The central government has intervened in the ongoing dispute between Panjab University (PU) students and the administration, directing the university to withdraw a controversial affidavit and announcing plans for a new notification regarding the university's governance structure. This decision follows student protests against the affidavit, which required students to pledge adherence to university rules, refrain from protesting, and accept institutional decisions without challenge. Student unions decried the affidavit as coercive and a violation of democratic traditions.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) stated that it reached an amicable solution, describing it as a collaborative and responsive approach to student concerns. Officials also indicated that the demand for additional girls' hostel facilities would be considered. The Ministry has assured that the Centre's governance notification will only take effect after a new one is issued, which will be framed after detailed consultations with all stakeholders. The government also promised continued financial and administrative support to ensure the university's smooth functioning.
The controversial affidavit, inserted in the Handbook of Information 2025, allowed PU to debar students from exams or cancel their admissions if the guidelines were violated. Students seeking admission to the 2025-26 session were asked to sign the affidavit, stating they would seek prior permission before staging any protest, and that protests would only occur at a designated spot. Following the withdrawal of the affidavit condition, protesting students called off their strike. The university stated that the matter had been resolved in the larger interest of students and to ensure smooth academic activities on campus and the agitating students have also agreed to withdraw their legal case related to the issue.
The Centre's initial governance notification proposed restructuring Panjab University's Senate and Syndicate into smaller, largely nominated bodies to improve efficiency and academic focus. The notification, issued on October 28, amends the Panjab University Act, 1947, reducing the size of the Senate to 31, eliminating elections for the Syndicate, and abolishing the graduate constituency of the Senate. While the move aligned with recommendations from the UGC, NAAC, and other review committees, it sparked criticism from teachers and students who viewed it as undermining the university's democratic structure.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) met with Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, demanding immediate withdrawal of the affidavit and raising the issue of student representation in the University Senate.
Several political figures and student organizations have voiced their concerns regarding the restructuring of PU's governing bodies. Chief Minister Mann criticized the Centre, calling the move "unconstitutional" and "dictatorial," asserting that the Centre lacks the authority to amend the Panjab University Act, 1947, through a notification. Former Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president and MP Simranjit Singh Mann met with students and praised their persistence.
The withdrawal of the affidavit marks a victory for students who protested against what they saw as an infringement on their fundamental rights to freedom of speech, expression, and peaceful assembly. The focus now shifts to the Centre's proposed governance reforms and the upcoming consultations with stakeholders to ensure a balanced and acceptable framework for Panjab University's future.
