In an overwhelming display of enthusiasm, law students at Panjab University (PU) have applied in large numbers for a rare opportunity to learn legislative drafting right inside the country's Parliament. The Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC), spearheaded by its president Gaurav Veer Sohal, has been flooded with approximately 250 applications for a specialized two-day course with only 50 seats available.
Unprecedented Response for a Unique Academic Initiative
The programme, scheduled for January 19 and 20 at the Parliament, is being hailed as the first such academic exposure opportunity specifically for students from PU's law stream. The initiative aims to move beyond theoretical classroom learning and provide participants with a first-hand insight into the legislative drafting process and the actual functioning of the Indian Parliament.
"The response was overwhelming," stated Sohal, highlighting that the application window, facilitated through a QR code circulated by the council, remained open for just two days. Despite the short duration, the council received a staggering 250 applications, indicating a strong desire among students for practical, experiential learning in the heart of India's democracy.
Selection Process and Course Logistics
The selection for the coveted 50 spots will follow a transparent process. Seats will first be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Subsequently, the candidates' Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) will be taken into consideration for final selection. The seat distribution is clearly defined:
- 30 seats are reserved for students from the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS).
- 20 seats are allocated for students from the Department of Laws.
In a significant move to ensure accessibility, Sohal confirmed that the entire course will be conducted free of cost for the selected participants, removing any financial barrier to this exclusive learning experience.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
University officials have welcomed this initiative, emphasizing its importance in the modern legal education landscape. They believe such exposure programmes are crucial for students to gain a practical and nuanced understanding of complex legislative and constitutional processes. This direct engagement with the parliamentary ecosystem is expected to complement their academic syllabus and provide invaluable context that textbooks alone cannot offer.
The initiative by the PUCSC, under Gaurav Veer Sohal's leadership, has successfully tapped into a clear demand among law students for immersive, real-world learning. The massive application turnout for the Parliament drafting course underscores a growing trend where students actively seek opportunities that prepare them for the practical demands of their future careers in law and governance.
