Calls centre’s move an attack on Punjab’s academic heritage; urges revival of democratic traditions at 142-year-old institution
Chandigarh News: The Punjabi Cultural Council (PCC) has strongly condemned the central government’s move to make the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University ineffective and inanimate and termed it a “deeply objectionable and deliberate attempt” to weaken Punjab’s claim over one of its oldest and most prestigious educational institutions.
Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, president of the Council said the Centre’s decision has deeply hurt the sentiments of Punjabis who take pride in the university’s 142-year legacy. He demanded that the original democratic structure of the university should be immediately restored and fresh elections for the Senate and Syndicate be held to uphold the voice of teachers, students, and stakeholders.
State Award recipient Grewal said that ever since its establishment by the British in Lahore in 1882, Panjab University has symbolized Punjab’s intellectual, scientific and cultural identity. He drew a parallel between the current move and the events of November 1, 1966, when the bifurcation of Punjab resulted in the loss of many Punjabi-speaking areas and the separation of union territory of Chandigarh.
He alleged that the Centre has now chosen the same symbolic timing to tighten its grip over the university, stripping Punjab and its colleges of its rightful participation. “By abolishing the 59-year-old democratic setup and replacing elected representatives with their own nominated ones, the Centre has not only ended an old tradition but also taken away the democratic rights of Punjabis,” Grewal said.
Criticizing the decision to include Chandigarh’s MP, Chief Secretary and Education Secretary as ex-officio members, Advocate Grewal said the move effectively treats Punjab’s own capital as an external stakeholder. “Now, with the Centre’s complete control, there will be no one left to question arbitrary decisions,” he said.
He recalled how, since the state’s reorganization, Punjab had been deprived of control over its capital, river waters and headworks and the latest move fits that same pattern of “systematic disempowerment.”
Grewal urged all political parties, social organisations, colleges’ teachers and student bodies to unite and demand the immediate restoration of the Senate, calling it essential not just for university governance but for protecting Punjab’s academic dignity and democratic rights.
