Reversal hailed as a victory for Punjab’s academic community and democratic values
Chandigarh, November 5, 2025 (Navroze Bureau) – In a significant policy reversal, the Central Government has withdrawn its controversial notification that dissolved the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University. The move effectively restores both democratic bodies, putting an end to the storm of criticism that followed the Centre’s earlier decision.
The withdrawal marks a relief for the academic fraternity, students, and the Punjab Government, who had united in denouncing the November 1 order as an unconstitutional intrusion into the university’s historic autonomy. The now-revoked notification, issued on Punjab Day, had sought to restructure the university’s 59-year-old governance system by replacing elected representation with a nominated setup, a step widely condemned as undemocratic.
Centre’s November 1 order sparks uproar
The Ministry of Education’s order, released on the symbolic day marking the formation of the Punjabi-speaking state, had dissolved the Senate and Syndicate and slashed the strength of the Senate from 90 to 31 members. It also proposed the inclusion of several ex-officio nominees such as the Chandigarh MP, UT Chief Secretary and Punjab Education Secretary effectively shifting control from academics to bureaucrats.
The Centre had cited provisions of the Panjab University Act, 1947, to justify the restructuring, which was based on recommendations made in 2021 by a committee chaired by then Vice President and PU Chancellor M. Venkaiah Naidu. The justification, however, failed to calm outrage from Punjab’s intellectual and political circles, who viewed the decision as a calculated move to dilute the state’s stake in its premier institution.
“Victory for people’s voice,” says Punjabi Cultural Council
Welcoming the withdrawal, the Punjabi Cultural Council described it as “a moral victory for Punjab’s academic and democratic ethos.” Council president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal said the Centre’s retreat was proof that public pressure and collective resolve could reverse even the most ill-considered decisions.
“The government has finally acknowledged that it cannot trample on a 142-year-old institution that embodies Punjab’s cultural and intellectual spirit,” Grewal said. “We appreciate this corrective step, but the Centre must now ensure that no future attempt is made to erode the university’s autonomy or Punjab’s rightful representation.”
With the decision now rescinded, both the Senate and Syndicate will continue to operate under their original democratic structure, restoring normalcy to one of India’s oldest and most respected universities.
