NewsIMTSThe Union government restructured Panjab University's governing bodies on October 28, 2025, reducing senate members from 90 to 31 through an amendment to the Panjab University Act, 1947. The new senate will include 18 elected, 6 nominated, and ex-officio members. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann called the move "unconstitutional" and "dictatorial," stating he will approach the courts. Opposition parties including Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress criticized the decision as centralizing Punjab's legacy. PU students' council has begun an indefinite hunger strike demanding the order be rolled back. Former Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal warned the change would shift university control from academic to bureaucratic hands. MP Manish Tewari met protesting students, while SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal wrote to the PU chancellor requesting withdrawal of the notification. Students can join protests by contacting their student representatives. (Updated 3 Nov 2025, 12:47 IST; source: link)
Centre Reduces Panjab University Senate Size
The Union government has restructured Panjab University's governing bodies through an amendment to the Panjab University Act, 1947. On October 28, 2025, the Centre reduced the senate membership from 90 to 31 members. The new composition includes 18 elected members, 6 nominated members, and several ex-officio positions. This significant change affects the university's highest decision-making body, which has historically had broader representation from various stakeholders. The restructuring modifies how the university has been governed since its establishment, potentially changing the balance of power in university administration and academic decisions.
Political Leaders and Students Protest the Changes
The restructuring has sparked strong opposition across Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the move "unconstitutional" and "dictatorial," announcing plans to challenge it in court. Opposition parties including Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress have criticized the decision as an attempt to centralize control over Punjab's educational legacy. Former Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal warned the changes would shift university control from academic to bureaucratic hands. Meanwhile, Panjab University students' council has begun an indefinite hunger strike demanding the government withdraw the order. MP Manish Tewari has met with protesting students, while SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal has written to the PU chancellor requesting the notification be withdrawn.
Key Points
- The Union government restructured Panjab University's governing bodies on October 28, 2025, reducing senate members from 90 to 31 through an amendment to the Panjab University Act, 1947.
- The new senate will include 18 elected, 6 nominated, and ex-officio members.
- Opposition parties including Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress criticized the decision as centralizing Punjab's legacy.
