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Government Response on Panjab University Senate Election Delay

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Question in India Parliament (Lok Sabha) Regarding the Delay in Senate Elections at Panjab University Chandigarh

New Delhi, India, December 10, 2024 — On December 9, 2024, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Education and the Department of Higher Education, formally responded to an inquiry posed by Shri Manish Tiwari, the India Parliament (Lok Sabha) member from Chandigarh. The inquiry concerned the delays associated with the Senate elections at Panjab University Chandigarh.

  • Shri Manish Tiwari respectfully requested the Minister of Education to provide clarification on the following matters:

(a) Is the Government aware that the process for conducting the Panjab University Senate elections, as stipulated in the Panjab University Act of 1947, has not commenced despite the Senate’s term expiring on October 31, 2024? The Panjab University Act requires that the election process be initiated 240 days before the conclusion of the Senate’s term, which indicates that it should have begun in January or February 2024.

(b) If the Government is aware of this issue, what specific measures have been taken or are proposed to expedite the election process and ensure transparency in the conduct of these elections?

(c) Are there any plans by the Government to convert Panjab University into a Central University to enhance its governance?

(d) What mechanisms are in place to facilitate effective coordination between the Government and the State Government of Punjab in addressing the delays associated with the Senate elections?

  • The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, responded as follows:

(a) to (d): Panjab University was established by the Panjab University Act of 1947, and its academic as well as administrative matters are governed by the rules/regulations made thereunder. The University conducts the Senate Election in Panjab University after due approval from the Chancellor. The autonomy of the Panjab University guides the Ministry. The Government currently has no plans to convert Punjab University into a Central University.

  • The Education Ministry’s response suggests that the delay in holding the Senate elections at Panjab University is an internal matter that the University needs to resolve according to the provisions of the Panjab University Act of 1947. The response indicates that the University currently has the authority and independence to manage its governance while following the applicable government rules and regulations. It can make decisions about its administrative processes and future directions, as permitted by law, without outside interference, with final authority resting with the Chancellor.

Source: Lok Sabha