Chandigarh, Dec 20: Panjab University has issued show-cause notices to 42 affiliated colleges in Punjab and Chandigarh for failing to appoint regular principals, warning that continued violations could invite action under university rules.
The university has directed the colleges to respond within 15 days, by Jan. 1, 2026, explaining why action should not be initiated for operating under officiating principals beyond the permissible period.
According to PU regulations and repeated Senate decisions, an officiating principal can hold charge for a maximum of six months. The governing body of a college is required to begin the selection process for a regular principal well in advance of the post falling vacant.
Despite these provisions, PU said several colleges have continued with temporary arrangements for years. Two colleges from Chandigarh — MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36, and DAV College, Sector 10 — are among the defaulters.
In a related move, the university has instructed colleges to stop sending official correspondence signed by unapproved officiating principals. PU had earlier warned that such communication would not be accepted after Nov. 30, 2025.
“At DAV College, Sector 10, the position of regular principal has remained vacant for nearly three years,” a senior university official said, adding that the college has functioned under successive officiating principals since the retirement of the last regular incumbent in 2022.
PU Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig said the university would not deviate from established norms. “In case of lack of response, the university will take action in accordance with the PU Calendar guidelines,” she said.
Officials of the PU College Development Council could not be reached for comment.
