PU Update: After revoking Senate and Syndicate restructuring notification; Centre issues second order withholding implementation; Watch Video
Centre puts Panjab University Senate restructuring on hold, delays implementation of reforms
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 5, 2025: After revoking its earlier notification dissolving the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, the Central Government has issued a second order, putting the implementation of the proposed restructuring on hold until further notice.
The move marks a major turnaround by the Centre following days of strong criticism from the Punjab Government, academic circles, and student bodies, who had termed the earlier dissolution unconstitutional and an attack on the university’s autonomy.
According to the first notification, issued by the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, the government rescinded its previous order dated October 28, 2025, which had dissolved the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University.
Click the link to read copy of the notification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sPvgY4is9W146ROyeCcN-y9TRVHqSqf8/view?usp=sharing
The Gazette notification stated:
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), read with sub-section (2) and (3), of section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 (31 of 1966), the Central Government hereby rescinds the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, number S.O. 4933(E), dated the 28th October, 2025.”
Following this revocation, the Centre issued a second notification, clarifying that the Punjab University Act, 1947 (East Punjab Act 7 of 1947) would now take effect only from a date to be appointed later by the Central Government, “subject to certain modifications.”
This effectively means that the implementation of the proposed restructuring has been deferred, and the reforms will come into force only after a fresh notification is issued.
Click the link to read copy of the notification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BVKx1M3klbSmgIxqTWtK_Vs02GHNpImZ/view?usp=sharing
A second Gazette notification, released the same day, also made minor procedural changes clarifying how and when the Act will be implemented.
The earlier October 28 order, which had sought to immediately enforce the restructured governance system, had sparked state-wide protests from students, teachers, and political leaders in Punjab — including Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who had vowed to challenge the move in the High Court.
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