Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's move to grant central status to Panjab University

Chandigarh, June 30

Amid opposition by two BJP legislators, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution condemning the move by the Centre to change the status of Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh. The resolution was moved by Education Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer.

The House pointed out that any decision to change the PU’s character won’t be acceptable to Punjab and, therefore, recommended that no change in the nature and character of the university be considered by the Centre. If any proposal was being considered, it should be dropped immediately, the resolution read.

The House recommended the state government to take up the matter with the Centre so as not to alter the status of PU, keeping in view the sentiments of the people of Punjab.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured the House that he would take up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Meet Hayer said, “Some vested interests are trying to push for a change in the status of PU into a Central University on one pretext or the other. Be it sharing of riverwaters, claim over Punjabi-speaking areas or making Chandigarh the state’s capital, Punjab has always been a victim. Its rights have been infringed upon.”

Participating in the discussion, BJP legislator Jangi Lal Mahajan said, “When there is no proposal, what is the need for this resolution? It is an attempt to mislead the public, as there is no proposal by the Centre to change the university’s status.”

He said the Punjab government had failed to give even 40 per cent grant to PU.

Congress MLA Pargat Singh, however, supported the resolution. “It is not only about PU. The Centre intends to take away Chandigarh from Punjab. Efforts are being made to reduce Punjab’s size.

MLA Sukhpal Khaira sought clarity in naming the Centre for being behind the move to change status of the university.