In a significant development for student infrastructure, Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh has finally received the first installment of long-awaited funds for two crucial hostel projects. Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Vig confirmed on Monday that the Punjab Government has released a mobilisation advance of approximately Rs 5 crore, marking the end of a prolonged financial deadlock.
Breaking the Logjam: Funds After a Year
The released amount, credited under the financial year 2025-26, constitutes about 10% of the total sanctioned grant of Rs 48.92 crore. This initial tranche will be split evenly, with roughly Rs 2.5 crore each allocated for the construction of Boys' Hostel No. 9 and for completing the additional floors of Girls' Hostel No. 11. Professor Vig stressed that the university must utilise these funds within the current financial year, creating a tight deadline for project initiation.
The funding saga dates back to August 24, 2023, when Punjab's Department of Higher Education formally sanctioned the grants. A sum of Rs 25.91 crore was approved for Boys' Hostel No. 9, and Rs 23 crore for adding floors to Girls' Hostel No. 11. Despite this official sanction, no money was transferred for over a year, completely stalling progress on both urgently needed facilities.
Clarifying Confusion and Current Constraints
The release comes after a period of confusion sparked by a November 2024 video statement from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, where he mentioned recent sanctions for a girls' hostel at PU. The university had to clarify at the time that no fresh communication or transfer had been received, highlighting the existing 2023 sanction.
While the partial release allows the university to begin limited work, officials have pointed out that the amount is insufficient for major construction activity. Girls' Hostel No. 11 currently operates with only two functional floors, severely limiting capacity, while the boys' hostel project remains incomplete. The VC stated that the administration will now carefully plan expenditures to ensure optimal use of the advance within the mandated timeline.
Broader Financial Strain and Future Hopes
Panjab University's financial challenges extend beyond these hostel projects. Over the past year, PU has repeatedly written to the Punjab Government seeking the release of other long-pending dues. These include a one-time grant of Rs 102.66 crore for pension, gratuity, and leave encashment arrears, and another Rs 36.51 crore pending under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme. Officials noted that while part of the scholarship arrears might be approved, no funds have been received for these liabilities so far.
Looking ahead, there is a glimmer of hope for the hostel projects. Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig revealed that the Punjab Government has committed to releasing the remaining Rs 35 crore in the next financial year. This assurance is critical for meaningful progress. University officials acknowledge that while the first tranche indicates movement after a prolonged delay, sustained and timely funding is absolutely essential to complete the hostels and alleviate the acute accommodation crunch on the Chandigarh campus.
