Former Chancellor Calls for Investigation into AMU Discrimination

The former chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Firoz Bakht Ahmed, has urged an independent investigation into allegations of religious discrimination at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). In a letter addressed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ahmed highlighted serious concerns over administrative failure and a lack of appropriate response to ongoing harassment faced by a faculty member.

The issue centers around Rachana Kaushal, a political science professor at AMU, who claims to have endured systematic harassment and discrimination on religious grounds for nearly a decade. Since joining the university in 1998, Kaushal has reportedly sought assistance from the university’s Vice-Chancellor multiple times since September 2023, but has seen little to no action taken regarding her grievances.

Kaushal described her experience, stating, “The chairperson and the dean have been harassing me for the past few years, which I initially ignored. However, the harassment reached a point where I was compelled to approach the VC.” She pointed out that her promotion was stalled in 2017 and only materialized following a directive from the High Court.

She further explained the distressing nature of her situation, saying, “At the time, a campaign was organised against me, and I have audio recordings wherein the issue was communalised with claims that I had said I was denied promotion because I am Hindu. I never mentioned my religion in any of my representations or in my court petition.”

The allegations, outlined by Ahmed in his correspondence, have raised serious questions about the internal governance of AMU and the treatment of faculty members based on their religious backgrounds. He has called for a thorough examination of the university’s practices to ensure that all staff are treated fairly, regardless of their faith.

This situation has not only sparked discussions about discrimination within educational institutions but also reflects broader concerns regarding the environment for minority groups in India’s higher education sector. The implications of these allegations, if substantiated, could lead to significant changes in policies at AMU and potentially other universities across the country.

As the call for an independent investigation gains traction, stakeholders in the education sector are watching closely to see how the government and AMU will respond to these serious claims. The outcome of this inquiry may influence future discussions on religious discrimination and inclusivity in Indian universities.