PU announces Rs 12.5L aid for slain student's family

Chandigarh: Panjab University (PU) authorities announced Rs 12.5 lakh in financial aid for Aditya Thakur's family, bringing an end to the student protest outside the vice-chancellor's office demanding justice for him. The decision came after a meeting between Aditya's relatives and VC Prof Renu Vig, where the demand for compensation and educational support for Aditya's sister was accepted.

Aditya Thakur, a student of UIET, was stabbed during a concert at PU's Sector 25 campus. He succumbed to his injuries a day later.

A committee comprising Prof Emmanuel Nahar, Prof Nandita, Prof Navdeep Goyal, dean student welfare (DSW) Prof Amit Chauhan, DSW (Women) Prof Simrit Kahlon, and Associate DSW Prof Naresh Kumar was formed to oversee the implementation of these measures. The committee issued a notification in the afternoon detailing the financial assistance package.

As per the notification, Rs 5 lakh will be provided to Aditya's parents from the Poor Student Welfare Fund. An additional Rs 6 lakh will be sanctioned from the Amalgamated Fund, with Rs 2 lakh released annually over three years. The honorarium of one year from the Dean Student Welfare and Associate Dean Student Welfare will also be transferred to Aditya's parents.

In addition to financial support, Aditya's sister will be granted free education at PU, including its regional centres and affiliated colleges, and will receive free accommodation in the PU girls' hostel once admitted.

Vice-chancellor Renu Vig assured Aditya's family that action against any responsible officials was being taken, with a magisterial inquiry already in progress.

Vikas, Aditya's maternal uncle, expressed gratitude to the protesting students for their relentless support. Student leaders, including PUCSC president Anurag Dalal, PUCSC joint secretary Jasvinder Rana, Jashan, Rajwinder, Divyansh Thakur, Ashmeet Mann, Darshpreet, Rajat Puri, Vishal Malik, Navpreet Ganga, Avneet Negi, Anushka, and Diwanshi were present at the protest site. They vowed to continue seeking justice for Aditya and to push the Chandigarh Police and administration for further action.

BOX: Financial relief

Rs 5 lakh will be sanctioned to Aditya's parents from the Poor Student Welfare Fund

Rs 6 lakh will be sanctioned from the Amalgamated Fund, with Rs 2 lakh released annually over three years

The honorarium of one year from the dean student welfare and associate dean student welfare will be transferred to Aditya's parents.

Aditya's sister will be granted free education at PU, including its regional centres and affiliated colleges, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She will also be provided free accommodation in the PU girls' hostel once she secures admission.

BOX - PU appoints adviser and OSD for secure campus

Amid demands by various student parties to remove the chief of university security after the death of Aditya Thakur, Panjab University appointed Prof Anil Monga as adviser (campus security) and Tejinder Singh Sandhu, who retired as SP Bathinda (detective), as OSD (campus security) to enhance safety measures. Prof Monga brings academic and security expertise, while Sandhu, a retired senior police officer, has decades of law enforcement experience.