PU overhaul sparks student agitation, political storm

The Centre’s sweeping decision to dissolve and reconstitute the 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University (PU) today triggered dramatic scenes on multiple fronts — from student protests on the campus to political outrage spilling into the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation and streets. The protesting students tried to gherao university officials by blocking campus gates, even as the Opposition and the Aam Aadmi Party’s city unit launched demonstrations against the BJP-led Centre’s move.

Earlier in the day, the MC general house meeting witnessed uproar when AAP councillor Jasbir Singh Ladi raised the issue of the restructuring of PU’s Senate and Syndicate. He was joined by councillors Damanpreet Singh and others who demanded a discussion on the matter first reported by The Tribune. However, Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla of the BJP disallowed the debate, stating that the matter “did not fall under the Corporation’s purview.”

Later in the evening, AAP’s Chandigarh unit held a candle march at Sector 17 Plaza to protest what it called “the Centre’s autocratic attempt to usurp Punjab’s educational institutions.”

On the campus, tensions escalated as PU students intensified their protest by shutting down Gate No. 2 and trying to gherao university officials. They launched an indefinite sit-in around 2 pm, which was still continuing late into the night, preventing anyone from entering or exiting the premises. The agitation gained momentum after Haryana Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda arrived on the campus to express solidarity with the protesting students.

SAD’s former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra and BSP Punjab president Avtar Singh Karimpuri also joined the students’ protest. However, many leading voices from academia have described the reforms as progressive and necessary. Former Vice-Chancellor Prof KN Pathak, while talking to The Tribune, said, “I welcome this step. It is a very good development for PU. It was long overdue, as it has been debated for the last 30 years, if not more. All its advantages will be known in due course of time.”

Former Vice-Chancellor Prof Arun Grover agreed, saying, “The outgoing Senate failed to act on governance reforms even though the authorised committee’s report lay pending since 2018. The Central Government has now filled that vacuum, providing relief to the Vice-Chancellor who must lead PU as a corporate body.”

Former Senator and Gurugram University VC Sanjay Kaushik said the reform was “a thoughtful attempt to enhance efficiency and align governance with contemporary needs,” noting that both reform and representation “stem from a shared commitment to PU’s excellence and autonomy.”

Former PUTA president Promila Pathak termed the notification “a welcome step,” saying that it fulfilled recommendations made by committees in 2018 and 2021. “PU needed a reformed body with more representation for teachers, principals, and alumni,” she said.

“The reform will improve the academic environment, rankings and financial stability, while potentially paving the way for raising the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65,” said Prof Sukhbir Kaur of the Zoology Department.

Prof Manu Sharma, Director, CIIPP, said, “Reducing the Senate from 90 to 31 will make decision-making efficient. The new Syndicate, with nominated members, will bring transparency and accountability, freeing PU from unnecessary politics.”

A former Senate member, Prof Prashant Gautam, said, “The restructuring was long overdue to bring transparency, merit, and accountability. Only the Graduate constituency has been abolished; elections continue for other categories.”

Prof Shivani Sharma of Philosophy said, “Removing outdated provisions ensures only qualified educationists frame policy decisions.”

Prof Bharat of UILS called the move “commendable and historic,” saying that it “injects new energy and transparency into the PU system.”

Dr Anuj Kumar Gupta of Computer Science added, “This reform shifts focus from numbers to merit, strengthens institutional efficiency, and aligns PU with NEP-2020.”

Adding a political counterpoint, Dr Dharinder Tayal, three-time Graduates’ Constituency Senator and state chief spokesperson of the BJP, said: “The restructuring of PU’s Senate and Syndicate is a long-overdue and progressive reform. It aligns with the spirit of the National Education Policy by reducing politics in university affairs and promoting academic excellence and efficiency. This change follows due consultation and reflects a clear vision for the University’s future. As a former Senator, I welcome this step as vital for strengthening governance and enhancing PU’s stature nationally and globally.”