Phillaur MLA voices concern over harassment of students by private educational institutions

In an intervention during the ongoing session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Phillaur MLA Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary raised an alarm over two urgent public welfare issues — alleged harassment of students by private educational institutions and the rising menace of stray animals across the state.

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Participating in the debate on the CGC University, Mohali Bill, 2025, Chaudhary drew attention towards alleged practice by some universities and colleges of withholding students’ academic certificates due to delay in the release of government scholarships. He described the practice as a form of “blackmail,” asserting that it affects students from underprivileged and marginalised communities.

“This exploitation of students on the pretext of delayed scholarships is unjust and unethical,” Chaudhary said on the floor of the Assembly. “It is imperative that the government brings strict legislation to curb such practices and protect the academic rights of all students,” he said.

The legislator also took the opportunity to speak during discussions on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2025, highlighting the increasing number of road accidents and public safety hazards linked to stray animals. He expressed particular concern for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and children, who, he said, were at most risk.

“Stray animal-related incidents have claimed thousands of lives in Punjab in recent years. This is a serious public safety issue that calls for immediate and coordinated action,” he warned. — OC