The Union government has issued a fresh notification rescinding its earlier order to restructure Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate. The move follows widespread protests by students, faculty and political leaders who criticised the initial decision.
The notification states that, “the Central Government hereby rescinds the notification … number S.O. 4933 (E), dated the 28th October, 2025, published in the Gazette of India on 30th October, 2025.” Political leaders and student activists described the step as a postponement rather than a final withdrawal.
Centre Rescinds Notification S.O. 4933 (E) Dated 28 October, 2025
The fresh order invokes powers under section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 (31 of 1966) to rescind the earlier Gazette notification. The earlier notification had effectively dissolved the elected governing bodies and proposed a restructuring of the university’s decision-making organs.The rescinding notification removes the administrative changes announced at the end of October 2025. Officials at the Ministry of Education confirmed the issuance of the fresh order but offered limited comment on further steps.
Political and Student Reaction: ‘Postponement, Not Withdrawal’
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged the Centre to completely roll back the dissolution and restore full institutional autonomy. He welcomed the rescission but called for clarity on timelines for holding Senate elections.Indian National Congress (Punjab) president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the decision as a victory for students and teachers, but expressed disappointment over the absence of a senate election date. He called for immediate scheduling of polls to restore democratic governance at the university.
Former PU student council president and MP Malvinder Singh Kang termed the move a postponement, asserting that the underlying agenda remained intact. Kang said the notification did not permanently cancel the earlier order and vowed continued protest until a full withdrawal and election schedule were announced. Youth leader Iqbal Singh Grewalechoed that sentiment, calling the rescission an “eyewash” and promising further mobilisation.
Student Protests to Continue; Demand for Senate Elections
Students on campus have said protests will persist until a clear date for Senate elections is declared and the university’s autonomy is secured. Demonstrations by student unions and teacher groups had intensified after the initial October order, drawing attention from national and regional leaders. Organisers have demanded a guarantee that elected bodies will be restored without conditional measures.
What Next: Calls for Permanent Withdrawal and Election Schedule
Stakeholders across Punjab are urging the Centre to convert the rescission into a permanent withdrawal and to set a firm timetable for elections. Observers note that confidence-building measures and guarantees on institutional autonomy will be essential to end unrest. The university community expects further announcements in the coming days on the Centre’s long-term intent and on the schedule for holding the Senate polls.
