VC Punjabi university issue gag order to university staff-not to talk to media
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
Prof. Arvind, vice chancellor Punjabi university Patiala has issued a gag order to all the head of the departments, deans, deans of faculties and registrar of the university “to not to talk to the media, portraying the university in a bad light.”
In a latest communication addressed to all the deans, deans of faculties, head of the department and registrar, Prof. Arvind, vice chancellor Punjabi university Patiala has accused media for fishing for sensational news, which makes the university authorities to make statements about university matters. He further added that “the media uses our statements in their own way and we do not have much control on how the news item appears. Therefore it is important to be very careful in this context, it is advisable to not to talk to media and give statements in social media about university matters. If required , you could give a formal written statement through PRO’s office , to avoid being misquoted and to avoid your verbal statements being misrepresented in the media, when in doubt, it is better to be careful and request the media to directly contact the VC’s office for clarifications.”
VC further added that “academic achievements of individuals and departments should be showcased in the media and social media without hesitation.”
When contacted the registrar of the university Varinder Kaushik and dean college development council Dr Gurpreet Singh Lehal, confirmed the orders. When contacted dean research Dr Ashok Kumar Tiwary, he said” as of now, I haven’t received any such orders.” When contacted a head of the department, she said, “Yes I have received the orders.”
VC Punjabi university issue gag order to university staff-not to talk to media. A university staff on the condition of anonymity said, “Media has played a constructive role in highlighting the achievements of Punjabi University, Patiala, from time to time. Restricting media from doing coverage is not a welcome step. They are doing their duty.”
September 13,2021
