Why are Panjab University students protesting, even after ministry withdrew order for changes to governing bodies?
The students of Panjab University continued to protest on Monday even after the Education ministry rescinded the order to restructure the university's senate and syndicate, its two governing bodies. The Chandigarh UT Police used canes to control the protesting students and others who joined the demonstrations.
The student demanded a poll schedule after the centre withdrew its earlier notification ordering the reconstitution and recomposition of the University’s two governing bodies on November 7.
Students under the banner 'Panjab University Bachao Morcha' called for a shutdown and refused to end the agitation to press the government to announce the senate election, which had not been held for over a year.
What were the changes proposed by the Education Ministry?
The original order to restructure the Panjab University’s governing bodies – senate and syndicate – was made in an October 28 notification.
The ministry sought to downsize the senate and turn the syndicate into a nominated body instead of members being elected.
The original system from the 1947 act allowed for 85 ordinary fellows in the Senate. It would also comprise 32 elected members, 26 chancellors' nominees from persons of eminence, 15 members elected by registered graduates of the university, professors, and principals from among themselves, and two members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. In total, it would have about 90 members.
The university's syndicate would be headed by the VC and comprises officials from Punjab and Chandigarh, along with 15 members who are elected by the faculty.
The changes proposed included downsizing the Senate to just 31 members. The number of ordinary fellows would be reduced to 24, which meant removing the election of members by registered graduates, the Chancellor nominating two eminent alumni, and a reduction of elected members of faculty to just 14. Chancellor's nominees from persons of eminence would be downsized to 6.
As for the syndicate, the notification added the ‘Higher Education Secretary of the Education Ministry’, and replaced the elected members with nominees of the VC.
The changes were proposed to reduce the lengthy processes in the elections. It was met with strong opposition from the Punjab government, including the Chief Minister, who said that it was unconstitutional to make such changes via a notification.
The notification was withdrawn after feedback and protests from students, teachers and former VCs.
Students who protested on Monday were joined by farmer leaders. They called for a 'PU Bandh' until the senate election schedule was announced. Authorities put up barricades around the campus and deployed buses, and set up checkpoints.
The agitation disrupted traffic in some parts of the state. Several students were also detained by police.
India