A five-member delegation from the Panjab University (PU) met Human Resources Development minister Kapil Sibal and apprised him about their and the university’s demand for central status for the PU.

Sibal gave them a patient hearing but expressed his helplessness in granting central status to the university.

Students who met Sibal said they were explained the States Reorganisation Act, according to which Punjab has a stake in the Panjab University and is liable to pay 40 per cent of the total estimated annual budget to university.

Sibal told students that the ministry cannot grant central university status to PU until the Punjab government gives a no-objection certificate or withdraws its stake.

Though the students were categorically denied by Sibal, it was after much persuasion that he agreed to send a letter to the Punjab government asking them to give their share of the budget as the PU is struggling to give proper education to its students due to shortage of funds.

Nitin Goyal, NSUI state president who was a member of the delegation, said, “The HRD minister told us that he would ask the Punjab government to give their share of the budget and to withdraw their stake from the university if they cannot give the money.”

Students added that they now will take up the issue with the Punjab government and apprise them of the difficulties being faced in the absence of funds.

SOPU president Barinder Dhillon, who was also a member of the delegation, said, “Punjab should support the PU as it is its own university. We will join hands with PUTA on the issue.” Other members of the delegation included Shivani Negi, Sunny Mehta and Manu Madan.