'Centralisation' of PU opposed by DTF

Amritsar, June 15

Lodging protest against the new National Education Policy-2020, brought by the Union Government; imposition of central law in Panjab University; and lathicharge on members of 10 student organisations by the police, members of the Democratic Teachers’ Front from Amritsar on Wednesday condemned the “forced centralisation” move of PU.

DTF state finance secretary-cum-district president Ashwani Awasthi along with other senior members of the DTF said the fascist policy of centraliaation of powers and the rights of PU must be opposed.

Awasthi said in order to “save” PU from privatisation, centralisation and saffronisation, all likeminded people should join hands. “Before this, abolition of Punjab Service Rules applicable to the employees of Chandigarh and imposing central government rules on them, the decision to extend jurisdiction of BSF within 50 km of the International Border, the Centre has been forcing the centralisation of power, which is a part of its plans to diminish democratic functioning of the country,” said Awasthi.

The other members also vehemently opposed the move and expressed full solidarity with student organisations. It may be recalled here that the Punjab Government had for a long time remained silent on the issue of PU and the attempt of takeover by the Centre. “If the Centre is allowed to take over the power of the state university, the student unions and teachers’ unions will stand united in its opposition,” said Awasthi.