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Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
PU cracks down on Goa dreams: Student trips now restricted to approved destinations
1 2 3 Chandigarh: The days of Goa plans being made, trip posters plastered across notice boards, and Instagram stories filled with beach countdowns will soon be over at Panjab University. The university has rolled out strict new guidelines for student council-organised trips, barring the council from choosing destinations on their own and enforcing faculty-led oversight. Based on recommendations by a committee headed by Prof Nandita Singh, the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) are aimed at regulating student trips that had, in recent years, become loosely organised events often featuring non-students and conducted without faculty supervision. Posters for such trips — often to places like Goa, Manali or Rishikesh — would appear overnight in various notice boards and student centre without any formal approval. Now, all student council trips must be confined to a list of university-approved destinations that reflect cultural, historical, or academic value. These include the Partition Museum and Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Ranthambore National Park, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University, Science City Kapurthala, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Vaishno Devi Temple and a few others. Each elected office-bearer of the Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC) will be allowed to organise just one trip in their term. The preference order will begin with the president, followed by the secretary, vice-president, and joint secretary. Departments must verify the list of participating students, and both the student and their parents are required to submit undertakings before the trip. These documents are to be deposited with the Dean Student Welfare (DSW) office in advance. DSW Prof Amit Chauhan confirmed that all such trips will be monitored closely. "Every council trip will now have one male and one female warden accompanying the students. This is to ensure discipline and safety at all times," he said. Importantly, the funds for these trips will be drawn from the student council budget, but will be allocated only after clearance from the DSW office. Final permission must be granted by the Vice-Chancellor or DUI, based on the DSW's recommendation and a verified list of participants. Officials say the move is intended to bring structure and accountability to council activities, which had become informal and, at times, problematic. "Trips must serve an academic or cultural purpose. They are not meant to be recreational holidays run like travel agency packages," said a university official familiar with the policy shift. This is part of a wider clampdown by the administration on student-led events. Similar SOPs have also been introduced for other events, booking of auditoriums, and cultural events held at the Student Centre. At a glance: New PUCSC trip guidelines Only 1 trip allowed per PUCSC office-bearer Destinations restricted to university-approved sites (e.g., Amritsar, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda) No more self-chosen trips to Goa, Manali etc. Participant lists must be verified by departments Student and parental undertakings mandatory Male and female wardens to accompany all trips Trips funded from student council budget, but only after DSW clearance Final approval to be given by VC or DUI on DSW recommendation Chandigarh: The days of Goa plans being made, trip posters plastered across notice boards, and Instagram stories filled with beach countdowns will soon be over at Panjab University. The university has rolled out strict new guidelines for student council-organised trips, barring the council from choosing destinations on their own and enforcing faculty-led oversight. Based on recommendations by a committee headed by Prof Nandita Singh, the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) are aimed at regulating student trips that had, in recent years, become loosely organised events often featuring non-students and conducted without faculty supervision. Posters for such trips — often to places like Goa, Manali or Rishikesh — would appear overnight in various notice boards and student centre without any formal approval. Now, all student council trips must be confined to a list of university-approved destinations that reflect cultural, historical, or academic value. These include the Partition Museum and Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Ranthambore National Park, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University, Science City Kapurthala, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Vaishno Devi Temple and a few others. Each elected office-bearer of the Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC) will be allowed to organise just one trip in their term. The preference order will begin with the president, followed by the secretary, vice-president, and joint secretary. Departments must verify the list of participating students, and both the student and their parents are required to submit undertakings before the trip. These documents are to be deposited with the Dean Student Welfare (DSW) office in advance. DSW Prof Amit Chauhan confirmed that all such trips will be monitored closely. "Every council trip will now have one male and one female warden accompanying the students. This is to ensure discipline and safety at all times," he said. Importantly, the funds for these trips will be drawn from the student council budget, but will be allocated only after clearance from the DSW office. Final permission must be granted by the Vice-Chancellor or DUI, based on the DSW's recommendation and a verified list of participants. Officials say the move is intended to bring structure and accountability to council activities, which had become informal and, at times, problematic. "Trips must serve an academic or cultural purpose. They are not meant to be recreational holidays run like travel agency packages," said a university official familiar with the policy shift. This is part of a wider clampdown by the administration on student-led events. Similar SOPs have also been introduced for other events, booking of auditoriums, and cultural events held at the Student Centre. At a glance: New PUCSC trip guidelines Only 1 trip allowed per PUCSC office-bearer Destinations restricted to university-approved sites (e.g., Amritsar, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda) No more self-chosen trips to Goa, Manali etc. Participant lists must be verified by departments Student and parental undertakings mandatory Male and female wardens to accompany all trips Trips funded from student council budget, but only after DSW clearance Final approval to be given by VC or DUI on DSW recommendation
