Punjab University Senate Elections Cleared by Vice President, VC Announces Tentative Schedule

Chandigarh: After weeks of protests, the path is now clear for the Senate elections at Punjab University (PU). Following approval from the Chancellor, who is also the Vice President of India, Professor Renu Vig, the Vice-Chancellor of PU, confirmed that the elections will be held next year. The official schedule is expected to be announced soon.

Vice President Gives Approval
The approval came from Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan in his capacity as Chancellor of Punjab University. This decision comes after several weeks of demonstrations by students and staff demanding the restoration of Senate elections. The approval marks a major step toward strengthening academic governance and ensuring that the University’s decision-making body functions effectively.

Tentative Election Schedule
Punjab University officials have shared the proposed election timeline, pending final official announcement:

• Technical & Professional Colleges (Principals & Staff): Polls on 7 September 2026, results on 9 September 2026
• University Teaching Department Professors: Polls on 14 September 2026, results on 16 September 2026
• Associate & Assistant Professors: Polls on 14 September 2026, results on 16 September 2026
• Heads & Staff of Affiliated Arts Colleges and Registered Graduates: Polls on 20 September 2026, results on 22 September 2026

VC Hails the Decision
Professor Renu Vig expressed her gratitude to the Vice President, writing that his approval is a vital step toward maintaining a healthy academic environment. She emphasized that the PU administration remains committed to students and the teaching community, and the Senate election schedule will be announced officially very soon.

Protests Pave the Way
The clearance of the Senate elections is seen as a victory for students and civil society groups who had been demanding a fully functional election system. Earlier attempts by the central administration to reduce membership and eliminate elections for certain categories had sparked widespread protests, turning into a broader movement advocating for the autonomy of the University.

With the Vice President and Chancellor’s approval, Punjab University now moves closer to restoring democratic processes within its highest decision-making body.