- By Aditya Jha
- Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Panjab University Protest: The students of Panjab University held a massive protest on Monday in the university premises in Chandigarh over their demands to release a schedule for the much-delayed PU senate elections, the highest governing body of the university. The students continued the protest even after a heavy deployment of police outside the premises to control the agitation. The protestors stated that they have been demanding to conduct the polls to reconstitute the 91-member Senate, adding that the administration has neglected their demands, leading to the protest.
The students also stated that while the centre has withdrawn its proposal of replacing the existing system with a nominated structure, they want a formal announcement with details. A massive row erupted after the Centre issued a notification to change the Senate's composition. The notification of October 28 suggested the dissolution of Panjab University's top governing bodies and replacing them with nominated structures through an executive notification.
However, the government assured a discussion on the issue after facing backlash from the political parties and students. The centre on November 5 withdrew its notification concerning the Senate and Syndicate after receiving the backlash. However, the students continued their agitation and demanded an official announcement regarding the fresh elections.
Apart from the students, the Punjab government had also criticised the move by calling it "unconstitutional". The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government asserted that they support the demands of the students, adding that the state government will also challenge the move in the court. The notification, issued by Joint Secretary Rina Sonowal Kouli, clarifies that the earlier order, published in the Gazette of India on October 30, 2025, is now rescinded.
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The move is being seen as a significant step by the Centre to defuse tensions surrounding the governance of Panjab University and to address concerns raised by various stakeholders, including the state government and the academic community.
(With input from agencies)