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: PU puts a ban on Holi celebrations at Student Centre
Panjab University (PU) has decided to ban Holi celebrations at the Student Centre from the upcoming academic session (2025-26). This comes in the backdrop of a student, Aditya Thakur's murder during a fest and reports of rowdy behaviour during Holi celebrations earlier this year. A committee, headed by Nandita Singh which is looking after the functioning of the dean student welfare (DSW) office, has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organising events on campus. The panel was formed after the DSW was asked to step down temporarily amid inquiry into Thakur's murder on March 28. As per the SOPs, Holi celebrations are banned at the Student Centre on the day of Holi and the day prior to it. Celebrations will, however, be allowed in departments a day prior to the festival with permission from the chairperson and the dean of university instructions (DUI). Outsiders will strictly not be allowed. The SOPs also mention that DJ systems will not be allowed for general events at Student Centre anymore. The decision has been taken in view of the events in March when DJ systems allegedly breached the permissible sound levels. Vice-chancellor Renu Vig has confirmed that she has approved the committee's SOPs and forwarded them for implementation. Star nights banned too The SOPs have also officially confirmed that star nights on campus are now a thing of the past. PU vice-chancellor had already announced this in the aftermath of Aditya Thakur's murder. The annual Vimarsh fest will now have debates on contemporary issues while Scitron fest will have a science exhibition. These will both be organised in February. While it was learned that PUCSC members were spending as much as ₹25 lakh to organise such star nights, no student council member will be allowed to bring cash sponsorship to organise such exorbitantly priced events. Stalls put up during such events will also be allotted through a centralised system maintained by the DSW for transparency. A separate bank account will be maintained by the DSW for collection of sponsorship and stall rent. The account will be audited yearly. Now the vice-chancellor, the DSW and DUI can cancel any student fest if the situation is not conducive. Aditya Thakur, 22, a second-year student of computer science engineering at the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, along with three other students, was stabbed by some unidentified persons at a concert held at PU's South Campus in March this year. He succumbed to his injuries later this year. PU also had to cancel singer-rapper Arjan Dhillon's performance at the last minute due to inadequate preparation. Two Holi parties organised by Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) president Anurag Dalal had also come under the scanner as there were complaints that the DJ systems were playing above permissible limits and there was little check on entry by outsiders. Videos of outsiders scaling the PU wall during Holi celebrations had gone viral on social media. PU has not taken any action for the events that transpired on these two days even now, with some students also alleging that incidents of sexual harassment took place during the celebrations.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
PU drafts strict fest SOPs, bans star nights, fixes calendar for council events
1 2 3 Chandigarh: No more stars, no more swagger — Panjab University 's cultural festivals are being pulled back to earth. In a push to strip council fests of their celebrity gloss and political overreach, a university committee has drafted new rules that aim to bring the spotlight back on students, not star fixed dates to banned star nights, and tight financial checks to academic focus, the proposed SOPs by a committee headed by Prof Nandita Singh mark a sharp shift from the showbiz-style festivals that had come to define PU in recent proposed plan ties every council festival to a specific time of year. Agaaz, the opening event for freshers, will take place in Oct. Vimarsh will be held in Feb with a focus on discussions, debates, quizzes, and expert talks around contemporary national and global issues. Running alongside will be Scitron, a science exhibition aimed at promoting innovation and scientific temperament through inter-college and inter-university competitions. Both will be indoor events. The final fest, Jhankaar, will be organised in mid-March and will feature large-scale cultural and academic contests. No event will be permitted after March 15 due to the financial year's event must include all council members, with no division of fests between them. At least two office bearers must be assigned to each festival. All financial documents including bills, quotations, and tenders must be signed by every council member. No cash sponsorships will be accepted; funds must be deposited in a DSW-controlled bank account with a provision for audit. All stalls during events will be allotted centrally by the DSW office and none will be permitted on the upper floor of the Student fests aren't the only ones being reined in. Departmental fests like Cynide, Vortex, and Goonz will be allowed only if they are academic in nature. Star nights will not be permitted in any departmental or university-level event. DJs, flash mobs, and announcements can only take place between 1 and 2 pm at the Student Centre, and must not exceed the 50 decibel sound and music promotions will be charged as per university norms, and student council collaboration cannot be used to waive charges. