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Panjab University Withdraws Protest Affidavit as Dispute Over Centre’s Governance Revamp Deepens

Student pressure delivered a rollback on protest curbs, with the Union order shrinking the Senate still in force.

Overview

  • Panjab University scrapped the affidavit requiring students to pledge limits on demonstrations and will inform the Punjab and Haryana High Court of the withdrawal.
  • Student leader Abhishek Dagar ended a week-long hunger strike after the decision, following days of sit-ins and a temporary gate blockade on campus.
  • The Centre’s notification remains operative, cutting the Senate from about 90 to 31 members, abolishing the graduates’ constituency, and shifting the Syndicate to a largely nominated body.
  • University officials defend the changes as lawful under Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act and consistent with NEP 2020 guidance, noting the Centre funds roughly 85–87% of PU’s budget.
  • Punjab leaders including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann call the move unconstitutional and vow court action, while BJP figures say the reforms are being reviewed with stakeholders.