India reverses plan to overhaul Panjab University’s governance after protests.

The Union Ministry of Education has reversed its October 28 order to restructure Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate, rescinding the move on November 7, 2025. The decision follows widespread protests from students, faculty, former vice-chancellors, and the Punjab government, along with extensive stakeholder consultations. Originally issued under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the plan aimed to replace elected governing bodies with nominated ones based on a 2021 High Level Committee’s recommendations. The ministry cited concerns over academic autonomy and institutional independence, concluding the changes were not in the university’s best interest. The reversal highlights tensions over central control in higher education governance.