The ongoing protest at Panjab University (PU) against the Centre’s Senate and Syndicate reforms grew stronger on Thursday, with students, farmers, and political leaders joining hands to protect the university’s democratic system.
Around 80–90 students gathered outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, demanding a complete withdrawal of the Centre’s October 28 notification that aimed to restructure PU’s governing bodies. The protest, led by the Panjab University Bachao Morcha, also saw the participation of Krantikari Kisan Union and Bharati Kisan Union (Sidhpur).
Political Leaders Extend Support
Several political leaders, including Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Kang, visited the protest site and assured full support to the students.
Earlier in the day, a delegation of Punjab leaders and former Senate members met Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, urging him to restore the university’s earlier structure.
The delegation included Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, MPs Meet Hayer and Malvinder Kang, MLAs Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose and Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, along with former Senate members Ravinder Billa and Inderpal Sidhu.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari met Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is also the Chancellor of Panjab University, to express concern over the restructuring move. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also urged the Union Government to completely roll back the reforms and warned of legal action if necessary.
Teachers Back Democratic Elections
Former Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) president Rajat Sandhir welcomed the government’s decision to reconsider the notification but said the Syndicate should remain an elected body to ensure transparency and fairness in decision-making.
ABVP Stays Away from Protest
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which currently leads the PU Campus Students’ Council, did not take part in the protest.
ABVP’s campus president Gauravveer Sohal said they share the same goals as other student groups but chose not to hold separate demonstrations to “maintain student unity.” He also claimed that other student groups did not welcome ABVP’s participation.
Centre Puts Reforms on Hold
Amid growing criticism, the Centre has paused the implementation of the controversial reforms. A new notification stated that the changes will come into effect only on a date to be decided later.
The earlier order, issued on October 28, had brought sweeping changes — reducing the Senate from 90 to 31 members, capping Ordinary Fellows at 24, and removing important sections that allowed wider representation.
Student bodies and teachers argued that these amendments weakened the university’s democratic structure and gave the Centre excessive control.
Even though the immediate enforcement has been stopped, university officials clarified that the core changes remain intact, only the implementation date has been deferred.
Students Plan Mega Rally on November 10
Student organisations, including ASAP, NSUI, SOI, SFS, and AISA, announced a ‘PU Bachao Morcha’ rally on November 10 and vowed to keep protesting until the government completely withdraws the reforms.
Earlier this week, the university administration closed Gate No. 2 for hours during a student march, as protesters opposed its demand for a ‘no-protest’ affidavit.
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Why the Protest Matters
Panjab University, founded in 1947, has long been a symbol of academic freedom and shared governance between Punjab and the Centre.
Students, teachers, and political leaders believe that the new structure undermines this balance, reducing representation from the Punjab side and limiting the university’s autonomy.
As the Centre reviews the reforms, protesters plan to continue their demonstrations in the coming days, and both sides hope to find a resolution that respects PU’s long-standing democratic traditions.
