Centre dissolves 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal condemns dissolution
PTC News Desk: In a significant development, the Centre has dissolved the 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh and approved a complete restructuring of the two highest governing bodies. The latest reforms marks the end of Syndicate's elected status and transforms it into a complete nominated entity.
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, the reforms, enacted under the Panjab University Act, 1947 (East Punjab Act 7 of 1947), abolish the Graduate Constituency and reduce the Senate’s strength from 90 to 31 members — comprising 18 elected, 6 nominated, and 7 ex-officio members.
Notably as part of the reforms, the Chandigarh MP, UT Chief Secretary, and Education Secretary have been designated ex-officio members, alongside senior Punjab officials.
Under the substituted Section 13 of the Act, the category of Ordinary Fellows has been redefined. Their number shall not exceed 24 with inclusion of following:
The latest reforms will enable a high-powered decision-making body that will govern the administrative structure of the university with inclusion of Chief Minister of Punjab, Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, Punjab Education Minister, UT Chief Secretary, Punjab Higher Education Secretary, UT Education Secretary, and the Chandigarh MP.
Meanwhile, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has condemned the dissolution of the Senate while calling it an insult to the federal structure of the country.
Sukhbir Singh Badal took to his social media and said, "I strongly condemn the Central Government’s decision to dissolve the Senate of Panjab University and end Punjab’s representation in it. This is an insult to the federal structure of the country and an attack on Punjab’s educational and intellectual framework. That too, on the occasion of Punjab Day — a day that exists because thousands of Punjabis made sacrifices for its creation."
"By issuing this unilateral ordinance without considering Punjab’s sentiments and excluding the state from its own prestigious legacy, the Central Government has inflicted yet another deep wound on Punjab," he further said.
He further added, "I urge the Government of India to immediately withdraw this unconstitutional decision and not worsen the already difficult situation in Punjab. I also appeal to the people of Punjab — especially intellectuals and scholars — to unite and raise their voice, from every possible platform, against this arbitrary move by the Centre."
- PTC NEWS
