CHANDIGARH: Student organizations under the banner of 'Panjab University Bachao Morcha' have escalated their protest movement, submitting a four-point charter of demands to the university administration on Tuesday. The development comes just a day after massive student mobilization on campus and ahead of crucial Senate elections.
Key Demands Presented to Administration
The protesting students have sought written assurances from the university before the Senate election schedule is finalized. Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Vig has responded by inviting the protest group for a formal meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 11 am to discuss their demands.
Among the primary demands is the immediate withdrawal of all pending disciplinary and legal cases against students related to previous Senate election protests and other demonstrations. This includes FIRs registered against student protesters following Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's visit to the campus for the Punjab Vision 2047 event.
Legal Charges and Police Action
The FIRs, registered under Sections 123 and 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), name members from various student unions including PSU (Lalkaar), SFS, Sath, Punjab Naama and SOI. Notably, Section 232 represents a non-bailable offense, with the first hearing listed for November 29.
Students have alleged that police resorted to lathicharge while they were marching peacefully towards the Students' Centre. Women protesters have additionally accused police personnel of physical manhandling during the November 10 demonstration that saw thousands march toward the administrative block.
Administrative and Policy Demands
The Morcha has demanded a written assurance that no major administrative or policy decisions will be taken until Senate polls are conducted. They further insist that once elected, the new Senate should review all decisions taken during the period when the governing body remained dissolved.
Another significant demand targets the university's vetting committee that determines which speakers can be invited to campus events. Student organizations have described this committee as a "censorship mechanism" that curbs academic and political expression.
The protesters have also sought withdrawal of recently introduced standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC), stating that any rules concerning event permission or financial functioning should be framed in consultation with elected student representatives.
Recruitment and Reservation Concerns
On faculty recruitment, students alleged that recent appointments violated reservation norms, particularly for OBC candidates. They have demanded that the selection list be reviewed and reissued, ensuring that no recruitment process takes place without "strictly following the reservation policy."
Sandeep, president of the Society for Students (SFS), issued a stern warning to The Indian Express: "If our demands are not met and the Senate elections are not announced soon, the campus will not function as usual. Exams are scheduled to begin from November 18, and we will not let them happen if the administration continues to ignore the students' voice."
Political Divisions and Senate Poll Progress
Meanwhile, the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), including PUCSC president Gauraveer Sohal, notably did not participate in the protest. ABVP state secretary Manmeet Sohal emphasized different priorities, calling for the council president to be made an ex-officio member of the Senate and urging the Punjab government to release pending grants to the university.
According to PTI sources, the PU authorities have submitted a detailed Senate poll schedule to the country's vice-president, who serves as the Chancellor of the university, for his approval. This development indicates that the election process is moving forward despite the ongoing protests.
The situation remains tense at Panjab University as both students and administration prepare for Wednesday's crucial meeting that could determine the campus's immediate future, especially with examinations scheduled to begin from November 18.
