Chandigarh: A Panjab University faculty member has urged the vice-chancellor to announce elections to the Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA), alleging that the process has already exceeded timelines prescribed under the association’s constitution and bye-laws.In a representation to the VC, Sonia Sharma, assistant professor at Dr SSBUICET, said the PUTA bye-laws require the election process to be notified within 15 days of the university reopening after the summer vacation and polling to be held within 45 days. PU reopened on July 13, according to the representation.The letter points out that while the process of collecting membership subscriptions began on Aug 2, the election schedule has yet to be announced. It argues that adhering to the prescribed timelines is essential for transparency and representation within the teachers’ body.Sharma has also sought inclusion of faculty members posted at PU’s regional centres in Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Kauni, citing provisions of the PUTA constitution that make all university teachers eligible for membership.The representation further questions the current functioning of the association and calls for immediate announcement of the election schedule. Copies of the letter have been sent to the PUTA president and secretary, the PU registrar and members of the association.
