CHANDIGARH-APRIL 7, 2008: It is in regard to whether Panjab University should be given the status of Central University. This debate is a burning issue in the media from the last few days.
Few days back in a section of the press, it has appeared that Panjab University should not be given the status of Central University because it will weaken the claim of Punjab on Chandigarh. Here I am to say that if P.U. is given status of Central University, it will rather reduce the financial burden of Punjab Government. It will be in favour of Panjab University as well as Punjab Government.
By making P.U. as Central University as Central University is a purely academic matter. It will help in improving the status of research as well as welfare of the students. It will help in making peaceful atmosphere at P.U. Campus. The teachers as well as students will feel better if P.U. is given the status of Central University.
Panjab University is an autonomous body. By making it Central University, it will get its real status which is an autonomous body require. Today too in a section of press, it has been mentioned that about 37 crore is lying pending with the Punjab Government out of its share to P.U. In my views Punjab Government should give full hearted support to the demand of Central Status to P.U. It will decrease the financial burden of the Punjab Government as is done in the case of P.G.I. by making P.G.I. a Central Institute.