Table of Contents
- Overview
- Punjab Government’s Reaction
- Backdrop: The Controversial Decision
- Autonomy and Federal Concerns
- Current Status and Way Forward
- Read the Official Notification
Overview
In a major policy reversal, the Central Government has withdrawn its notification dissolving the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, Chandigarh. The move restores the university’s democratic governing structure and reverses an earlier decision that had drawn sharp criticism from the Punjab Government, academicians, and student groups.
The Centre’s dissolution order had sparked widespread protests over what was seen as an attack on the autonomy of Panjab University, one of India’s oldest and most respected educational institutions.
Punjab Government’s Reaction
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann welcomed the withdrawal, calling it a “victory for Punjab’s constitutional and educational rights.”
Mann had earlier termed the Centre’s move as “unconstitutional and arbitrary,” announcing that the Punjab Government was ready to challenge the decision in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
“This is not just about a university; it’s about protecting Punjab’s constitutional and educational rights,” said the Chief Minister, adding that a special panel of senior lawyers would defend the state’s case.
The Punjab Government also plans to raise the matter in the Punjab Legislative Assembly to ensure safeguards against similar moves in the future.
Backdrop: The Controversial Decision
The now-withdrawn notification, issued by the Ministry of Education on November 1, 2025 (Punjab Day), had proposed a complete restructuring of Panjab University’s governance model.
| Previous Structure | Proposed Restructure |
|---|---|
| Senate – 90 elected members | Senate – 31 nominated members |
| Syndicate – elected representatives | Syndicate – mostly government nominees |
| Democratic academic control | Administrative control via Centre & UT officials |
The changes were justified under the Panjab University Act, 1947 (East Punjab Act 7 of 1947) and were based on recommendations from a 2021 high-level committee led by then Vice President and PU Chancellor M. Venkaiah Naidu.
Autonomy and Federal Concerns
The Centre’s earlier decision had triggered a storm of protests across Punjab. Faculty associations, student bodies, and political leaders argued that any structural change must have the state’s consent, given that Panjab University is a joint institution of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Experts warned that such reforms could weaken Punjab’s role in governance, alter the university’s federal character, and reduce academic freedom. The united opposition eventually led the Centre to reconsider and withdraw its notification.
Current Status and Way Forward
With the withdrawal, the Senate and Syndicate are now restored and will continue to function under the democratic framework. This move brings relief to the academic community and reinforces the principles of institutional autonomy and cooperative federalism.
The Punjab Government has assured that it will remain vigilant to ensure that no future attempt undermines the university’s independence or Punjab’s rightful stake in its governance.
Read the Official Notification
To read the government’s official withdrawal order, click below:
Finally the @BJP4India government has rescinded the erroneous notification Dated 28th October 2025 violating the democratic character of Punjab University Chandigarh.
— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) November 5, 2025
This is a victory of all those organizations,students and the people of Punjab who vociferously opposed the… pic.twitter.com/KxyiIsasDs
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