Panjab University (PU) remained closed on Wednesday as the administration announced a holiday and postponed scheduled examinations, even though protesting groups had said they would not disrupt exams until December 2. The shutdown followed renewed tension on campus over the delay in announcing Senate election dates.
The day-long closure came after the Panjab University Bachao Morcha (PUBM) intensified its agitation on Tuesday night and called for a campus bandh. Anticipating unrest, the university declared a holiday and advised students and staff not to enter the premises. Exams that had already been shifted to DAV College, Sector 10, were also postponed, and fresh dates will be issued later.
Despite the bandh call, the protest turnout remained low on Wednesday. Only a small group of students held a symbolic sit-in near the Vice-Chancellor’s office, while security personnel far outnumbered them. Chandigarh Police and campus security teams were deployed across the university, particularly at Gate No. 1, the Administrative Block and Students Centre. The campus otherwise remained largely deserted.
The agitation began after the Centre’s October 28 notification proposing changes to PU’s governing bodies, including the Senate and Syndicate. Although the notification was withdrawn on November 7 following strong backlash, students say the university has still not issued the mandatory schedule for Senate elections, pending for more than a year. They argue that the absence of an elected Senate has weakened the university’s governance.
The shutdown adds to a series of disruptions, with exams between November 18 and 20 also postponed earlier due to unrest. Several students expressed concern over repeated changes to the timetable, saying the uncertainty was affecting their preparation.
Earlier this week, Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig directed faculty members to counsel students and ensure that those willing to appear for exams were not obstructed. However, as more student, political and farmer organisations backed the Morcha’s call, the administration opted to suspend operations to prevent any confrontation.
PUBM leaders said they would not interfere with examinations until December 2 but insisted that the university must declare Senate poll dates before then.
With no clarity yet on the revised exam schedule or the election notification, both students and teachers are awaiting the administration’s next move.
