PU redraws ballot: 1 student council seat to be reserved for woman
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Chandigarh: Despite making up over 60% of the student body, women at Panjab University have had limited representation in student council posts — a gap the university now plans to address by reserving one of four key positions in the student council for a woman candidate starting from the 2025–26 session. The reform, confirmed by PU vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig, follows a key recommendation by a committee led by Prof Nandita Singh. It is part of a broader initiative to promote inclusivity and strengthen women's representation in student leadership, setting the stage for a significant shift in campus politics.
"There are so many capable girls in our university who deserve to lead. This is a positive and inclusive step to ensure they get a fair platform. We want to reach out and support their leadership potential in every possible way," said Prof Renu Vig.
The reservation will apply to one of the four executive positions in the Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC) — President, Vice-President, Secretary or Joint Secretary. According to the SOP, the specific post to be reserved will be determined each year by a draw of lots by the Dean of Student Welfare Office within ten days of the academic session's start.
Dean Student Welfare Prof Amit Chauhan welcomed the decision and said a meeting will soon be held with all PUCSC office-bearers and over 100 Department Representatives to discuss the rollout. "This change will encourage wider participation. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and fair implementation," he said.
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Former PUCSC president Kanupriya, who held office in 2018–19, cautiously welcomed the move. "While I am elated about this news, I have doubts about its implementation, as PU elections are held under the Lyngdoh Panel Guidelines. Also, reserving seats for women without considering caste will disproportionately benefit upper-caste women while sidelining marginalised groups. That must be addressed in any progressive reform," she said.
Ramneek, who served as PUCSC Vice President in 2023–24, said the policy could reshape how women view campus politics. "It's a big step. Girls are in larger numbers here but don't always enter politics because families often don't support it. This gives validation and a better image. Politics helps in developing maturity and confidence — this move will open that door for more of us."
The SOP also recommends other changes, such as clubbing departments with fewer than 100 students for voting purposes and new regulations for polling booths. However, the gender reservation provision stands out as a major shift that could redefine the landscape of student leadership at Panjab University.
BOX- JUST 1 PREZ SINCE 1977
Since the PUCSC's formation in 1977, only one woman has been elected President. Twenty have served as Vice President, three as Secretary and one as Joint Secretary. In the 2023 elections, three women — Arpita Malik (ABVP), Sarah Sharma (PSU Lalkaar), and Alka (Ambedkar Student Forum) — contested the President's post. None were elected.
BOX- Scope for confusion in reservation process
As per the SOP, the reserved post will be chosen each year by a draw of lots. However, this opens room for confusion — since the same post could be picked consecutively and the President's seat might not be reserved for years. Officials suggest that after the first draw, a rotational system is likely to be adopted for clarity and fairness.
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