The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has introduced a sweeping ban on dancing to Indian songs and other activities deemed “immoral and indecent” in colleges across the province. The directive, outlined in a circular issued to Directors of Colleges and Principals of both public and private institutions, aims to regulate student behavior during extracurricular events such as sports galas and fun fairs.
The PHEC’s circular explicitly prohibits performances involving Bollywood songs, alongside the use of “obscene clothing or language,” as part of a broader effort to uphold moral standards among students. The commission emphasized that college administrations bear the responsibility of fostering both the educational and ethical development of male and female students alike.
“Such activities contradict the values we seek to instill in our youth,” the circular stated, underscoring the commission’s stance on preserving cultural and moral integrity within educational institutions.
The new regulations come with a stern warning: strict disciplinary action will be taken against college officials or students found violating the ban. While the circular did not specify the nature of the penalties, it signaled a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some administrators and parents have welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary step to curb what they describe as “cultural erosion” influenced by foreign entertainment. Others, however, see it as an overreach, arguing that it stifles creativity and personal expression among students.
This is not the first time Punjab’s educational authorities have intervened in campus activities. Previous measures have included dress code enforcement and restrictions on certain events, reflecting ongoing efforts to align college environments with traditional values.
As the ban takes effect, college administrations across Punjab are tasked with ensuring compliance, while students brace for a shift in how they celebrate and unwind on campus.
