Chandigarh/Patiala, Dec 7: Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced a grant of ₹30 crore for Punjabi University Patiala, saying the state government cannot allow the institution’s financial distress to disrupt students’ education. Mann made the announcement while addressing students at an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Zaria Foundation on the university campus.
“This amount is being released so there is absolutely no break in academic activities,” Mann said. “Punjabi University Patiala is not just an educational institution for us — it is the heartbeat of Punjab’s language, literature and culture. We will protect it at all costs.”
The university has faced a prolonged financial strain for years, leading to delays in salaries, stalled academic projects, strained administrative functioning and slow development of its research and digital infrastructure. University officials have repeatedly warned that without state intervention, day-to-day activities would suffer further.
The ₹30-crore grant, according to officials familiar with the matter, will be used to clear pending salaries, stabilise essential administrative functions, and revive critical academic resources such as libraries, laboratories and digital learning systems. The government has directed the university to submit utilisation reports every three months to ensure transparency.
Students and faculty members responded with visible relief. Several student representatives said the financial crisis had begun affecting both their coursework and future planning. “This step shows that the state has finally taken our concerns seriously,” said Simranjit Kaur, a literature student. “We were worried about delays in exams and academic resources. Now at least the basics will function again.”
Teachers echoed similar views, saying the university has been struggling for years as expenses rose and revenue sources stagnated. They called the grant “timely” and said it could allow departments to resume academic activities that had been on hold.
During the event, Mann reiterated that education remains the top priority of his government. He pointed to ongoing improvements in government schools, transparent teacher recruitment, and steady financial support to colleges and universities. “Educated youth are the backbone of a strong Punjab,” he said. “Every rupee spent on education returns to the state many times over.”
The Chief Minister also praised the work of the Zaria Foundation, an NGO engaged in women’s empowerment and youth skill initiatives. He said collaboration between government and civil society organisations creates “a stronger, more responsible and more aware generation.”
Finance department officials indicated the grant was released as a one-time emergency measure but added that additional support could be examined if the university’s financial situation does not stabilise. The government has also instructed the university administration to prioritise essential needs such as salaries, academic facilities and student services while using the funds.
Mann’s announcement is being viewed as a major intervention in the state’s higher education landscape. Educationists said public universities in Punjab have struggled due to growing dominance of private institutions, and strengthening state-run universities is essential for making quality education accessible to economically weaker students.
By releasing the funds, the Punjab government signalled a commitment to stabilising key academic institutions and safeguarding students’ futures. For thousands studying at Punjabi University Patiala, the announcement has brought immediate relief and renewed hope that the university will remain functional, academically strong and culturally significant.
