Panjab University has officially announced the schedule for its Senate elections. The university will hold elections for the Registered Graduates' Constituency on September 20 this year. This constituency will elect 15 Ordinary Fellows to the Senate.
Key Dates for Voter Enrolment
The university issued a notification on Monday detailing important deadlines. February 23 is the last date for fresh enrolment as a Registered Graduate. Applicants must submit their forms along with a composite fee of Rs 15 to the Registrar by this date.
Registered graduates who have outstanding dues must clear them by February 23 to become eligible voters. The list of defaulters will soon appear on the Panjab University website and with the Assistant Registrar of the Election Cell.
Election Process Timeline
The university has set a clear timeline for the entire election process:
- March 24: Notification of the supplementary register of graduates.
- April 23: Last date for intimating change of address.
- June 22: Deadline for submitting claims and objections.
- July 2: Scrutiny of claims and objections by the Registrar.
- July 3: Committee meeting to consider objections to the Registrar's decisions.
- July 27: Publication of the final register of graduates.
Eligibility Criteria for Enrolment
Only persons domiciled in India can enrol as Registered Graduates. The eligibility criteria specify that graduates of Panjab University need a minimum standing of five years. This period counts from the year they passed their degree examination. This means graduates up to the year 2021 are eligible for enrolment.
Candidates holding a Master's or Doctoral degree from Panjab University also qualify for enrolment. The university emphasizes that all applications must reach the Registrar by the notified deadline.
Background of Recent Controversies
This election announcement comes after significant turmoil at the university. In October, the Union government issued a notification overhauling the university's governance structure. This move converted the elected Syndicate into a fully nominated body. It also reduced the strength of the Senate.
Student organizations united under the 'Panjab University Bachao Morcha' to protest these changes. Farm leaders from across Punjab joined them in solidarity. The protest turned into an indefinite sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor's office. Protesters demanded the restoration of the 91-member Senate.
Political Reactions and Withdrawal
The issue quickly became a political controversy. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of launching "another assault on Punjab's autonomy." The Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal called it "a direct attack on federalism" and "erosion of 143 years of legacy."
Under mounting pressure, the Union Ministry of Education withdrew its notification on November 7. However, the withdrawal process involved some drama. On November 5, the Centre first announced the withdrawal but then issued another notification putting the earlier one on hold. It finally withdrew the notification completely on November 7 as campus protests escalated.
On November 9, Panjab University authorities initiated the process for Senate elections under the previous mode. They submitted the detailed schedule to the Chancellor and Vice-President of India for approval.
Recent Developments and Police Case
On November 10, protesters forced their way into the PU campus by breaking and scaling Gate No. 1. In response, the Chandigarh Police registered an FIR on November 13 against unidentified students and outsiders. The FIR alleges attacks on police personnel and violations of prohibitory orders.
The university now moves forward with its election schedule, hoping to restore normal democratic processes. The September 20 election date marks a significant step in this direction.
