Punjab must defend its stake in PU

THE phrase ‘governance reforms’ is being strategically used to demolish the democratic essence of a public university. The notifications (for governance structure reforms in Senate) dated October 28, 2025 and then November 4 issued regarding the reconstitution of the Senate of Panjab University and the withdrawal of the same on November 8 raise many concerns. They relate to the constitutional principles of federalism, the purview of the executive or administrative directions external to its provisions (in this case, the Ministry of Education) and the authority of the Senate in initiating reforms under Sections 19 and 20 of the Panjab University Act, 1947, erosion of the democratic structure and encroachment of the rights of Punjab.