Panjab University not to withhold results of SC students not paying fees on time

In September, PU had issued a circular stating that SC students, under PMS scheme, would be required to pay course and examination fees from the next academic session (2023-24) onward.

The meeting further decided that while the results of eligible students, under PMS, would not withheld, the words 'fees pending' would be displayed alongside their results. (File)

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The syndicate meeting of Panjab University (PU) was held in Chandigah on Saturday, during which a host of decisions were taken, the primary of which being that the results of Scheduled Caste (SC) students from Punjab enrolled under the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) scheme not being withheld even if they failed to pay their fees on time.

As per minutes of Saturday’s meeting, such students — estimated to be around 1,500 in number — will not be asked to pay late examination fees, and even if fees are paid late, their results will not be withheld. The meeting further decided that while the results of eligible students, under PMS, would not withheld, the words ‘fees pending’ would be displayed alongside their results.

In September, PU had issued a circular stating that SC students, under PMS scheme, would be required to pay course and examination fees from the next academic session (2023-24) onward. This decision was made due to approximately Rs 20.95 crore pending from the Punjab government since 2013-14. The circular mentioned that the fees would be reimbursed to students by the Punjab government under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

On Saturday, after the meeting, Dean of Students Welfare (DSW) at PU, Professor Jatinder Grover, confirmed, “The PU syndicate decided not to charge any late examination fees from SC students studying under PMS scheme in the university.”

Apart from this, the PU syndicate approved the creation of one additional seat for transgender students in each course in PU Teaching Departments and Regional Centres from the next academic session (2024-25). Applicants for the above seat must meet all eligibility criteria set by PU and provide certificates from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the concerned District Magistrate regarding their gender.

PU vice chancellor, Professor Renu Vig, during the meeting, informed the syndicate that the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, has been allocated Rs. 118.0 lakh under Level B category by the DST for 5 years based on the recommendation of the FIST Advisory Board.

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Meanwhile, the syndicate approved minutes related to the committee framing templates and application forms for direct recruitment for professor and principal (constituent colleges) as per UGC regulations. The syndicate also endorsed the committee’s recommendations to formulate guidelines for PhD students according to UGC guidelines, ensuring eligibility conditions for registration in the interdisciplinary Centre for Swami Vivekananda Studies were consistent with those already notified in the handbook of information.

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In a separate development, the Ambedkar Students Forum (ASF) held a protest outside the venue of the syndicate meeting, submitting a memorandum to syndicate members later to prevent adverse decisions against SC students regarding the discontinuation of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme.

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panjab university