Chandigarh, November 5:
Slamming the Union government for misleading people on the issue of Panjab University, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically asked the centre to stop dirty tantrums to befool the people.
“Punjabis are well aware of your dubious character and they will not get swayed away by mere juggling of words over the issue and will not rest until the orders on Panjab University are not completely rolled back”, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister said that the state Government will explore all legal options against the decision of the centre pertaining to the unlawful dissolution of the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, Chandigarh by roping in eminent legal luminaries. Terming the move as a blatant violation of established norms, he said that it was an attack on the democratic and autonomous functioning of one of the oldest and most reputed institutions of higher education in the region. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that any attempt to undermine its representative bodies such as the Senate and Syndicate amounts to disregarding the aspirations and participation of the academic community and the people of Punjab.
The Chief Minister said that this was not just a legal battle but a constitutional responsibility of the state government to protect the rights of Punjab on Panjab University. He reiterated that Punjab government will not allow any dilution of its share, rights or participation in the functioning of Panjab University. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is firmly committed to the autonomy and dignity of educational institutions adding that Punjab Government stands firmly with the people of the state in resisting such arbitrary decisions.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Panjab University was constituted under the Punjab University Act, 1947 (Act VII of 1947) and was established to compensate the State of Punjab for the loss of its main University at Lahore subsequent to the partition of the country in 1947. Bhagwant Singh said that after bifurcation of the State in 1966, the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 maintained its status, meaning thereby that the University continued to function as it was and its jurisdiction over the areas that were comprised in the present State of Punjab continued as such. He said that ever since then, Panjab University, Chandigarh is part of the emotional, cultural, literature and rich legacy of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the irrational decision of the centre government has not only disenchanted stakeholders but is also against the canons of any good governance and the Law. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this led to a substantial resentment amongst the teachers, professionals, technical members, graduates of the University and others. He further said that the state government will not tolerate any change in the status of the university and will fight tooth and nail for it.
