Stopped at VC office, Syndics protest delay in House meeting

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 23

Miffed over being stopped from entering the office of the Panjab University (PU) Vice-Chancellor and not getting proper treatment, Syndicate members threatened the VC to stop personal attacks or be ready to face the music.

However, the VC denied taking any dictation from Syndics and maintained that the entry doors of the office were locked keeping in view the security protocol.

“This is a public office and cannot be locked. As Syndicate members, we have the right to enter this office. Not even the police or Army can stop us. If the authorities continue to launch such personal attacks, we will reply with the same intensity along with proofs, which will put many in trouble. We have everything,” said Syndic Ashok Goyal.

“I won’t be taking any dictation from Syndics on this matter. The gates were locked considering security protocol. There’s nothing to make a fuss about,” said Prof Raj Kumar, Vice-Chancellor (VC).

Heated arguments between VC, Syndics

A 30-minute heated argument started at the assembly area of the VC office after Syndicate members reached here to meet him. Syndics maintained that they were here to inform the VC about the meeting, which was not scheduled as per the PU calendar and was called by members themselves. However, on being stopped at the office entry gate Syndics were forced to call the VC to a common area in the presence of media to hold an open discussion.

“Syndics were shocked to find the Senate hall, Syndicate room and Senate lounge locked. Deeply anguished over this, we marched towards the VC office. To our utter dismay, all gates around office were closed immediately. Syndics condemned such an act of the VC wherein members were declined entry into the office,” said Syndic Harpreet Singh Dua.

Issues raised by Syndics

“Syndicate members expressed their resentment over the fact that Senate meeting has not been convened for the last 11 months while the last Syndicate meeting was held more than four months ago. We expressed disappointment over different alibis used by the VC,” added Dua.

“The VC postponed Senate elections in August on the pretext of Covid-19 pandemic and later citing lack of economic resources for conducting poll besides, unwillingness of the non-teaching staff to perform election duties. Now, he has put the onus on the Chancellor,” said Dua.

Syndics demanded to hold an immediate physical meeting. They maintained that all decisions taken by the authorities were illegal and need immediate action.

“The authorities have taken decision in anticipation of house’s approval, but without informing its members. The VC should tell if he is under pressure by the Chancellor or any other group so that we can go and meet him/them. We are here as the VC is approving all orders,” added Goyal.

Meeting should be held as soon as possible, said Syndics. The campus had appropriate venues to hold meeting of 15 to 20 people, they added.

Meeting at appropriate time, says Vice-Chancellor

The VC maintained that the meeting would be held at an appropriate time and in a safe environment. Syndicate members were free to meet the Chancellor, the VC added. “We are not denying to hold Syndicate meeting. But, it will be held at an appropriate time and when the current situation gets normal. If something happens, the blame will be passed on to the authorities without giving a second thought,” said Prof Raj Kumar.

“Syndicate members are free to meet the Chancellor. Earlier, also they met Punjab Governor, UT Administrator and many other officials. We (PU) have to abide by rules, authorities decision and Covid-19 situation. Such pressure tactics won’t make us to say or do things according to Syndics or any other individual,” he added.