Punjab University Vice-Chancellor’s term can be extended by 4 months one day before expiry

Chandigarh: Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Cheema Vig has been granted a four-month extension, the Center issued a formal notification on March 27, a day before her tenure was to end.According to a notification issued by the Secretariat of the Vice President of India and Chancellor of Punjab University, the extension will be effective from March 29, 2026. As per the provisions of Section 10 of the Punjab University Act, 1947, Professor Vig will continue to abide by the existing terms and conditions for four months.The development comes amid days of uncertainty for the university’s leadership, with a search-and-selection committee not formed until the final week of her term. The delay sparked speculation in academic and administrative circles about whether the incumbent would receive an extension or be replaced through a new appointment process.Professor Vig initially took over as Acting Chancellor on January 16, 2023, following the resignation of Professor Raj Kumar. On March 21, 2023, a three-member selection committee was formed and within a few days, she was appointed principal from among more than 140 applicants. She officially took office on March 29, 2023.By contrast, no such action has been initiated this time, despite the approaching deadline. The extension now provides immediate administrative continuity while giving the authority more time to begin and complete the selection process for the Executive Vice-Chancellor.The notification was signed by the Secretary to the Vice President and has been forwarded to key authorities including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Education Ministry, University Grants Commission and Registrar of Punjab University for necessary action.In this way, the possibility of a vacuum in university leadership has been averted for now, although attention is expected to turn to the formation of a search-cum-selection committee in the coming weeks.