Chandigarh: Panjab University (PU) has invited detailed business plans from departments, centres and employees for the operation and management of its new 2,200-seat auditorium, as the long-delayed project moves closer to inauguration. A circular issued on Jan 21 asked interested applicants to submit operational models, revenue plans and terms for the first year of functioning. Proposals must be submitted within 15 days to the executive engineer, who is convening the committee overseeing the process.
The auditorium, located in PU’s Sector 25 South Campus, has been under construction for nearly two decades. The foundation stone was laid in 2009 by then PM Manmohan Singh, but the project faced repeated delays. Officials said the structure is now nearing completion, with interior and finishing work under way ahead of a planned formal launch.VCRenu Vig said the university wants ideas on how the facility can be rented out and what kinds of programmes it should host to ensure efficient and sustainable utilisation. The venue is expected to serve as a key space for convocations, national-level conferences, cultural events and large academic gatherings.PU officials said the auditorium has been designed to seat over 2,200 people and is envisaged as one of the university’s primary event venues, catering to both campus activities and engagements with external institutions.The university is also considering inviting PM Narendra Modi for the inauguration. If finalised, it would mark the first visit by a sitting PM to PU in nearly 17 years. The inauguration is being explored for a window around March, subject to official scheduling.Officials said calling for business plans is part of preparations to have the auditorium fully functional soon after its launch, with an aim to maximise its use and integrate it meaningfully into campus & community life.
