Chandigarh, Nov. 5 — The Punjabi Cultural Council (PCC) on Wednesday demanded the immediate restoration of elections for the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, terming the central government’s move a “deliberate attempt” to weaken Punjab’s claim over the historic institution.
“The Centre’s decision has deeply hurt the sentiments of Punjabis who take pride in the university’s 142-year legacy,” said Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, president of the council. “The original democratic structure must be restored and fresh elections held to uphold the voice of teachers, students, and stakeholders.”
Read more: Punjab to Challenge Panjab University Notification
Established by the British in Lahore in 1882, Panjab University has symbolized Punjab’s intellectual, scientific, and cultural identity, Grewal noted. He compared the central government’s notification to the bifurcation of Punjab on November 1, 1966, which led to the loss of Punjabi-speaking areas and the separation of Chandigarh as a union territory.
“By abolishing the 59-year-old democratic setup and replacing elected representatives with nominated members, the Centre has not only ended an old tradition but also taken away the democratic rights of Punjabis,” he said.
Grewal criticized the inclusion of Chandigarh’s Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, and Education Secretary as ex-officio members of the university bodies, arguing that the move treats Punjab’s own capital as an external stakeholder. “With the Centre’s complete control, there will be no one left to question arbitrary decisions,” he said.
He added that the latest decision fits into a broader pattern of “systematic disempowerment,” recalling how Punjab lost control over its capital, river waters, and headworks following the state’s reorganization.
Grewal urged political parties, social organisations, teachers, and student bodies to unite and demand the immediate restoration of the Senate and Syndicate, describing it as crucial for protecting both the university’s governance and Punjab’s academic dignity.
