Chandigarh/Patiala, Dec 7: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced a ₹30-crore financial package for Punjabi University Patiala, calling the move essential to protect students’ academic continuity amid the institution’s worsening financial crisis. Mann made the announcement while addressing hundreds of students during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Zaria Foundation held on the university campus.
“This fund is being released because Punjab cannot allow even a single student to see their studies interrupted,” Mann told the gathering. “Punjabi University is tied to the cultural identity of our state. Its preservation is our responsibility.”
The Chief Minister said the grant reflects the state’s broader vision to rebuild the education sector, noting that the government has resisted reducing the education budget despite financial challenges. “Investment in education is not an expense — it is building the foundation of Punjab’s future,” he said.
Punjabi University Patiala, one of North India’s oldest universities dedicated to regional language and culture studies, has faced severe financial strain for years. Rising operating costs, delays in grants and a resource deficit pushed core services — including salaries, research projects, faculty development and maintenance — into a fragile state.
Officials said the newly released funds will cover staff salaries that had been stalled, essential administrative obligations, repairs and upgrades to academic facilities, and development of digital learning systems. A large part of the university’s library and research infrastructure has been affected by the financial crunch, and departments have repeatedly flagged the absence of updated learning resources.
Students welcomed the announcement with applause and relief. “We had reached a point where classes were being reshuffled, labs were stuck and teachers were under pressure,” said Amarjit Singh, a computer science student. “This grant gives us breathing room and lets us focus on our careers again.”
Teachers said the announcement could help stabilise the institution in the short term, though they stressed the need for long-term financial planning. Several departments have been pushing for updated equipment, digitisation, and repair of academic spaces, all of which have been pending for years.
During the event, Mann commended the work of the Zaria Foundation, which has spent a decade working on youth development, women’s empowerment and grassroots social programmes. He said strong partnerships between government and civil society organisations ensure development reaches more people.
Officials in the finance department said the university must now submit a utilisation report every quarter. They added that further support can be considered, depending on the institution’s compliance and needs. “This grant is meant to stabilise the situation immediately,” an official said. “Long-term solutions will require structural reforms at the university level.”
Education experts said the announcement sends a positive signal at a time when many public universities in Punjab are struggling. With private institutions expanding, they said it is crucial for the government to reinforce state-run universities to keep quality education accessible to all.
For the thousands of students enrolled at Punjabi University Patiala, the ₹30-crore grant has brought a renewed sense of stability. As the funds begin flowing into academic and administrative systems, the university is expected to resume its routine functioning with fewer disruptions, giving students the confidence that their education remains secure.
