"PAU’s Global Success Belongs to Punjab, Not Propaganda Posters”: Padma Shri Pargat Singh
Jalandhar(The Uttam Hindu): Padma Shri Pargat Singh, MLA and Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, today congratulated Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, for being ranked among the Top 100 agriculture universities in the world, calling it a matter of immense pride for every Punjabi. However, he strongly condemned the Aam Aadmi Party’s attempt to convert this institutional achievement into a political celebration.
“PAU’s global standing is the result of decades of dedication by Punjab’s scientists, students, and farming community—not a 2.5-year-old government campaign. Let us celebrate the institution, not politicise it,” Pargat Singh said.
He acknowledged that governments can and should support institutions—but they must do so with policy and funding, not just social media banners and posters.
“55% Scientist Posts Vacant, Yet They Print Posters?”
Pargat Singh reminded that as recently as February 2025, he raised in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that more than 55% of sanctioned scientist posts and 65% of essential staff positions at PAU were lying vacant.
“If the AAP government truly believes in PAU’s potential, they should act to strengthen it. Why celebrate abroad what you’re weakening at home?”
He also pointed to several recent instances of political interference at PAU, including the detention of university professors during the bypolls and the organisation of political events within the campus — something that has never happened before in the university’s proud history.
“Governments come and go. Institutions stand the test of time.”
“We all feel proud of PAU’s global honour. But real tribute would be protecting its autonomy, filling vacant posts, and giving it financial support—not taking credit on stage or posters,” Pargat Singh added.
He called on the AAP government to immediately announce a roadmap to recruit staff, address faculty concerns, and stop using educational campuses for political PR.
A Call for Respect, Not Propaganda
Pargat Singh concluded with a message to all political parties:
“PAU is not a trophy for any party—it is Punjab’s academic crown jewel. Respect it. Invest in it. But please, don’t hijack its achievements for momentary applause".