Punjab Newspaper

Panjab University, Chandigarh has only 2.20 per cent students who come from a rural background, while Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar has 3.01 per cent students.
On the other hands, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana has 4.17 and Punjabi University, Patiala has 8.16 per cent.
This was revealed in a book “Rural Students in Universities of Punjab” published by Punjabi University Patiala. The book is based on a survey which was conducted by Prof. R.S. Ghuman, Dr. Sukhwinder Singh and Dr. Jaswinder Singh of the department of Economics. The book was released by Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Deputy Chief Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Bhattal said that the report was an eye opener for the government as well as plannes of educational policy. Appreciating the initiative of the Vice Chancellor in conceptualizing this idea, she assured that adequate steps would be taken by the government to spread rural education in the state.
Vice Chancello of Punjabi University, S S Boparai urged the Deputy Chief Minister that in order to empower the rural people, which comprises more than two third population of the state provision of higher education for ruralties was imperative. He also cautioned the policy makers that neglect of ruralites would dampen the overall socio-economic development of Punjab. He urged the deputy C.M. to make budgetary provisions for rural higher education in Punjab.
The book has been published by Punjabi University.