Named as AICC secy in Cong meet, PU's spokesperson under lens
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Chandigarh: Panjab University's official spokesperson attended a closed-door Haryana Congress event during Rahul Gandhi's visit to Chandigarh on June 4 — with his name not only on the official attendee list but also mentioned as AICC Secretary, raising serious concerns over political involvement by a serving university official.
Vineet Punia, director of public relations at the university, is named on page 2 of the list titled 'Meeting of Senior Leadership at Chanakya Hall, HPCC,' signed by Haryana Congress incharge B K Hariprasad. The Indian National Congress website also identifies him as AICC secretary (communication, publicity, media). Photographs accessed by this reporter confirmed his presence at the June 4 event.
University officials confirmed that an internal inquiry into Punia's political activities is already in progress.
According to top PU officials, he has reportedly denied holding any official party position even during the inquiry, but the documentation suggests otherwise.
Registrar Prof YP Verma said, "Each employee of the university is bound by the service rules and regulations of the university. If there is violation, university will act as per PU rules."
While PU service conduct is not specific on employee holding position in a political party, it states that "no employee shall take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any way any political movement."
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The same rules require employees to seek prior approval before contesting elections to any legislative or local body. Breach of these rules may invite disciplinary action.
Punia did not respond to queries.
BOX- HOLDING PARTY POSITION NOT RIGHT: VC
PU vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig said holding a political position while serving in the university is wrong and should not be allowed to go unchecked. "We will look into the matter. While affiliations may exist, holding a position in a political party while serving in the university system is not appropriate and raises serious concerns," she said.
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