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Panjab University (PU) has proposed implementing a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in its recruitments, with 12% of these seats specifically for candidates from Punjab. This move follows recommendations from a committee set up by the vice-chancellor after two student groups, Students For Society (SFS) and Sath Party, held a sit-in protest. The dean of student welfare (DSW) handed the proposal to the protesting groups, assuring them that the matter would be addressed promptly. The letter, seen by HT, outlines the steps and timeline for implementation.

Challenges and next steps

PU has faced challenges in adopting the OBC quota, torn between following the Punjab policy, which specifies a 12% reservation, and the central policy, which specifies 27%. The latest proposal aims to balance both policies. However, the proposal requires approval from PU's senate and syndicate before it can be implemented. The vice-chancellor has forwarded the recommendations to the regulation committee, as mentioned in the letter to the students.

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The Sath Party accepted the proposal and ended their protest, but SFS continues to protest, arguing that the proposal does not address student admissions and only applies to future recruitments. SFS president Sandeep criticized the proposal for not covering current recruitments.

Admission quota concerns

Implementing the OBC quota for student admissions poses additional challenges. Currently, 55.5% of seats are for general students and 44.5% for reserved categories. Increasing the reserved seats would exceed the constitutional limit of 50%. In the mid-2000s, PU attempted to implement OBC reservations per central rules and sought additional funding from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for extra seats. However, the UGC did not approve this, stating that the central policy applies only to centrally funded institutions. PU, as an inter-state body corporate, does not qualify under this policy. 

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The ongoing discussions aim to find a viable solution that accommodates both Punjab-specific and central policies while ensuring fair representation for OBC candidates in both recruitment and admissions.