Centre Reverses Course on Panjab University Governance Restructuring
In a significant policy reversal, the Central Government has officially withdrawn its controversial notification proposing a major overhaul of Panjab University's governing bodies. The decision comes after days of uncertainty and strong opposition from political parties and stakeholders across Punjab.
The Notification Flip-Flop
The Ministry of Education issued a fresh notification on Friday formally rescinding its earlier order dated November 4, 2025, which had sought to modify the constitution and composition of the University's Senate and Syndicate. This final withdrawal came just two days after the Centre had first withdrawn the notification, only to put it on hold instead of completely cancelling it.
The initial controversial notification, dated October 28, had proposed substantial changes to the Panjab University Act of 1947. The reforms would have reduced the Senate size to 31 members, eliminated elections for the executive syndicate body, and abolished the graduate constituency of the Senate. These changes were met with immediate backlash from various quarters.
Widespread Political Opposition
The Centre's move faced united resistance from Punjab's political spectrum. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party had vowed to challenge the notification in the Punjab and Haryana High Court just hours before the initial withdrawal. Both the ruling AAP and opposition parties including Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal had accused the Central Government of attempting to erode PU's autonomous and federal character.
Interestingly, even the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had protested against the move, indicating widespread discontent with the proposed changes.
Government's Explanation and Stakeholder Consultation
In its official communique, the Ministry of Education explained that the original notification was issued based on recommendations from a high-level committee constituted on March 2, 2021, by the University Chancellor, and after consultations with various stakeholders.
However, after receiving feedback from students, teachers, former Vice-Chancellors, and the current V-C of Panjab University, and considering inputs from meetings with student organizations, the Ministry decided to rescind the order entirely. The government acknowledged the concerns raised by the university community and ultimately chose to maintain the existing governance structure.
This resolution marks the end of a brief but intense period of uncertainty for one of Punjab's most prestigious educational institutions, preserving its traditional governance model against proposed centralized reforms.
