Panjab University Directs Affiliated Colleges to Appoint Regular Principals by January 2026

Strategic Insights -

In response to repeated complaints and representations from teachers' unions, Panjab University has directed all its affiliated colleges to appoint regular principals by January 2026. This move comes after months of engagement with faculty associations, which have demanded an end to the practice of officiating principals continuing in charge beyond the permitted period. The absence of regular principals has affected the smooth functioning and academic leadership of several colleges, including Arya College, GHG College (Gurusar Sudhar), Kamla Lohtia College, and GGN Khalsa College in Ludhiana district.

Key Takeaways:

  • Panjab University has directed all affiliated colleges to appoint regular principals by January 2026, in response to complaints from teachers' unions.
  • The university has reiterated that an officiating principal can hold charge for only six months, and that the recruitment process must strictly follow guidelines issued in previous university circulars.
  • Colleges have been instructed to advertise the post of regular principal immediately and complete the appointment process by the end of 2025.
  • Failure to comply with the deadline may result in correspondence from officiating principals not being entertained.
  • Teachers' unions, including the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers' Union (PCCTU) and the Association of United College Teachers (AUCT), have welcomed the move and expressed hope that it will lead to transparency and stability in college administration.

Statistics:

  • January 2026: Deadline for appointment of regular principals in affiliated colleges.
  • Six months: Maximum period an officiating principal can hold charge.
  • 20 days: Timeframe given to colleges in a previous letter to start the appointment process.
  • November 30, 2025: Deadline for colleges to complete the appointment process and avoid correspondence with officiating principals.

Sources:

  • [Hindustan Times]
  • Physiology of Hindustan Times Digital Content Services