Protests at Panjab University After VC Declines Dean’s Extension

Barring the RSS-affiliated ABVP, students from various groupings also protested at night over the issue.

(Photo: The Quint)

Protests erupted at the Panjab University on Thursday, 23 August, after Vice Chancellor Raj Kumar rejected the demand to extend the tenure of Dean of Student Welfare (DSW) Emmanuel Nahar.

The decision came despite the fact that 48 out of 74 members of the Senate had written asking for the DSW's extension. Barring the RSS-affiliated ABVP, students from various groupings protested at night over the issue.

The Senate is a body of the university that has the "entire management of and superintendence over the affairs, concerns and property of the University".

Nahar’s extension was supported by various senators and students, keeping in view the impending student council elections

They reportedly said that the VC's rejection of the DSW's tenure extension and supporting a change of hands is an attempt to influence the elections in favour of the ABVP. The DSW is closely involved in the conduct of the elections.

“The polls will be completely biased. This move shows that they want to help the ABVP win. All the parties except the ABVP are now together.’’

Sachin Galav, NSUI campus president, as quoted by <i><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/dsws-denied-extension-pu-senators-accuse-v-c-of-flouting-varsity-norms-5929189/">The Indian Express</a></i>

Chandigarh Lok Sabha member Kirron Kher, who is a nomimated member of the Panjab University senate, was in favour of the VC's stance of not giving the DSW an extension.

(With inputs from The Indian Express and The Times of India.)