Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on 29 July, 2025 virtually laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth Rs 200.99 crore at the Central University of Punjab (CUP), Bathinda.

The initiative is part of a nationwide programme to enhance facilities at centrally funded higher education institutions. The ceremony was held during the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025 (ABSS2025) in New Delhi, marking the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains also participated in the event.

Vice-Chancellor Raghavendra P Tiwari stated that the funds will support major campus development works. “The proposed projects include a new academic block, hostels accommodating 600 boys and 400 girls, a 100-bedded hostel for international students, and an official residence for the vicechancellor,” he said.

These facilities aim to enhance the learning environment, cater to the needs of domestic and international students, and strengthen the university’s academic and residential infrastructure. The move underscores the government’s commitment to improving higher education standards and expanding infrastructure under the NEP 2020 framework.