After a year-long impasse, the Panjab University (PU) Senate elections have been given the go-ahead, marking a significant victory for student-led movements and a restoration of the university's democratic structure. The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, in his capacity as the university's chancellor, approved the election schedule, paving the way for the reconstitution of the Senate, the university's primary decision-making body.
The elections for various constituencies of the 91-member Senate are scheduled to be held between September 7 and October 4, 2026. The previous Senate's term concluded in October 2024, leaving the body without elected representation for over a year. The approved schedule includes elections for principals and staff of technical and professional colleges on September 7, 2026, followed by polling for professors, associate, and assistant professors of university teaching departments on September 14, 2026. Elections for heads of affiliated arts colleges, professors, assistant professors of affiliated arts colleges, and registered graduates are slated for September 20, 2026. Faculty-wise elections are scheduled for October 4, 2026.
The approval comes after weeks of protests across Chandigarh and Punjab, triggered by an earlier attempt by the central government to restructure the Senate, which was perceived as an attack on the autonomy of Punjab and its right over Chandigarh. The central government's initial notification sought to reduce the number of senators and abolish polls for the Graduates constituency, a move that faced widespread political opposition and further fueled student agitation. This decision was later reversed following massive criticism.
The reversal of the decision and the approval of the election schedule have been hailed as a major morale victory. Student groups have welcomed the announcement but have indicated that their protests will continue until all pending demands are addressed, including the withdrawal of police cases filed during earlier clashes. The PU Bachao Morcha, a student protest group, acknowledged the notification but has not yet formally decided to withdraw from the protest.
University officials have also welcomed the approval, emphasizing its importance in strengthening institutional autonomy and restoring normalcy on campus. The move is expected to bring a measure of closure to a turbulent period and revitalize the university's governance structure. With the Senate poll process back on track, Panjab University is poised to restore its democratic traditions and address the challenges facing the institution with renewed vigor. The first poll notification is expected to be issued in January 2026.
