The situation at Panjab University took a more serious turn on Thursday after student groups warned of a complete campus shutdown if the administration fails to notify the Senate election schedule by November 25.
The announcement came from the PU Bachao Morcha, a broad alliance now backed by more than 50 student unions, employee bodies, farmer outfits, and social organisations. The coalition held a press briefing outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, where students have been staging an indefinite dharna for weeks.
“We have waited long enough,” the Morcha said. “If the notification doesn’t come by November 25, Panjab University will shut down completely on November 26.”
Shutdown Call Gains Momentum
The call for shutdown is expected to draw large participation, similar to the massive student mobilisation witnessed on November 10, when the university experienced one of the biggest youth uprisings in recent years. During that protest, all administrative and academic activity came to a halt.
According to protest organisers, the shutdown on November 26 will follow the same format — no classes, no office work, and no functioning of university departments.
“We don’t want confrontation, but we won’t accept silence anymore,” one student leader said.
How the Crisis Began — A Recap
| Date | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Oct 30–Nov 7 | Centre issued four notifications restructuring PU governance |
| Nov 1 | The Tribune report sparked widespread outrage |
| Nov 7 | Centre withdrew the notifications, but protests continued |
| Nov 10 | University observed a huge protest and campus bandh |
| Nov 1–20 | Continuous sit-in by students outside VC office |
| Nov 20 | More than 50 organisations joined meeting; shutdown declared |
Movement Spreads Beyond Campus
The protesters have now decided to take the movement beyond Chandigarh. Leaders announced that agitation will begin in PU-affiliated colleges across Punjab, arguing that the issue affects the identity and governance of the university as a whole.
“Panjab University belongs to Punjab — not to bureaucratic experiments,” said a representative at the meeting.
They also claimed that the now-withdrawn restructuring attempt cannot be viewed in isolation and must be understood in the broader context of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which they believe pushes universities toward privatisation and central control.
Rejecting Regional Divide Narrative
The meeting also addressed claims that the controversy represents a Punjab-versus-Haryana dispute. Several Haryana-based groups were present and openly expressed support for the protest.
“This is not a regional fight,” a Haryana student said. “This is a fight for democracy in education.”
Administration Maintains Silence
For now, the university administration has not issued any fresh communication. Students say they were repeatedly asked to wait until November 25 — a deadline now turning into a pressure point.
“If there is no announcement by then, November 26 will not be a regular day. It will be a day of shutdown,” the Morcha declared.