Panjab University recently came into the spotlight for attempting to curtail the democratic rights of students. It is noteworthy that the university administration had been continuously pressuring students to sign a controversial affidavit during the new academic session. To demand the withdrawal of this controversial affidavit and to safeguard students’ democratic rights, a delegation of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) met Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, in New Delhi. The ABVP delegation strongly urged the Secretary to withdraw the affidavit-related decision.
The delegation also raised the issue of student representation in the University Senate, stating that students must have representation in the Senate to ensure that their voice is effectively heard before the administration. The Secretary of Higher Education assured the delegation that this demand will be duly considered.
Panjab University Students’ Union President Gauravveer Singh Sohal said, “The motive behind this affidavit was to suppress students’ democratic rights. From the very first day, ABVP opposed this decision and even staged a sit-in and gherao outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office. ABVP’s foremost priority has always been student welfare, and we have consistently fought for student rights in Panjab University. Following this, an ABVP delegation met the Secretary, Higher Education Department, in Delhi, demanding the withdrawal of the controversial affidavit — a demand which has now been accepted. The withdrawal of this affidavit is a victory for every student, and ABVP will continue to work relentlessly for student interests.”
ABVP’s National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki said, “Such decisions imposed on students in Panjab University were a direct attack on their freedom and democratic rights. ABVP firmly believes that dialogue, free expression, and participation form the true essence of academic culture in universities. Forcing an affidavit upon students was completely unjust and an infringement of their rights. The decision to withdraw the affidavit proves that the voice of student power is both impactful and decisive.”
The delegation included Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, National General Secretary, ABVP; Shivangi Kharwal, National Secretary, ABVP; Gauravveer Singh Sohal, President, Panjab University Students’ Union; Arpita Malik, student of Panjab University and National Co-Convenor, Khelo Bharat; and Gaurav Attri, North Zone Organising Secretary, ABVP.