Chandigarh, Nov 8: A day after the Centre withdrew its controversial restructuring of Panjab University (PU), students on Saturday refused to end their indefinite dharna, terming the administration’s fresh restrictions “dictatorial” and “an undeclared emergency.”
The protest, led under the banner of the Panjab University Bachao Morcha, entered its ninth day, with students vowing to continue their agitation until elections to the original 91-member Senate are formally announced.
The Union Ministry of Education had rolled back its October 30 notification on Friday night through a fourth order, restoring the university’s earlier governance structure. The earlier move had proposed to slash the Senate strength from 91 to 31 and replace the elected syndicate with a nominated body, triggering outrage across Punjab and Chandigarh.
In its late-night statement, the ministry said it had “accepted the demand of the students” and confirmed that “no change in the Senate of Panjab University” would be made. The decision followed consultations with students, faculty, and former vice-chancellors.
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, speaking hours before the rollback, had apologised “with folded hands”, saying the move had been misunderstood and that “the PU structure will be restored exactly as it was.”
However, the Centre’s reversal failed to calm the campus. Tensions resurfaced after PU Registrar Prof YP Verma issued an order late Friday evening barring outsiders from entering the university and restricting their participation in protests from November 8. The order stated that only those with valid university identity cards and vehicle stickers would be allowed entry.
Protesting students accused the administration of trying to stifle their movement. “A situation of dictatorship and undeclared emergency has emerged in Panjab University,” said Avtar Singh of SOPU. “The administration has locked the guest house to block the November 10 gathering and prevent visiting alumni and supporters. This struggle will continue with full determination until the Senate elections are announced.”
Leaders from opposition parties, religious organisations, and student unions continued to visit the protest site through the day, expressing solidarity. The dharna lawns turned into the epicentre of Punjab’s latest autonomy battle, as political leaders sat alongside the students.
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who joined the protest, said his government and the Congress stood “shoulder to shoulder with the democratic struggle of Punjab’s youth.” He accused the Centre of trying to “grab or demolish constitutional institutions” and warned that such moves would be resisted “tooth and nail.”
Among those visiting the campus were former Akal Takht Jathedar Ranjit Singh, Congress leader Vijay Inder Singla, Raja Raj Singh of Tarna Dal, and Bhai Labh Singh of Quami Insaaf Morcha.
Meanwhile in Batala, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann renewed his criticism of the Modi government, accusing it of being “anti-Punjab.” He said the BJP was attempting a “backdoor entry” into Panjab University. “PU is part of Punjab’s emotional, cultural, and academic legacy. We will not allow anyone to tamper with it,” he said.
Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, however, welcomed the rollback, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for “respecting the sentiments of Punjabis and fully withdrawing the proposed changes.”
Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari, who had led opposition to the overhaul, termed the Centre’s retreat “a victory of students, teachers and all who resisted this unconstitutional move.”
“Good sense has finally prevailed,” he said. “Punjab’s academic institutions are not to be trifled with.”
Even as the Centre has withdrawn the restructuring order, the mood on campus remains resolute. Students said the November 10 “Save Senate, Save PU” show of strength will go ahead as planned — not just to celebrate the rollback, but to reaffirm that Panjab University’s democratic voice will not be silenced again.
