The Punjab government has strongly opposed Haryana’s demand of affiliation of its colleges in the tricity with Panjab University (PU). And the latter’s say in the functioning of the apex governing body of the varsity, the senate, in lieu of helping the institution tide over the financial crisis.
For 2017-18, the PU had approved of around Rs 515 crore, with the deficit (expenditure minus revenues) expected at around Rs 245 crore.
WHAT IS THE ISSUE
–The budget deficit of PU has increased by Rs 100 crore over the years and Centre is asking PU to reduce its expenditure and increase income.
— Intermittently, PU is resorting to fee hike that invites criticism from students.
— Haryana was part of governing body of the PU till 1976, when it discontinued its share of grant. Now, the has expressed its willingness to share PU’s financial burden but with condition that colleges in Panchkula, Ambala and Yamuna Nagar be allowed affiliation with the varsity. It also wants Haryana be given the same status as Punjab in the apex governing body of PU—senate.
— PU is making efforts to get more funds and is looking forward to having Haryana to come to its aid, since Punjab is non-committal on increasing the grant as per the demand of PU.
HARYANA’S RESPONSE WITH A RIDER
The Punjab government’s response was submitted in the Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday during resumed hearing of a suo motu petition by the high court in 2016 on reports of poor financial health of the varsity.
Haryana has expressed its willingness to share the burden, but with a rider.
It is ready to fund university up to Rs 25 crore annually but the state wants it be given representation in senate on the lines of Punjab. Punjab chief minister, director public instructions, minister of education are ex-officio members of senate. Punjab also nominates two MLAs to the Senate.
News Source: Hindustan Times
