NewKerala.com

Punjab Minister Slams Centre's 'Brazen Attack' on University Autonomy

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has strongly condemned the Centre's decision to dissolve Panjab University's Senate and Syndicate. He described the move as "political vandalism" and a brazen attack on the state's autonomy. The minister highlighted how the people of Punjab had clearly expressed their will through recent Senate elections. He vowed that Punjab would fight this decision through all democratic and legal means available.

Key Points: Punjab Minister Bains Slams Centre Over Panjab University Dissolution

  • Minister terms dissolution as brazen attack on Punjab's pride and democracy
  • Questions Centre's intent after people's clear mandate in Senate elections
  • Vows to oppose move through legal and constitutional avenues
  • Describes decision as attempt to centralize control and crush dissent
2 min read

'Brazen attack': Punjab minister on dissolving Senate, Syndicate of Panjab University

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains condemns Centre's dissolution of Panjab University Senate, calling it political vandalism and assault on state rights.

"It is not governance, it is political vandalism - Harjot Singh Bains"

Chandigarh, Nov 1

Slamming the BJP-led Central government for its decision to unilaterally dissolve the 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University in Chandigarh, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Saturday termed it a brazen attack on the state’s pride, democracy and intellect.

Bains said, “It is not governance, it is political vandalism. The reckless move by the Centre tramples on Punjab’s hard-earned autonomy, academic freedom and constitutional rights. It is a blatant assault on the very soul of Punjab”.

The Education Minister highlighted the historical and emotional significance of the Panjab University, which has been built and nurtured through decades of the state’s collective efforts, sweat, intellectual prowess and sacrifices. He questioned the intent behind the abrupt dissolution, pointing to the overwhelming mandate given by the people of Punjab in the last Senate elections.

“How dare the Centre dismantle a six-decade-old democratic institution?” questioned Bains while highlighting that in the last Senate elections for the Graduate Constituency, the people of Punjab elected their own representatives, winning all seats. “This was the people's clear verdict. Now, the BJP-led Central government that could not win the confidence at the ballot box wants to handpick its favourites and convert this venerable university into a political playground”.

Describing the move not as an administrative reform but as “an act of occupation”, the minister said in a statement that “a dangerous design behind the decision to centralise control, crush Punjab's distinct voice and systematically rewrite the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution”.

The Education Minister asserted that this is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and erode states' rights. “But Punjab won't succumb to this authoritarian overreach.” He vowed that the Punjab government, united with the academic community, teachers, students and staff, would strongly oppose the Centre's move in every democratic forum and explore all legal and constitutional avenues to protect Punjab's heritage and its rights.

He said Panjab University “belongs to Punjab, its people, its history and its future. It does not belong to a distant, authoritarian Centre that wishes to silence it. The people of Punjab will not allow this political vandalism to stand”.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an alumna of Panjab University, this news breaks my heart. This institution represents decades of Punjab's academic excellence and cultural heritage. The Centre should respect the mandate given by Punjab's people in the Senate elections.
M
Michael C
While I understand the concerns, maybe there were genuine administrative issues that needed addressing? Both state and central governments should work together for the betterment of education rather than playing politics with institutions.
A
Ananya R
Harjot Singh Bains is absolutely right! This is political vandalism indeed. When Punjabis elected their representatives democratically, who gave the Centre the right to dissolve these bodies? This undermines our constitutional rights. 😠
S
Sarah B
The timing of this decision is suspicious. Right after the state elections where the ruling party didn't get the mandate they wanted? This looks like political retaliation rather than genuine administrative reform.
V
Vikram M
Punjab has always valued its autonomy and educational institutions. This move by the Centre is unacceptable. We stand with our Education Minister and will fight this through all democratic means. Punjab zindabad! 🙏
K
Kavya N
My father studied at Panjab University in the 80s and always spoke about its glorious history. This institution belongs to Punjab

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50