No consensus among senators on Panjab University’s central status

Nine years after the Punjab government recommended Central status for Panjab University to the Union government only to withdraw it later, PU senators continue to be divided over the issue. The status will go a long way in ensuring the financial stability of the varsity as the Centre will then fund it.

At Sunday’s Senate meeting, even after discussing the issue for hours, there was no decision.

Dr Gurmeet and Professor Navdeep Goyal raised the issue that the PU should follow Allahbad University model by naming it an institute of national importance, as per the act on its official website. Some senators, however, maintained that PU does not need any central status and some emphasised that central status will be a solution to the varsity’s financial problems.

Senator Ashok Goyal said, “The issue of varsity’s central status has not been taken up seriously by Prof Navdeep Goyal, who was the proposer, and even the syndicate. It has been brought to the senate in a casual manner ...to send the message with a political motive. The purpose is to show that the authorities are trying to get Central Status for the varsity.” He added, “There is a set procedure to bring a resolution to the senate. It needs to be communicated to the registrar, four weeks before the senate meet.”

Former PUTA president, Professor Rajat Sandhir, said that the central status will bring long-term financial sustenance for the university. Few senators claimed that PU should remain a heritage instead of getting a central status. Senators including Rabindernath Sharma and Varinder Gill maintained that University does not need any central status as things are fine without it.

The representatives of the PU-affiliated colleges also differed in their opinions and stated that they won’t accept any money from the Haryana government.

 Former vice-chancellor professor RP Bhamba highlighted how former chief ministers have been withdrawing their consent, earlier permitting Central status for the University, which is why, the current chief minister needs to be taken into confidence before passing any resolution.                                         

Punjab government advisor Amar Singh, who was also present in the meeting, said, “There is no point of passing any resolutions without the government’s consent. What if the government denies it yet again?”