In a recent press conference, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announced that Punjab would not agree to affiliate colleges in Haryana with Panjab University (PU).
The statement came after the second round of discussions between Punjab Cheif Minister Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, held in the presence of Governor Banwarilal Purohit. Haryana had been demanding affiliation of its colleges with PU, but CM Mann firmly stated that Punjab would not support this proposition.
During the press conference, CM Mann highlighted that Haryana had previously established Kurukshetra University for its colleges and questioned why they were now refusing to acknowledge the value of their own university. He emphasized that PU holds great significance for Punjab, as its legacy is intertwined with public emotions, culture, and literature. CM Mann pointed out that after the partition, the original university campus in Lahore was relocated to Hoshiarpur, with a share allocation of 20:20:20:40 for Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and the Central government.
Furthermore, CM Mann revealed historical decisions made by Haryana, such as its withdrawal from affiliating its colleges with PU in 1970 and its choice not to be part of the PU senate in 1973. He argued that Haryana no longer has any rights over PU, citing a letter from the Haryana Additional Chief Secretary stating that Vice Chancellors in Haryana have been instructed to manage their own funds due to financial constraints.
CM Mann also questioned the intentions of previous governments in the state, presenting a ‘No Objection Certificate’ issued by former CM Parkash Singh Badal, which indicated Punjab’s approval if PU were to be made a central university. He highlighted two letters his government had written to the Centre, urging them to halt efforts to convert PU into a central university.
Bhagwant Mann’s opinion on Haryana Students:
CM Mann made it clear that Punjab welcomes students from Haryana, with 35% of current students on the PU campus being from Haryana. However, he firmly opposed the affiliation of Haryana colleges with PU, dismissing the possibility even with further meetings. Mann alleged that Haryana politicians were trying to seek entry into the university senate for political reasons.
It is worth noting that Haryana has been pursuing the affiliation of its colleges with Panjab University, located in Chandigarh. During the June 1 meeting, Chief Minister Khattar referenced the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, which initially assigned Haryana’s share to PU and affiliated colleges and regional centers in Haryana. However, this arrangement was later abolished through a notification issued in 1973.
The Haryana Assembly unanimously passed a resolution last year, recommending the government to seek the restoration of the state’s share in Panjab University. Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal explained that after the Kurukshetra University Act was passed, the Centre issued a notification on November 1, 1973, eliminating Haryana’s share in PU. At that time, there were 63 colleges across 18 districts in Haryana affiliated with PU.
The third round of talks between Punjab and Haryana regarding this matter is scheduled for July 3.