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far Events like Punjab Day or Haryana Day won't be allowed at the Student of the Law Auditorium has also been capped. The president can recommend up to four functions during the tenure, the secretary three, and the vice president and joint secretary two each. Security deposit has been raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. No free bookings will be allowed for non-council cultural Day celebrations will be organised by female office bearers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo During hostel functions, the number of council members visiting hostels will be fixed by DSW and DJs in girls' hostels will be allowed only from 9 to 10 pm with prior at events will be handled by the university security chief in consultation with Chandigarh Police. The vice-chancellor, DUI, or DSW can cancel any event if the atmosphere is found to be committee's recommendations are under review and could be implemented starting the next academic festival SOP revampsFixed calendar: Agaaz (Oct), Vimarsh & Scitron (Feb), Jhankaar (March)Star nights banned in all university and department festsNo PUCSC events after March 15All council members must be involved in every festNo cash sponsorships; funds via DSW account onlyCentralised stall allotment, upper floor stalls bannedDJs/flash mobs only 1–2 pm at 50 dB limitLaw Auditorium bookings capped per office bearerDepartment fests must be strictly academicHoli guidelinesLast Holi saw outsiders jumping walls and chaos at PUHoli celebrations are now banned at Student CentreDepartments may allow Holi one day before the festival (last working day)No outsiders will be allowedStudents must ensure celebrations remain incident-freeSecurity will be deployed across campus
Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
PU panel pushes for audit checks in hostel allotments
Chandigarh: A committee formed by Panjab University has recommended a set of standard operating procedures ( SOPs ) to regulate hostel allotments, introducing an audit mechanism to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely processing. The committee, headed by Prof Nandita Singh, submitted its report on April 30 amid long-standing concerns over misuse of hostel facilities and non-transparent practices. The SOPs, if implemented successfully, will apply to all 18 hostels — eight for boys and 10 for girls — which have a combined capacity of about 7,800 students. With over 16,000 students enrolled, the reforms aim to address the acute shortage of on-campus accommodation. "These SOPs were the need of the hour and are aimed at making allotment transparent, merit-based, and accountable. They are aimed at ensuring that deserving students are not displaced by informal or ad hoc practices," said Prof Nandita. A central recommendation is the formation of an audit or standing committee to oversee hostel allotments as per the university's hostel handbook. This committee will monitor allotments through the HMS (hostel management system) portal, verify room availability, and conduct periodic visits to hostels to ensure compliance. The panel also flagged the misuse of rooms allotted on a "guest basis" — a category intended for temporary needs but often used by student leaders to house their associates. To curb this, the SOP mandates that all guest basis allotments be made only through the HMS portal and be fully visible on it. The SOPs further say that hostel admission must be completed within 48 hours of departmental admission. Daily charge allotments, including medical and need-based cases, will be capped at 5% of total hostel capacity. Students must apply for extensions two weeks before expiry of their current term, and a separate DSW office committee will review such requests — prioritising students from over 500 km away, if recommended by their department and warden. All hostel blocks and rooms must be listed on the portal, with unusable ones clearly marked. Departments must verify student categories at the time of form submission, with no changes allowed afterward. Weekly updates to the portal and staff training for the HMS system are also mandated. The Computer Centre shall help students and wardens to view allotment status, merit lists, and waiting lists through individual logins. Feedback forms will also be collected from hostel residents. Committee members included former DSW (Women) Prof Neena Caplash (Biotechnology), Prof Namita (Human Rights and Duties), Vice-Chancellor nominee Prof Dinesh Kumar (Laws), Associate Prof Vishal Sharma (Forensic Science), Assistant Professors Nishima Wangoo and Harbhinder Singh (UIET), and Computer Centre officials Anil and Mamta. If fully implemented, the SOPs could mark a major step in ending opaque hostel practices and restoring fairness in allotments — placing merit, not influence, at the centre of campus housing. BOX: Key recommendations: • All hostel allotments strictly through HMS portal • Audit committee to verify online allotments and room availability • Guest basis rooms only via portal; misuse flagged • Hostel admission within 48 hours of departmental admission • Daily charge allotments capped at 5% • No category changes after form submission • Weekly portal updates and staff training mandated • Feedback forms to be collected from residents Chandigarh: A committee formed by Panjab University has recommended a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regulate hostel allotments, introducing an audit mechanism to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely processing. The committee, headed by Prof Nandita Singh, submitted its report on April 30 amid long-standing concerns over misuse of hostel facilities and non-transparent practices. The SOPs, if implemented successfully, will apply to all 18 hostels — eight for boys and 10 for girls — which have a combined capacity of about 7,800 students. With over 16,000 students enrolled, the reforms aim to address the acute shortage of on-campus accommodation. "These SOPs were the