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Security was tightened across Panjab University (PU) as student groups held a large protest demanding that senate elections be conducted immediately. The demonstration came after strong opposition to the Education Ministry’s notification on restructuring the university’s senate, which was issued on October 28 and later withdrawn last week. Holiday Declared, Students Unfazed As tensions rose on campus, the university declared a holiday on November 10 and 11 and restricted vehicle entry without official stickers and ID cards to prevent outsiders from joining the protest. However, student organisations continued their agitation under the banner of Panjab University Bachao Morcha. They said the protest would go on until senate elections were officially announced. PU Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig and Registrar YP Verma appealed for calm, saying that the election process had already started and the detailed schedule had been sent to the Chancellor, who is also the Vice-President of India. Why Has The Dissolution Of The Senate Sparked A Massive Row? The Centre’s October 28 notification to restructure Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate has faced strong opposition from students, teachers, and political parties. Many said the move “undermines” Punjab’s historical rights over the university. Protests were organised across the campus demanding that the order be rolled back. When Did The Centre Dissolve These Two Bodies? What Changed? On October 28, the Centre amended the Panjab University Act, 1947, reducing the Senate to 31 members and ending elections to the Syndicate. The graduate constituency was also removed. This change replaced the university’s long-standing system of democratic elections with a nominated setup. According to critics, this gave more power to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. ALSO READ: CM Yogi Makes ‘Vande Mataram’ Recitation Compulsory In All Educational Institutions How Has Punjab Reacted? The decision led to widespread political and public backlash in Punjab. Faculty members, students, alumni, and political leaders said the change weakened the university’s autonomy and federal character. Amid growing pressure, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s decision to challenge the move in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Centre first withdrew the notification on November 5 and later placed it “on hold.” The first notification issued by the Education Ministry said, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), read with sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the Central Government hereby rescinds the notification… dated October 28, 2025.” Shortly after, another order clarified that the Panjab University Act, 1947 (East Punjab Act 7 of 1947) would remain in effect until a new date is appointed by the Central Government. At present, both the Senate and the Syndicate continue to function under the existing framework of the 1947 Act. What Is The Role Of The Senate And Syndicate? The Senate is the top decision-making body of the university. It frames key policies, elects the Syndicate, Finance Committee, and faculty committees, and discusses all major issues related to the university. The Syndicate, on the other hand, is responsible for implementing these policies and managing the university’s daily administrative work with the Senate’s approval.
