Punjab Opposition Leader Hails Passage of Guru Tegh Bahadur University Bill
Chandigarh: Leader of the opposition in the Punjab assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Tuesday welcomed the passage of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World Class University, Punjab Bill, 2026. He described it as a historic opportunity to establish an institution of national importance in Anandpur Sahib.
Call for Transparency and Implementation
Bajwa emphasized that a university named after Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib should not be treated as a routine legislative exercise. "It carries immense moral, historical, and civilisational weight. This must rise above symbolism and become a truly world-class institution in letter and spirit," he stated. While extending full support to honor the Guru's supreme sacrifice, Bajwa cautioned that the real challenge lies in implementation. "The credibility of this project will depend entirely on transparency, clarity, and intent," said the senior Congress leader.
Raising concerns, Bajwa called on the government to immediately disclose all details regarding land and finances to the public. He insisted that the exact location of the permanent campus, total land area, legal status, and financial commitments must be clearly outlined. "An institution of this stature cannot be built on vague announcements or incomplete planning," he asserted.
Democratic Governance and Academic Vision
On governance, Bajwa stressed the need to uphold Punjab's long-standing democratic traditions in higher education. He advocated for elected representation of teachers and graduates in the university's senate and governing bodies. "Democratic participation is not a formality, it is the foundation of credible and accountable institutions," he explained.
Bajwa further highlighted that the university must not be confined to a narrow or bureaucratic framework. Given the universal message of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, he urged the institution to adopt a clear national vision, with strong academic collaborations and outreach across India. He also warned against reducing the university to a purely technical or high-tech campus. "This institution must have intellectual depth. It must include a full-fledged academic department dedicated to the life, philosophy, and teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji — not a token chair, but a serious centre of scholarship," said the Qadian legislator.
Bajwa expressed hope that the government would proceed with transparency, consultation, and seriousness in the upcoming stages of development.
