Punjab minister visits university, students confront him over Rs 150-crore debt

Punjab's health minister, Dr Balbir Singh, faced a protest by students at the campus of the Punjabi University in Patiala over various issues, including hostel infrastructure and a looming financial crisis. The scene unfolded on Wednesday.Members of student outfit Democratic Students Organisation raised slogans and confronted the minister during a state-level programme organised for the launch of the Punjab AIDS Control Society’s Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0, where he was the chief guest.The protesting students demanded that the Punjab government waive the public university's debt of around Rs 150 crore. They also sought the immediate release of government funds for the university.The students also questioned Dr Singh over Punjabi University's financial crisis. According to the outfit, when he was asked about the funding issue, he told them to approach the education minister, saying that he was the health minister and did not have information about the matter. The response drew criticism from the students, who questioned how a Punjab government minister visiting the university could be unaware of the problems facing the institution and its students.STUDENTS FLAG HOSTEL CONDITIONSThe protesters also flagged the condition of Punjabi University’s hostels. The student organisation alleged that despite a large number of students studying at the university, hostel facilities remain inadequate. According to the organisation, some rooms are overcrowded, with three to four students being compelled to share a single room. Students also alleged that the hostels lacked adequate drinking water, toilets and other basic amenities.The outfit demanded that the Punjab government construct new hostels and renovate the existing ones.WARNING OVER FEE HIKEStudents also opposed any proposed increase in university fees and warned the administration that a fee hike would trigger protests.The Democratic Students Organisation said that if government funding for Punjabi University is not released and the students’ demands are not addressed, it will intensify its agitation against the university administration and the AAP government in the state.- EndsPublished On: Aug 13, 2026 09:33 IST