2021 report proposed 50% cut in PU Senate strength

An 11-member panel constituted by the then Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu had proposed reducing the number of senators from 93 to 47 and to appoint rather than elect them

- Rajanbir Singh

CHANDIGARH: Panjab University's senate is facing a potential overhaul with the issue reaching the Parliament. A 2021 report, submitted by an 11-member panel to the then chancellor and Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu, had proposed lowering the strength of the varsity's apex body from 93 to 47 and to appoint rather than elect its members. Elections, though, will still be conducted for some of them.

The senate is the apex body of the university, overseeing all of its affairs, concerns and property. All decisions related to academics and the budget require its final approval. It comprises 91 members, including 47 from eight faculty constituencies, while the rest are nominated or ex-officio members.

As the existing term of the senate expired on October 31, the varsity has been functioning without it ever since.

The process for governance reforms was first started under the tenure of former PU vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grover after a visit by a National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) peer team at the varsity in 2015. In 2018, the recommendations of a committee formed under retired justice Bharat Bhushan Parsoon were submitted by authorities regarding this.