High Court Asks Centre to Convert Panjab University into Central University; Check Details

New Delhi: The Punjab and Haryana high court has urged the central government to consider conversion of Panjab University (PU) into a central university.

The bench of Justice Rajbir Sehrawat observed that the character of the Panjab University, (PU) as an inter-state body already stands extinguished. Punjab is having only the affiliating facility with consequential benefits, even that on financial contributions.

It has been decided to seek response from Union ministries of home affairs and education after taking a “conscious decision” within August 30.

It added that the central government can take the decision at least in principle, and be placed before the court on the next date of hearing.

.The court was hearing a plea from a retired PU teacher, Sangeeta Bhalla, who superannuated at the age of 60 and sought extension of service till 65 years.

Earlier in 2016, a single-judge HC bench had dismissed PU teachers’ plea on the same demand. The decision was stayed by the division bench. Since then, those retiring from PU have to approach HC for extension of service.

Previously, the centre had maintained the status of the varsity of that of an inter-state body corporate, in view of stake of Punjab government. Successive Punjab governments have been opposing change in its status, irrespective of the party in power in the state.

Further, the court recorded that earlier, in March, the Centre notified that Central Service Rules will be applicable to Chandigarh employees, including teachers in institutions of higher education. However, this decision neither covered teachers of PU nor those serving at PU-affiliated colleges.

A pre-Independence university, created under the Panjab University Act, 1947, under the provision of Section 72 of Reorganisation Act, 1966, PU was declared as inter-state body corporate, having the participation of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. With this, the power to make laws relating to PU has been with Centre, it observed.

In other news, the varsity is currently gearing up to conduct PU CET 2022 entrance exam for admission to its UG courses for academic year 2022-23. Candidates qualifying for the entrance test will be granted admission on the basis of score in the test.

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