need of the hour and are aimed at making allotment transparent, merit-based, and accountable. They are aimed at ensuring that deserving students are not displaced by informal or ad hoc practices," said Prof Nandita. A central recommendation is the formation of an audit or standing committee to oversee hostel allotments as per the university's hostel handbook. This committee will monitor allotments through the HMS (hostel management system) portal, verify room availability, and conduct periodic visits to hostels to ensure compliance. The panel also flagged the misuse of rooms allotted on a "guest basis" — a category intended for temporary needs but often used by student leaders to house their associates. To curb this, the SOP mandates that all guest basis allotments be made only through the HMS portal and be fully visible on it. The SOPs further say that hostel admission must be completed within 48 hours of departmental admission. Daily charge allotments, including medical and need-based cases, will be capped at 5% of total hostel capacity. Students must apply for extensions two weeks before expiry of their current term, and a separate DSW office committee will review such requests — prioritising students from over 500 km away, if recommended by their department and warden. All hostel blocks and rooms must be listed on the portal, with unusable ones clearly marked. Departments must verify student categories at the time of form submission, with no changes allowed afterward. Weekly updates to the portal and staff training for the HMS system are also mandated. The Computer Centre shall help students and wardens to view allotment status, merit lists, and waiting lists through individual logins. Feedback forms will also be collected from hostel residents. Committee members included former DSW (Women) Prof Neena Caplash (Biotechnology), Prof Namita (Human Rights and Duties), Vice-Chancellor nominee Prof Dinesh Kumar (Laws), Associate Prof Vishal Sharma (Forensic Science), Assistant Professors Nishima Wangoo and Harbhinder Singh (UIET), and Computer Centre officials Anil and Mamta. If fully implemented, the SOPs could mark a major step in ending opaque hostel practices and restoring fairness in allotments — placing merit, not influence, at the centre of campus housing. BOX: Key recommendations: • All hostel allotments strictly through HMS portal • Audit committee to verify online allotments and room availability • Guest basis rooms only via portal; misuse flagged • Hostel admission within 48 hours of departmental admission • Daily charge allotments capped at 5% • No category changes after form submission • Weekly portal updates and staff training mandated • Feedback forms to be collected from residents
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Panjab University to reserve one seat for women in student body polls
In a significant decision aimed at fostering greater female participation in campus politics, Panjab University (PU) is set to introduce reservation for one of the four key office-bearer positions in the Panjab University Campus Student Council (PUCSC) starting from the 2025-26 session. This move marks the first instance of any form of reservation for these coveted positions in the university's history. The decision stems from recommendations put forth by a committee, established by the vice-chancellor to overhaul the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing student elections. Led by professor Nandita Singh, this committee was tasked with drafting revised SOPs for the dean student welfare (DSW) office following a fatal stabbing incident on the campus in March. PU vice-chancellor Renu Vig confirmed that she had received the recommendations, assuring their implementation from the next academic session. 'The varsity has a large number of female students and there had been a pending proposal for a while calling for reservations in the PUCSC. With a bill passed to provide reservation for women in Lok Sabha seats, it is a step in the right direction to do this for the PU student council as well,' she said. According to the committee's recommendations, the specific office-bearer seat to be reserved—be it president, vice-president, general secretary or joint secretary—will be determined through a draw of lots conducted by the DSW office. However, this method raises the possibility that the prestigious president's seat might either be consistently overlooked or repeatedly selected. Addressing this concern, the vice-chancellor said they will monitor the situation and can choose rotational reservation for women, if needed. 'We can choose to hold a draw of lots at the start of the next session and then choose the seat to be reserved from the next session on rotational basis, either in ascending or descending order,' she said. Female students in majority yet underrepresented Despite comprising a majority of the student body, with approximately 52% female students compared to 48% male students in the last academic year, female representation in PUCSC leadership remains disproportionately low. Notably, only one female student, Kanupriya, has held the position of PUCSC president, during the 2018-19 session. Expressing her thoughts on the initiative, Kanupriya remarked, 'While I am excited about this, it seems too good to be true. PU elections are held as per the Lyngdoh Panel Guidelines and it remains to be seen how this reservation will be included while keeping with these guidelines. PU has made such promises in the past and not kept them.' She also emphasised the need for caste-based reservation within the female quota to prevent upper-caste female students from disproportionately benefiting. In some cases, parties also use women candidates to fetch votes but interfere in their working once they get elected. Something similar was seen last year when Ranmeekjot Kaur won the vice-president seat in the last session. Within a month of her election, her party Sath had cut ties with her. Speaking about the new initiative, she said, 'There is still a taboo in people's minds about women who enter politics. This initiative will normalise thinking of a career in politics for women and it is much needed.'
