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Amarjot Kaur
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 18
Pertinent issues mentioned in the Panjab University agenda were tabled at its Syndicate meeting here on Monday.
While the issue of transgender students' fee waiver was the crowning glory, especially in view of revoking the condition imposed on their right to dissent, other issues such as the extension of Dr Bhushan Kumar Sharma as Principal of Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma (GGDSD) College, Sector 32, were met with commotion too. Besides the appointment of a new Dean Research at PU, three members — Navdeep Goyal, Ashok Goyal and Gurdeep Sharma — have been appointed to form more committees.
Transgender students can take part in protests
About a month ago, a committee comprising Finance and Development Officer (FDO) Vikram Nayyar, Dean of University Instructions (DUI) Shankarji Jha, DSW Prof Emanuel Nahar, DSW (Women) Prof Neena Caplash, along with the first transgender student of PU, Dhananjay Chauhan, had agreed to give a full fee waiver to the transgender students on the campus. However, the Syndicate members have revoked the condition that the transgender students could not participate in protests or 'dharnas'.
A new panel has been formed to look into the guidelines on providing full tuition and examination fee concession to transgender students suggested by the committee.
Ludhiana colleges get 15 days to reply
The Syndicate accepted the reports of a PU panel that had accused three Ludhiana colleges -- SDP College, Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women and Atam Valabh Jain College -- of exploiting teachers and had uncovered their mass irregularities.
The colleges will have to file replies to the Syndicate within 15 days and an appropriate action will be taken thereafter.
Seniormost to be Dean Research
In December, the Syndicate divested Prof SK Tomar from the post of the Dean Research. Tomar, who held the post for 12 days, had reportedly been appointed by PU Vice Chancellor Prof Raj Kumar. On November 26, the VC had dissolved the Research Promotion Cell and revived the post of the Dean Research. The Syndicate decided to appoint the seniormost professor for the post of the Dean Research.
Principal’s extension
The Syndicate was to take a call on giving extension to Dr Bhushan K Sharma, who has retired as principal of GGDSD College, Sector 32, Chandigarh. It was decided that he would be re-appointed on a contract basis until the college appointed the new principal. According to sources, two members -- KK Sharma and Jagdeep Sharma -- registered their dissent on the matter. "Personally, I have high regard for Dr Bhushan, but as a representative of the teacher's constituency, I feel that a chance must be given to other eligible candidates too," said KK Sharma.
"The Syndicate has miserably failed in protecting PU calendar due to vested interests of few syndics on the issue of illegal re-employment of principals after the age of 60 years. Today's decision of giving extension to Principal Bhushan is a complete violation of PU and UGC regulations. Now, we shall seek a special session of Senate to revert this unlawful decision. A letter in this regard shall soon be given to the Vice-Chancellor," Senator Subhash Sharma said.
Punjab hikes PU Grant
In its budget, the Punjab Government has reportedly enhanced the grant to the PU by 6 per cent. The PU V-C welcomed the step, but said that the university needed more finances for research and innovation.
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