Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Seeks Extension to Complete Reforms
With her term scheduled to conclude on March 28, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig has formally requested an extension from the government. In an exclusive conversation, Vig emphasized that numerous critical reforms and long-standing structural issues remain incomplete, necessitating her continued leadership.
Unfinished Agenda and Structural Challenges
Renu Vig confirmed she has submitted a formal request for an extension, stating the decision now rests with the government. She expressed a strong desire to continue, citing several ongoing projects. "A lot of work is still in progress," Vig explained. "The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) will run until 2027. Recruitment of non-teaching staff has just commenced after years of delay."
She highlighted a particularly pressing issue: the regularization of nearly 800 Class C and D employees who have worked on a temporary basis for 15–20 years. "We are preparing a policy to regularize them. The draft is almost ready. These are long-term structural issues; you cannot just leave them halfway," Vig asserted.
Reflecting on Tenure and Financial Shortcomings
Looking back on her tenure, Vig described it as a significant responsibility, especially stepping in when key decisions had been pending for years. Major accomplishments include:
- Implementation of the 7th Pay Commission despite financial hesitations.
- Securing enhanced grants exceeding Rs 100 crore from both the Centre and Punjab government.
- Clearing pending arrears for staff.
- Achieving NAAC A++ accreditation.
- Advancing NEP implementation.
- Securing funding for hostels.
- Completing a multipurpose auditorium.
However, Vig pointed out persistent financial challenges. "The shortcoming is very clear and has existed for years," she stated. "Both governments are primarily providing salary grants. There is no dedicated maintenance grant. We are maintaining a 70-year-old campus on our own." She noted that buildings, housing, and wiring systems require major upgrades, and the university even pays property tax. "The financial model itself is not sustainable if we want real transformation," Vig concluded.
Campus Security and Outsider Influence
Addressing ongoing security concerns, Vig acknowledged that outsider entry remains a major issue. "PU is spread across two sectors, with residential areas, markets, and public movement. You cannot completely seal it," she said. Measures like vehicle stickers have had limited success due to lack of full student cooperation, and strict checking leads to traffic congestion. "Unless all stakeholders, especially students, participate, it cannot be solved effectively," Vig emphasized.
Regarding recent violent incidents, including a campus shooting and a student stabbing, Vig noted that those involved were often outsiders. "The campus becomes a convenient space for such activities. Our security is not designed to handle full-scale law-and-order situations. That requires a larger administrative approach," she explained.
Controversial ABVP Star Night Incident
Vig addressed the controversial ABVP star night, which proceeded despite her announcement of its cancellation. She revealed that permission had initially been granted by the Dean of Student Welfare (DSW) office. Later, due to security concerns, it was clarified that the event should not proceed without final administrative approval.
"I was very clear on that," Vig stated. "But by then, the situation had already moved forward. Organizers were in touch with the artist, preparations had begun." An all-party delegation of 10-15 members, including PUCSC joint secretary Mohit Manderna, SATH, and NSUI, requested that the star night be allowed on the afternoon of the event.
Vig conceded that the event ultimately went ahead. "We had allowed stage setup but had said it would happen only if the administration agreed. The artist's manager had agreed they would come only if permission was given. But the artist arrived on campus, thinking it was his right to perform here where he studied and taught," she described. "There was already a crowd, multiple stakeholders were involved, and decisions taken earlier were overtaken by real-time developments. Ideally, it should not have happened without approval, but such situations are not always fully controllable once momentum builds."
Senate Reforms and Future Challenges
Vig identified the Senate issue as the toughest phase of her tenure, which escalated into a major law-and-order situation with a large number of outsiders entering the campus. "Managing that situation without escalation was extremely challenging," she recalled.
She affirmed that Senate reforms are necessary. "Yes, definitely. The current model has its issues. If it was ideal, other universities established after PU would have adopted it. Reforms are needed, but they require consensus and careful handling," Vig concluded, underscoring the complex balance between administrative control, stakeholder influence, and institutional progress at Panjab University.
