Punjab Assembly passes resolution against converting Panjab University into a central varsity

The resolution stated that any decision to change PU’s character would not be acceptable to the people of Punjab and, therefore, any proposal in this regard should be dropped with immediate effect.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes resolution against converting Panjab University into a central varsity

Punjab Vidhan Sabha has passed a resolution against the attempt to change the status of the Panjab University (PU) into a Central University while urging the Centre to not consider any change in the nature and character of the institution. The resolution stated that any decision to change PU’s character would not be acceptable to the people of Punjab and, therefore, any proposal in this regard should be dropped with immediate effect.

While all MLAs, except those from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), supported the resolution. BJP Legislators while opposing the resolution, asked the state government whether there was actually any proposal to change the status of the institution into a central university, as reported by Hindustan Times.

BJP member Jangi Lal Mahajan, however, termed it a non-issue. “Has Centre sent any letter to state? Has any central minister given a statement anywhere? the Centre has no such proposal. Why has this become an issue? The High Court has given a direction to Centre, while hearing a petition by a faculty member. The HC said that the Centre should intervene as the state government was not able to give UGC grade to faculty. This is a reflection on Punjab government that it was not able to contest the case in the court. There is no doubt that Punjab has a right on PU. The BJP will protect this right. But is the government performing its duties? It is not. After reorganisation, it was decided that Punjab had to match financial grant of 40 per cent with state’s 60 per cent."

The resolution was moved by Punjab Higher Education Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who claimed that the state is being robbed of its rights by the Central government. “PU belongs to Punjab. It is our heritage, and it is a matter of identify for us. We will not let the central government centralise it at any cost," he said.

The resolution further stated that this House is concerned about the attempt being made by vested interests to push the matter for change of PU’s status into a central university on one pretext or the other.

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