The Union Ministry of Education has completely withdrawn its controversial notification proposing significant changes to Panjab University's governance structure, following widespread protests and political backlash. The decision marks a significant reversal for the central government, which had initially notified the restructuring on October 28.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The education ministry's October 28 notification proposed drastic changes to Panjab University's two key governing bodies - the senate and syndicate. The proposed restructuring would have reduced the senate's strength from approximately 90 members to just 31 members, while transforming the syndicate into a body dominated by nominated members rather than elected representatives.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had strongly opposed the move, calling it "unconstitutional" and threatening to approach the High Court. The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab argued that the Centre lacked authority to make such changes through a notification and that any amendments to the Punjab University Act of 1947 must go through the Assembly or Parliament.
Key Changes That Were Proposed
The now-withdrawn notification sought to fundamentally alter the university's democratic structure. It proposed reducing the number of ordinary fellows in the senate from 85 to just 24 and eliminating the practice of registered graduates electing their representatives. Instead, the Chancellor would nominate two eminent alumni.
The notification also significantly cut elected representation from university faculty, principals, and teachers from 32 to approximately 14 members. Chancellor's nominees from among eminent persons would have been reduced from around 36 to just six.
For the syndicate, the changes would have added the Higher Education Secretary of the Education Ministry and replaced elected members with nominees of the Vice Chancellor.
Why the Changes Faced Opposition
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the proposed changes as "political vandalism" and an attack on Punjab's autonomy and academic freedom. Student protests erupted at the Chandigarh campus, with demonstrators arguing that the changes would centralize power and undermine the university's democratic character.
This isn't the first time the Punjab government has accused the Centre of attempting to exert control over the university. Similar concerns were raised last year when senate elections were delayed, and in 2022 when reports surfaced about potentially converting Panjab University into a central university.
The ministry initially responded to the backlash by putting the changes on hold earlier this week, following meetings with student representatives and Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi. The complete withdrawal announced on Friday represents a total victory for the protestors.
Historical Context and Significance
Panjab University traces its origins to the University of Punjab established in Lahore in 1882. After Partition, the Punjab University Act of 1947 created the current institution with its unique interstate character. The university now has over 200 affiliated colleges in Punjab and Chandigarh and receives funding from both the Centre and Punjab government.
The senate serves as the university's supreme governing body, while the syndicate performs executive functions. The Chancellor of the university is the Vice President of India, and ex officio fellows include the Punjab Chief Minister, Education Minister, and the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The complete withdrawal of the notification demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated opposition from state government, students, and academic community in preserving the university's established governance structure.
