Punjabi University Bachao Morcha Urges Punjab Government to Fulfill Its Promises
Patiala, March 11, 2025: The Punjabi University Bachao Morcha has urged the Punjab Government to fulfill its commitment of waiving off the outstanding ₹150 crore debt of Punjabi University. In a crucial meeting held today at the university, members expressed concern that while the government continues to provide the promised ₹30 crore monthly grant, it has failed to honor its pledge to clear the institution’s financial burden.
The meeting, attended by a large number of teachers, employees, and student organizations, focused on three key demands:
- Appointment of a Permanent Vice-Chancellor
- Annual 6% Increase in Punjabi University’s Grant
- Complete Waiver of Outstanding Debt on the University
Under the leadership of Amritpal Singh from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the gathering saw participation from prominent figures, including Punjabi University Teachers’ Association President Dr. Gurpreet Singh Dhanoa, executive members Dr. Gulshan Bansal and Dr. Amarpreet Singh, Punjabi University Employees’ Union President Rajinder Singh Bagaria, and President Prakash.
The speakers highlighted the urgent need to fill the Vice-Chancellor position, which has been vacant for a year, and urged the Punjab Governor, Chief Minister, and Higher Education Minister to intervene. The participants also demanded that the current Vice-Chancellor, absent for the last two months, be made available for university matters.
Student leaders Rashpinder Jimmy (Punjab Radical Students’ Union), Gagandeep Singh (Punjab Students’ Federation), Gurdas Singh (Punjab Students’ Union), Ramandeep Singh (SFI), and Gurjant Singh (All India Students’ Federation) emphasized that the lack of a permanent Vice-Chancellor has led to academic and administrative instability.
Employee representatives, including Jagtar Singh, Manoj Bhamri, Union Secretary Gurpreet Soni, and Dr. Sukhjinder Singh, strongly backed the demand for a 6% annual grant increase.
The meeting concluded with a firm warning that if the Punjab Government does not take immediate steps to address these concerns, the Morcha will escalate its agitation.