NewsIMTSPanjab University faces strong opposition after banning Senate elections. Today, NSUI National President Varun Choudhary condemned the decision as a violation of democratic norms and students' rights. From October 28, the Union Education Ministry restructured the Senate from 90 to 31 members through amendments to the Panjab University Act, 1947. The NSUI claims this move eliminates representation of students, teachers and alumni in university governance. Until now, Senate elections formed the foundation of the university's decision-making system. Next, the student body demands immediate reinstatement of elections to ensure transparency. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann plans to challenge the Centre's decision in court, arguing such changes require legislative approval. Students and alumni continue protests across Punjab against the notification. (Updated 3 Nov 2025, 16:41 IST; source: link)
Why NSUI is protesting against Panjab University
The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) has launched protests after Panjab University banned Senate elections. NSUI National President Varun Choudhary called this decision undemocratic and harmful to students' rights. The Senate, which previously had 90 members elected through a democratic process, served as the main decision-making body of the university. Elections to this body were considered essential for ensuring that students, teachers, and alumni had proper representation in university governance. The NSUI argues that removing these elections takes away the voice of key university stakeholders and undermines the democratic foundation that has guided the institution for decades.
Government changes and growing opposition to the ban
On October 28, the Union Education Ministry reduced the Senate from 90 to 31 members through amendments to the Panjab University Act of 1947. This restructuring effectively eliminates the election process that was central to university governance. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced plans to challenge this decision in court, arguing that such significant changes require proper legislative approval rather than administrative notification. The controversy has sparked widespread protests across Punjab, with students and alumni organizing demonstrations against what they see as government overreach. The NSUI is demanding immediate reinstatement of the election process to restore transparency and democratic representation in university affairs.
Key Points
- Today, NSUI National President Varun Choudhary condemned the decision as a violation of democratic norms and students' rights.
- From October 28, the Union Education Ministry restructured the Senate from 90 to 31 members through amendments to the Panjab University Act, 1947.
- Until now, Senate elections formed the foundation of the university's decision-making system.