The ongoing controversy over the affidavit demanded from new students at Panjab University appears headed for resolution, with the Union Higher Education Secretary assuring the Panjab University Students’ Union (PUSU) of its withdrawal. The assurance came during a meeting with an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) delegation in Delhi on Tuesday.
PUSU president Gaurav Veer Singh Sohal said the affidavit move was an attempt to suppress students’ democratic rights. “ABVP opposed this decision from the very first day and staged a sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Our priority has always been student welfare,” he said, terming the Centre’s assurance “a victory for every student.”
The delegation also demanded that student representatives be given a voice in the Panjab University Senate. The Higher Education Secretary reportedly assured them that the proposal would be considered.
Meanwhile, tension flared on the PU campus earlier in the day as students, joined by farmer union leaders, forced their way into the Registrar’s office to press for immediate withdrawal of the affidavit order. The protest turned aggressive when demonstrators broke flower pots and damaged property while trying to enter the locked office.
Student leaders said one of their colleagues has been on a hunger strike, and his health is deteriorating. “The administration is deliberately delaying the written withdrawal order. If a family member of the Vice Chancellor or Registrar were on hunger strike, would they be treated the same way?” asked a protester.
According to sources, the PU administration had agreed on November 3, to revoke the affidavit order, but the formal announcement was delayed due to Registrar's absence from campus. Students have declared they will continue their protest until a written order is issued.
Adding political weight to the movement, former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi visited the campus and joined the protesters. “I am a student of Panjab University myself. This institution belongs to lakhs of people. The central government is allowing the RSS to interfere in university affairs,” Channi said, calling for an all-party strategy against the Centre’s recent decisions, including the dissolution of the Senate and Syndicate.
The affidavit requirement—introduced for students seeking admission this year—had drawn criticism from students and faculty alike. Political parties across Punjab have now united against the university’s administration and the BJP-led Centre, accusing them of undermining PU’s democratic structure.
While university officials maintain that they are open to revising the affidavit’s terms, students insist on a complete repeal. Sources indicate that an official resolution may be announced within the next 48 hours, as the administration faces growing political and student pressure.