In Chandigarh, a student-led protest at Panjab University has reignited the debate on the institution’s autonomy after the Centre proposed cutting down its key decision-making bodies. The agitation, which began on October 28, turned into a wider political and emotional movement about Punjab’s rights and federal balance. Despite the Centre’s withdrawal of its controversial notification, protests continue demanding overdue Senate elections.

BulletsIn

• Students protest against Centre’s plan to reduce Senate and Syndicate size
•  Move seen as attempt to centralise control and dilute Punjab’s claim on Chandigarh
•  PUCSC and other student bodies led indefinite hunger strikes and sit-ins
•  Farmers joined students; clashes erupted at Mohali-Chandigarh border
•  Political parties — AAP, Congress, SAD — accused Centre of attacking Punjab’s autonomy
• Centre withdrew notification after strong backlash, later reissued and finally scrapped on Nov 7
•  Protests continue despite withdrawal; students demand Senate elections pending since Oct 2023
•  SKM vows continued farmer support; rally planned in Chandigarh on Nov 26
•  BJP’s Punjab unit says student concerns addressed; urges calm and development focus
•  University governance debate reopens questions of federal control and institutional independence