4 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Twelve non-government affiliated colleges in Punjab and Chandigarh are set to appear before a Panjab University affiliation committee for failing to appoint regular principals despite repeated reminders and show-cause notices.
The university has directed the presidents of the respective governing bodies to appear before the committee on September 11 and explain why regular principals have not been appointed.
Colleges Yet to Comply With PU Rules
The 12 colleges have continued to function with officiating principals beyond the prescribed six-month period under the Panjab University Calendar.
Of the 12 institutions, four are located in Ludhiana, while the others are spread across Chandigarh, SBS Nagar, Abohar, Ferozepur, Muktsar, Moga and Hoshiarpur.
From 42 Colleges to 12
The latest action follows a longer compliance exercise by Panjab University.
Last October, the university sent reminders to colleges asking them to appoint regular principals. Those that failed to comply were subsequently issued show-cause notices in December.
The number of colleges violating the requirement has since fallen from 42 last year to 12 now, indicating that most institutions have acted on the university’s directions.
Four Ludhiana Colleges on the List
The four Ludhiana institutions facing the committee’s action are:
- Arya College
- Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College
- Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College for Women, Kamalpura
- Malwa Central College of Education for Women
The remaining colleges are located in other parts of Punjab and Chandigarh.
Other Colleges Facing Action
The complete list of colleges includes:
- Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
- MBB GGG Girls College, Rattewal, SBS Nagar
- DAV College of Education, Abohar
- Baba Kundan Singh Co-education College, Ferozepur
- Guru Nanak College, Cantonment Area, Ferozepur
- Dasmesh Girls College of Education, Badal, Muktsar
- Guru Nanak College, Moga
- Arya College, Ludhiana
- Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Ludhiana
- Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College for Women, Kamalpura, Ludhiana
- Malwa Central College of Education for Women, Ludhiana
- Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Hoshiarpur
Six-Month Limit for Officiating Principals
Panjab University has maintained that an officiating principal cannot continue in the position indefinitely.
According to the university’s rules, principals cannot remain in office beyond six months in an officiating capacity. The affiliation committee has therefore summoned the governing-body presidents to explain the continued non-compliance.
PU Questions Official Correspondence
The university has also raised concerns about official correspondence being issued under the signatures of unapproved officiating principals or teachers appointed by college managements.
This has added another dimension to the university’s concerns over the administrative functioning of colleges without duly appointed regular principals.
Teachers’ Rights Also at Stake
The issue has implications beyond administrative appointments.
Dr Varun Goel, executive member of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union, said an officiating principal could continue teaching but should not undertake administrative functions beyond the permitted period.
He said the absence of regular principals could affect teachers’ rights and students’ interests.
Governing Bodies Under Pressure
The latest notices put the responsibility on the governing bodies of the affected colleges to explain the delay and take corrective action.
The September 11 hearing before the affiliation committee is expected to provide the institutions an opportunity to respond to the university’s concerns.
University Seeks Compliance
Panjab University’s action reflects its effort to ensure that affiliated colleges follow its regulations governing institutional administration.
With the number of non-compliant colleges already reduced substantially, the university is now focusing on the remaining institutions that have not completed the process of appointing regular principals.
September 11 Hearing
The presidents of the governing bodies of all 12 colleges have been asked to appear before the affiliation committee on September 11.
The hearing could determine the next course of action if the colleges fail to provide satisfactory explanations or demonstrate concrete steps towards appointing regular principals.