Punjabi University, Patiala, bans protests on campus

Patiala, July 10

Punjabi University, Patiala, has banned protests on the campus other than those organised by the Punjabi University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) and the Punjabi University Non-teaching Staff Association.

The university is currently facing protests by guest faculty of constituent colleges and security personnel. Members of the guest faculty are on protest for the last 26 days outside the VC’s office. In their earlier actions, they had also closed university gates and burnt effigies of the VC.

The university registrar in its latest circular said, “The Punjabi University Teachers’ Association and the Punjabi University Non-teaching Staff Association hold statutory positions on the campus. They have a right to issue notices and register protests. Only representatives of these associations hold legal right to raise collective matters of all employees with the authority. Other groups that resort to protests and halt work is illegal and immoral. Participation in such protests is liable for administrative action.”

A faculty member requesting anonymity said, “The notice has been issued to curb protests. The university should resolve the employees’ concerns rather than banning protests.”

A guest faculty member at University College, Chunni Kalan, said, “Everyone has the right to protest. It is granted by the Constitution of India. Student unions have also termed the notice undemocratic.”

Vice-Chancellor Arvind said the notice had been issued for employees on university rolls. He said, “It does not apply to student groups. On the other hand, the guest faculty members have already been relieved and are not on university rolls. They are trespassers.” He said any collective concerns of employees would now be heard and addressed through their respective elected bodies only. “This is a democratic way of functioning”, he added.