship for seminars and workshops on the campus here on Sunday.

A committee — comprising Prof Navdeep Goyal, chairperson of the Physics Department, Prof Keshav Malhotra from the Department of Evening Studies, and Finance and Development Officer Vikram Nayyar — has been formed to decide the dos and don’ts and to discuss the sponsorship to be accepted in kind. 

The Syndicate was of the opinion that the commercialisation of campus shouldn’t be allowed. Earlier, a PU panel has decided that before seeking private agency sponsorship, a department has to take approval from the Dean of University Instructions (DUI). According to the rules framed by the panel: “The sponsor shouldn’t have any hidden agenda or scheme for publishing or marketing their own product or using the PU as a platform to promote their own cause.” 

The donations from coaching centres should also be avoided. “Donations in cash are prohibited for conferences. All legal donations should be in the form of account-payee cheques,” said the proposed rules. The department concerned has to plan the event well in advance as approval has to be taken from the DUI, on the recommendation of the academic or administrative committee of a department. The academic committee has to approve the organising secretary, purchase committee and reception committee. 

Woman PhD student to be allowed fellowship

The Syndicate also decided that VC Raj Kumar will form a committee to give a report on all facts, including the PUCASH report and police findings in sexual harassment allegations against a resident of the PU. The victim’s complaint was termed false by the police and PUCASH. 

The Syndicate also decided that the victim should be allowed to continue her fellowship and the decision regarding the review of cancellation of the PhD enrolment was deferred as members said it should be in consonance with the PU’s stand in the High Court.