Face2News/Chandigarh
The Vice-President of India, who also serves as the Chancellor of Punjab University, has cleared the election schedule submitted earlier by the university. The confirmation came through an official letter issued by Under Secretary Sarita Chauhan, stating that the polls will be held strictly according to the schedule sent on November 9.
The approval comes at a time when the university campus had turned into a hub of agitation, with students’ unions, teachers, alumni, farmer bodies, political leaders from Punjab–Haryana–Himachal, and Punjabi artists openly backing the movement. The “PU Bachao Morcha” had been staging a continuous sit-in outside the VC office for 25 days, demanding immediate announcement of Senate election dates. Protesters had recently warned that if the schedule was not declared by December 3, they would begin gherao protests at BJP offices across Punjab and Chandigarh. The Vice-President’s nod has effectively defused the standoff.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Vice-President and Chancellor for approving the elections, calling it an important step toward restoring a constructive academic environment. She reiterated that the university administration has always stood with its students and faculty and will continue to prioritise their interests.
47 Senators to Be Elected From Seven Constituencies
The upcoming Senate elections will fill 47 elected seats across seven voter constituencies. The largest category is that of Registered Graduates, which will elect 15 members—2 from Punjab, 1 from Chandigarh (UT), and 12 under the Open category.
Key seat distribution is as follows:
Teaching Departments (Professors): 2 seats
Associate & Assistant Professors: 2 seats
One each from Arts and Science faculties
Technical & Professional College Principals/Staff: 6 seats
Representation from Punjab, UT, and Open categories
Affiliated Arts College Principals: 8 seats
Punjab: 3 UT: 1 Open: 4
Affiliated Arts College Faculty (Professors/Assoc. Professors/Asst. Professors): 8 seats
Various University Faculties: 6 seats
One representative each from Arts, Languages, Science, Medical Sciences, and Law
One combined seat for all remaining faculties
In addition to the 47 elected members, the Senate will also include 36 nominated members and ex-officio members, completing the full structure of the governing body.