Chandigarh: Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, is set to introduce Punjabi language on all signboards and nameplates across its campus, following directions issued by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig. The move aims to promote and strengthen the use of Punjabi, the region’s mother tongue, within the university premises.
According to university officials, the decision was taken after communication received from the office of the Vice President of India. Acting on the directive, the Vice-Chancellor issued instructions through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal to begin the procurement process for new Punjabi signboards.
The development comes amid a controversy over newly installed signboards in various university departments that featured information in Hindi, English and Braille but did not include Punjabi. The omission sparked protests by student organisation “Sath,” whose members objected to the exclusion of Punjabi and reportedly damaged some of the signboards during demonstrations.
The issue later gained political attention when Anandpur Sahib Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang wrote to the Punjab Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of Panjab University, demanding the immediate inclusion of Punjabi on campus signboards.
In a communication sent to the MP, the Vice-Chancellor’s office stated that the university’s construction office had already initiated the procurement process for Punjabi signboards. Purchase orders have been issued through the GeM portal, and the installation of the new boards is expected to begin soon.
Meanwhile, the controversy also drew criticism from differently-abled students, who expressed concern over the damage caused to the existing signboards. They clarified that they supported the inclusion of Punjabi but objected to the vandalism of boards that also contained Braille information designed to assist visually impaired students.
The university’s decision is expected to address concerns raised by students and public representatives while ensuring greater linguistic representation on campus.
