Chandigarh, July 22: Panjab University has postponed its plan to reserve a seat for women in its student council elections, with officials confirming that the proposed quota will now come into effect from the next academic session (2025–26) instead of the current one.
The move to introduce a women’s quota in the Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) was first proposed last year by a special committee formed by Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig to reform student elections following the resignation of the Dean Students Welfare (DSW) office. The committee’s recommendation—to reserve one post for female candidates—had gained broad support from major student organisations.
However, university authorities have now cited the need for further legal consultations and the ongoing process of drafting a student council constitution as the reason behind the delay. “When the result of the PUCSC election is declared this year, it will also be announced which post will be reserved next year. After that, the reservation will rotate annually,” V-C Renu Vig said.
The new academic session began on July 15, and a draw of lots to determine the reserved seat was initially expected within 10 days. But with no draw now planned, the reservation will remain inactive for the 2024–25 elections.
Sources within the committee said clarity on legal aspects and alignment with the Lyngdoh Committee Guidelines was still pending. “The university is drafting a student council constitution to avoid contradictions. A final call on women’s reservation will be taken only after this process, possibly after a general body meeting,” a committee member told The Tribune on condition of anonymity.
While the idea of a women’s quota has been largely welcomed, some student groups have expressed concerns about election planning. “Without knowing which post is to be reserved, parties face confusion while selecting candidates—especially if it turns out to be a key post like president,” said a representative of a student outfit.
Despite women making up roughly 52% of PU’s student population, their representation in student politics remains disproportionately low. Only one woman, Kanupriya (2018–19), has ever held the post of PUCSC president. In the most recent council, only one woman—Ranmeekjot Kaur—was elected, serving as vice president.
Amid growing demand for fairer representation, some students have also urged the administration to consider extending reservations to SC and OBC communities or creating an integrated reservation model within the proposed women’s seat.
