Punjab University and DAV College of Chandigarh, once known as centres of excellence, are gaining notoriety for violent student skirmishes and scuffles. The last few days have seen a spurt in student violence as rival groups settle scores with firearms. It is amazing that a handful of student leaders are allowed to tarnish the image of a premier institute. This could affect student placements. If the university collects hefty charges for various courses, the authorities are duty-bound to provide a peaceful academic environment and banish the anti-social elements masquerading as student leaders with or without police help.
The Vice-Chancellor cannot escape responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation on the campus. If the VC lets hoodlum flourish, the principals of colleges are not expected to control them. Every time a major incident takes place, the police is called in and cases are registered. But before courts reach the conviction stage, students work out a compromise. It seems so easy to take the university authorities and the police for a ride. The police has failed to disarm them. The parents of the students are either not informed or they too appear helpless. From scuffles students have graduated to the use of firearms because no one has stopped them and given the lesson they so badly need. If not checked at this stage, they could get emboldened to take the law into their own hands whenever things don't go their way.
Higher education is still a privilege. There is a shortage of good academic institutions. For every student admitted to a university course there are many others rejected for not performing well enough. The students who don't value the worth of their being in the university and, instead of studying, resort to illegal activities, should be thrown out to accommodate the more deserving.
