Calls centre’s move an attack on Punjab’s academic heritage; urges revival of democratic traditions at 142-year-old institution
Chandigarh, November 5, 2025 (Navroze Bureau) – The Punjabi Cultural Council (PCC) has strongly condemned the central government’s move to dissolve the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, terming it a “deeply objectionable and deliberate attempt” to weaken Punjab’s claim over one of its oldest and most prestigious educational institutions.
Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, president of the Council said the Centre’s decision has deeply hurt the sentiments of Punjabis who take pride in the university’s 142-year legacy. He demanded that the original democratic structure of the university should be immediately restored and fresh elections for the Senate and Syndicate be held to uphold the voice of teachers, students, and stakeholders.
Centre repeating the mistakes of 1966
State Award recipient Grewal said that ever since its establishment by the British in Lahore in 1882, Panjab University has symbolized Punjab’s intellectual and cultural identity. He drew a parallel between the current move and the events of November 1, 1966, when the bifurcation of Punjab resulted in the loss of many Punjabi-speaking areas and the separation of union territory of Chandigarh.
He alleged that the Centre has now chosen the same symbolic timing to tighten its grip over the university, stripping Punjab of its rightful participation. “By abolishing the 59-year-old democratic setup and replacing elected representatives with nominated ones, the Centre has not only ended a tradition but also taken away the democratic rights of Punjabis,” Grewal said.
Concerns over Chandigarh’s inclusion and shrinking representation
Criticizing the decision to include Chandigarh’s MP, Chief Secretary and Education Secretary as ex-officio members, Advocate Grewal said the move effectively treats Punjab’s own capital as an external stakeholder. He recalled how, since the state’s reorganization, Punjab had been deprived of control over its capital, river waters and headworks and the latest move fits that same pattern of “systematic disempowerment.”
PCC President further pointed out that the restructured Senate has been reduced from 90 to just 31 members out of which only 18 will now be elected. Earlier, 47 elected members from Punjab’s colleges ensured strong representation of academic voices. “Now, with the Centre’s complete control, there will be no one left to question arbitrary decisions,” he said.
Grewal urged all parties, social organisations, colleges’ teachers and student bodies to unite and demand the immediate restoration of the Senate, calling it essential not just for university governance but for protecting Punjab’s academic dignity and democratic rights.