Captain Amarinder Singh-led government on Thursday promulgated an order to repeal the Khalsa University Act, 2016, with a view to “protecting the heritage character of Khalsa College, Amritsar”.
The promulgation orders were issued here by Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore under clause (1) of Article 213 of the Constitution of India, thereby implementing a decision taken in April by the state Cabinet.
Higher Education Minister Aruna Chaudhary said the Khalsa College, Amritsar, had, over a period of time, become a significant icon of Khalsa Heritage and the university established in 2016 is likely to damage its character. Therefore, the Act ibid is proposed to be withdrawn, she said.
The Ordinance provides that admission to the affected students shall be given in other appropriate educational institutions of the state as per their eligibility, so that the interests of the students are not prejudicially affected.
The Cabinet, during its April meeting, had also decided to ensure that the students are accommodated in some other college at par, after taking their choice into consideration, to ensure that the future of the 300 students already admitted in the university is not jeopardised.
The Ordinance, called the Khalsa University (Repeal) Ordinance, 2017, will come into force on and with effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
The Khalsa University, Amritsar, was established vide Khalsa University Act, 2016, by the previous SAD-BJP alliance government.
Chief Minister Captain Amarinder had maintained that the move by the Khalsa College Society to destroy its rich heritage status by converting this prestigious institution into University was “appalling”.
It was felt that taking away a chunk of land from Khalsa College to make a university would adversely affect the existence of Khalsa College. Further, the unique identity of its building will also be diminished, with its architectural grandeur and marvel getting destroyed in the process.
