Punjab's Rs 49 Crore Promise to Panjab University Remains Unfulfilled, Leaving Institution in Financial Limbo

Two years have passed since a beacon of hope briefly shone for Panjab University (PU) when the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, publicly pledged a crucial grant of Rs 49 crore. Yet, today, that promise remains a mirage, leaving the venerable institution in a deepening financial quagmire and its administration increasingly frustrated.

The announcement, made with much fanfare during a convocation in November 2022, was intended to cover the state's substantial share of the university's mounting deficit.

It offered a temporary reprieve from persistent anxieties over operational costs and staff welfare. However, the initial optimism has since dissolved into a bitter reality, as the promised funds have simply not materialized.

PU finds itself trapped in a vicious cycle of financial scarcity. The university's administration is grappling with an ever-expanding deficit, making it increasingly difficult to meet essential obligations, including the timely payment of salaries and pensions to its dedicated faculty and staff.

This prolonged uncertainty not only affects the morale of those who work tirelessly within its walls but also casts a shadow over the quality of education and research it can offer.

Despite being categorized as a central university, PU's unique financial structure mandates a significant contribution from the Punjab government.

The state is responsible for 60% of the university's deficit, while the remaining 40% is covered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) from the Centre. This specific Rs 49 crore grant was earmarked precisely to fulfill Punjab's committed portion, a responsibility that seems to have been forgotten.

University officials confirm that numerous reminders have been dispatched to the Punjab government, detailing the escalating financial distress and reiterating the urgent need for the promised allocation.

Each outreach, however, has been met with a deafening silence, leaving PU to fend for itself as its reserves dwindle and its financial stability crumbles.

The continuous delay has pushed Panjab University to the brink, threatening its ability to function effectively and plan for the future. As the academic year progresses, the unfulfilled promise serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by higher education institutions in securing necessary governmental support, leaving students, faculty, and administrators to wonder when – or if – their cries for help will finally be heard.