PHAGWARA: Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira has criticised the Central Government for issuing a notification amending the Panjab University Act, 1947, calling it an attempt to undermine the institution’s autonomy and federal character. The notification, issued on October 28 by the Ministry of Education under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, introduces wide-ranging changes to the structure of key University bodies.
According to Khaira, the amended provisions significantly alter the composition of Ordinary Fellows, the Syndicate, and ex-officio positions by introducing a larger share of Central Government nominees and officials. He argued that measures such as capping the number of Ordinary Fellows at 24, increasing nominations by the Chancellor, and reducing elected representation from university faculty and affiliated colleges amount to political interference. The MLA also highlighted changes to the Syndicate, noting that the inclusion of officials such as the Secretary, Higher Education, Government of India, and Directors of Public Instruction from Punjab and Chandigarh, as well as nominees of the Vice-Chancellor, shifts decision-making power away from democratically elected members.
Khaira expressed concern that these changes dilute Punjab’s role in governing an institution that the state partially funds. He criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for remaining silent despite the state contributing about 60 per cent of the university’s annual expenditure. The Congress leader warned that the amendments could affect academic freedom and lead to centralised control over curriculum, appointments, and policy decisions.
Calling the notification “undemocratic” and “against the spirit of federalism, ” Khaira urged students, faculty, alumni, and the public to oppose the move. He announced that the Congress party would pursue legal remedies, stage protests, and seek debate in the Punjab Legislative Assembly to demand the withdrawal of the notification.