In a significant boost for infrastructure and sustainability initiatives at Panjab University (PU), Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana Member of Parliament Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has pledged financial support for key development projects. The backing includes funding for the installation of solar panels, the procurement of an electric cart for campus connectivity, and a proposed statue of freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
MP's Commitment for Sustainable and Accessible Campus
In an official communication dated January 3, Warring conveyed his readiness to the university's Vice-Chancellor to allocate necessary funds under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). This decision came following formal representations from the university authorities and former president of the Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC), Jatinder Singh.
The original proposal, which was routed through the university administration in June 2025, sought an allocation of Rs 25 lakh from the MPLADS fund. The plan has two primary components: installing solar panels on key university buildings to promote renewable energy, and acquiring an e-cart or golf cart to improve internal transportation for students and staff across the vast campus.
Student-Led Initiative for Bhagat Singh Memorial
The development push was initially championed by student leaders. The representation, spearheaded during Jatinder Singh's tenure as PUCSC president for the 2023–24 academic session, also included a request for MPLADS support to install a statue of the revered revolutionary, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, on the university premises.
While Warring has agreed in principle to fund both the e-cart and the statue project, university officials have pointed out a regulatory hurdle. "New statues are generally not permitted in the city," a PU official stated, highlighting a standing policy of the Chandigarh Union Territory administration. The official noted that the university already has Arts Block-2 named after Bhagat Singh and a commemorative plaque in his honour.
Next Steps and Administrative Hurdles
Undeterred by the challenge, former student leader Jatinder Singh stated that he plans to meet the Vice-Chancellor to pursue the matter further. "We want a suitable space for the statue and will request the UT administration to allow it," he said, emphasizing that the memorial is a long-standing demand of the student community.
On the procedural front, for the approved works—the solar panels and the e-cart—university officials confirmed that detailed estimates will now be prepared. These estimates will be formally shared with the MP's office to initiate the process for the release of the committed MPLADS funds, setting the stage for tangible progress on these development projects.
