Chandigarh, April 29
Dr S.K. Salwan, vice-chancellor of Punjab Technical University (PTU), Jalandhar, has resigned plunging the state’s only technical university into uncertainty ahead of the ensuing academic session.

According to authoritative sources, Salwan submitted his resignation to the Punjab Raj Bhavan yesterday.

The Raj Bhavan, in turn, forwarded the resignation letter to the Punjab chief secretary “for comments” whether to immediately accept the resignation in the backdrop of coming academic session.

The sources said a decision on the resignation would be taken by the Punjab Governor, who is also the PTU chancellor, in consultation with the Punjab government after receiving its “comments” on the issue in the best interests of the student community.

With the next academic session round the corner, the timing of resignation has sent scores of technical institutes affiliated to it and offering degrees in engineering, management and paramedical sciences in a state of tizzy.

A renowned scientist, who was a part of the core team of scientists credited with developing state-of-the-art integrated guided missiles under the leadership of former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Salwan reportedly had an uneasy relationship with the PTU staff.

While his academic and scientific credentials were impeccable, the distinguished scientist had difficulty in managing the university’s agitation-minded staff.

The PTU Employees Association has been on a warpath with the university management for implementation of various demands, including more pay and perks, regularisation of the ad-hoc and contractual employees and more promotional avenues.