Union govt withdraws order restructuring Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate

The Union Ministry of Education has withdrawn its earlier order that restructured the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, following widespread criticism and feedback from stakeholders.

The decision, announced on Nov 7, comes just days after the ministry had issued a notification altering the university’s constitution and composition of its governing bodies.

The rollback followed consultations with students, faculty members, former vice-chancellors, and the current vice-chancellor of Panjab University.

“Having regard to the above, it has now been decided by the Ministry of Education that the aforesaid order changing the constitution & composition of the senate and syndicate shall stand rescinded,” the ministry said.

The initial restructuring was based on the recommendation of a High-Level Committee (HLC) established on March 2, 2021, by the Chancellor of Panjab University.

Acting under the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the central government had exercised its authority to modify the university’s governance structure.

However, the move faced strong opposition from political parties and academic circles in Punjab.

The Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress, and the Shiromani Akali Dal criticized the decision, calling it an attempt to undermine the university’s autonomy.

Several student organizations also voiced concern, prompting the ministry to review the decision.

Officials said the final decision to rescind the order was taken after reviewing inputs from all stakeholders and assessing their implications for the university’s functioning and governance.