PU unrest : Dialogue necessary

PANJAB University (PU) has long been regarded as a beacon of higher education, shaped by a participatory governance model that balanced autonomy with accountability. The Senate and Syndicate, envisaged under the Panjab University Act of 1947, have given faculty, alumni and students a voice in decision-making. This legacy must not be casually set aside. The Centre’s proposal to restructure PU’s governance and increase its administrative oversight has stirred unease across the campus and beyond. What could have been a constructive exercise has instead taken on emotional and political dimensions, leading to protests and unrest. Much of the resistance stems not from opposition to reform itself, but from the perception that decisions are being taken without consultation with stakeholders.

The situation evokes memories of the farmers’ agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, when the lack of prior dialogue bred alienation and distrust. At PU too, many feel that their voices are being ridden roughshod over. This impression could have been prevented through communication. For an institution that thrives on academic freedom and intellectual exchange, unilateral decision-making sends a discordant signal.

There is no denying that PU’s governance has shown strains. Delays in decision-making, factionalism and procedural inertia have hampered its responsiveness to academic challenges. Reforms in governance are necessary to make it more efficient and globally competitive. But such changes must emerge from consensus, not confrontation. It would not only uphold PU’s democratic ethos but also ensure that governance structures reflect the needs and aspirations of those who sustain the institution. Dialogue, not decree, remains the cornerstone of enduring reform. PU’s success has rested on its ability to balance autonomy with accountability. As the region’s premier public university located in Chandigarh, it serves not just Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, but also the idea of federal cooperation.