Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann opposes centralisation of Panjab University
Chandigarh, June 19
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and opposed the Centre’s move related to conversion of Panjab University (PU) into a Central University.
The Chief Minister apprised the duo that the state government would not tolerate any change in nature and character of the PU as it has an emotional place in the hearts of people of Punjab on account of historical, cultural and provincial reasons.
175 affiliated colleges
- PU declared an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under Section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966 enacted by Parliament
- PU has 175 affiliated colleges in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib and SBS Nagar
The CM said, “During reorganisation of the State of Punjab in 1966, Panjab University was declared an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under Section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966 enacted by Parliament. The status has been confirmed in several judgments passed by the courts.”
He said the PU was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab to Hoshiarpur after the Partition and then to Chandigarh. The PU has 175 affiliated colleges in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib and SBS Nagar.
CM Mann said from 1976 onwards, Punjab and the UT of Chandigarh have borne financial responsibility of paying maintenance deficit grants to the PU in the ratio of 40:60, respectively.
