SAS NAGAR: Former Health Minister and senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu strongly condemned the BJP-led Central Government’s move to end Punjab’s representation in the Syndicate and Senate of Panjab University, saying that this decision once again exposes the BJP’s anti-Punjab face.
Sidhu stated that under the pretext of improving the functioning of Panjab University, the Central Government has almost eliminated the representation of teachers, principals, and alumni in its Syndicate and Senate, converting them into nominated bodies now directly under its control. He said this historic institution of Punjab is now “Panjab University” in name only, as in practice, it has been turned into a fully Central University. For the first time, officials and Members of Parliament from Chandigarh have been included in its governing body, he added.
The senior Congress leader said that now there will be no one left in the Syndicate to raise the issues and needs of colleges, teachers, and students. Arbitrary decisions will be imposed upon them, he warned.
Sidhu cautioned that if Punjab-centric forces do not unite and launch a strong struggle against this authoritarian move, the day is not far when Haryana officials will also be included in the management of the university and all colleges of Ambala district will be affiliated with it. He alleged that the BJP government intends to end or drastically reduce Punjab’s representation in every institution, just like in the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board), so that Punjab can no longer influence their decisions.
The former minister further said that the Central Government had long been trying to replace the elected Syndicate and Senate of Panjab University with a Management Board, similar to other Central Universities, but earlier governments had resisted it strongly and prevented the move. In 2020, the government had even decided to convert Panjab University into a Central University, but the decision was deferred after the then Chief Minister intervened with the Prime Minister.