The Punjab Students Union (PSU) staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office against the National Education Policy (NEP). Student groups from different colleges participated in large numbers.
PSU national coordinator Amandeep Singh Khiowali said the NEP was an attack on the rights of states. He pointed out that though education lies in the Concurrent List, state governments had no say in framing the policy, even though they bear most of the funding. He demanded that education be moved to the State List so Punjab could create its own policy.
District secretary Gurdhian Singh raised concerns over Punjabi University increasing subjects from five to nine without enough teachers. He said many courses only exist on paper and demanded their cancellation.
District president Gurdas Singh urged the Punjab Government to pass a law providing 90% job reservation for state residents. He also proposed that candidates score at least 30% in Punjabi for government jobs.
District leader Vakshit opposed the 100% hike in examination fees at Punjabi University. He said this has placed an extra financial burden on students. PSU leaders warned they would intensify their struggle if demands were ignored.
