The North News
Chandigarh, November 6
The Central government has put on hold its decision to restructure the Senate and Syndicate of the 143-year-old Panjab University, following a meeting between university student representatives and senior officials of the Union Ministry of Education. In a statement, the ministry said the recent notification concerning changes in the university’s governance structure would take effect only after a fresh notification is issued. The move effectively pauses the earlier order to replace the university’s elected bodies with nominated ones.
The decision comes after strong reactions from academic circles and political leaders in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced plans to challenge the move in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, calling it a matter of institutional autonomy and state rights. Mann urged the Centre to reconsider its decision, saying the dissolution of the Senate and Syndicate raised concerns over the democratic functioning of one of the region’s oldest institutions of higher learning. He reiterated that the state government would explore all legal and constitutional options to protect the university’s autonomy.
“The issue is not just administrative—it’s about upholding Punjab’s rights and the spirit of shared governance,” Mann said. He assured that the state stands with students, faculty, and the academic community in safeguarding the university’s inclusive character.
Panjab University was established under the Punjab University Act of 1947 following the Partition of India to compensate for the loss of the University of Lahore. Its current framework was maintained under the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966, which preserved its jurisdiction and link with the state of Punjab.
Calling the university an integral part of Punjab’s educational and cultural heritage, Mann said any change to its structure should be made through consultation and consensus rather than unilateral action.
