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6h ago

Punjab to Challenge Centre’s Overhaul of Panjab University Governance

A central notification has replaced elected bodies with a compact, nomination-driven structure at the 142-year-old university.

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One of the oldest universities in India, the Panjab University has a tradition of pursuing excellence in teaching and research in science and technology, humanities, social sciences, performing arts and sports | Commons
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Overview

  • Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the state will move court against the October 28 notification, arguing the Centre cannot amend the Panjab University Act through an executive order.
  • The Centre’s order reduces the Senate to 31 members with 18 elected, six nominated and seven ex officio seats, and abolishes the long-standing graduate constituency.
  • The Syndicate, earlier elected from the Senate, is now a fully nominated executive body with expanded authority for the vice-chancellor.
  • The overhaul adds ex officio members such as the Chandigarh MP, the UT Chief Secretary and the Education Secretary alongside senior Punjab officials.
  • Officials say the changes follow a 2021 governance committee led by then Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, with the report approved by Chancellor C. P. Radhakrishnan in September, while AAP, Congress, SAD and diaspora groups have condemned the move.