– BJP welcomes the Centre’s decision on Panjab University
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has welcomed the latest decision of the Central Government on the Panjab University issue, stating that this decision fully respects the sentiments of the people of Punjab. Party State Vice President Dr. Subhash Sharma said that the step taken by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to withdraw the notification issued on October 28 is extremely sensitive and responsible. He said that while the AAP government tried to mislead the public on this issue, in reality, it was the Punjab BJP that conveyed the sentiments of Punjabis to the Centre.
Dr. Sharma flanked by State Media Head Vineet Joshi and State Spokesperson SS Channy, explained that the notification issued by the Centre on October 28, 2025 regarding reforms in the Senate and Syndicate has now been withdrawn on November 4 in view of public sentiment. A fresh notification has also been issued, placed in abeyance indefinitely. He clarified that this notification will neither be implemented at present nor at any point in the future. BJP’s stand has always been clear that the interests of Panjab University and Punjab’s rights will not be compromised.
Sharp attack on AAP government:-
Dr. Sharma said that both the Chief Minister and the Education Minister of Punjab are ex-officio members of the Senate of Panjab University, yet they have never attended even a single meeting. Not only this, but even the two MLAs nominated by the State Assembly did not attend any meeting.
The reform process began during the Congress era:-
He further said that the reform process had begun during the tenure of Vice Chancellor Prof. Arun Grover under the Congress government. A committee formed at that time had Punjab Government representatives as well. He questioned: What was the stand of the Punjab Government in those meetings? Did they oppose the reforms or support them? For three years, neither was any letter sent to the Centre nor did anyone meet the President to convey any objection.
Centre gave ₹3229 crore, Punjab gave only ₹538 crore:-
Citing figures, Dr. Sharma said that the Central Government has provided ₹3229 crore in grants to Panjab University since 2014, while the Punjab Government has given only ₹538 crore. The Centre continues to contribute its full 60% share, but the Punjab Government is providing only 20% instead of 40%.
"Not just slogans, fulfill responsibility":-
Dr. Sharma said that currently, ₹250 crore from the Punjab Government is outstanding towards the university, which includes pensions, hostel expenses, and scholarship grants. He said the AAP government must stop political drama and fulfill its financial responsibility by immediately releasing the pending ₹250 crore.
A democratic structure is needed in other universities as well:-
He added that just as Panjab University has a democratic Senate and Syndicate structure, similar democratic governing bodies must be established in other universities such as Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, Punjabi University Patiala, PAU Ludhiana, and technical universities to ensure real participation of students.
In conclusion, he said that Punjab’s Chief Minister and the Education Minister must answer why they failed to fulfill their responsibilities for the past three years and when they will release the pending ₹250 crore.