Another unexpected twist in the ongoing administrative changes at Panjab University came when the vetting panel decided to temporarily stop the newly proposed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This SOP was brought in to strengthen the university’s governance system, increase departmental transparency and create clear rules for functioning. But the decision to stop it immediately has started fresh discussions on the campus.
According to university internal sources, the vetting panel believes that the proposed SOP has not yet been fully consulted with professor groups, student representatives and legal committees. Some members also said that implementing such a major change immediately without a broad consensus could further increase the existing administrative tension.
Student bodies have welcomed the decision to stop the SOP. They say the new SOP would concentrate excessive power in a few offices, which is against the democratic spirit of the university. On the other hand, some teachers believe that the delay will further delay reforms that are essential for the university’s academic and financial sustainability.
The decision has raised a big question again — where does the university’s autonomy stand? After the opposition that the recent central government’s proposed structural changes met with, many scholars believe that no new policy should be implemented without complete transparency.
For now, the SOP is on hold, and the vetting panel is preparing for further consultations and a more inclusive draft. The campus is now waiting to see if whatever policy is implemented strengthens the university, not divides it.