The Raging Debate

The Aligarh University administration, under the leadership of its Vice Chancellor Prof. PK Abdul Azis is going ahead with its plans to open Special Centres in complete defiance of the opposition lobby, which has increased its efforts to create a united front against the University administration’s attempt to go ahead, without changing the ordinance and the AMU Act and without building a consensus on the subject, as demanded by those opposing the VC.
The VC is projecting these centers as an attempt towards culmination of Sir Syed’s dream and expanding the great legacy of AMU to spread modern education throughout the country. Says the VC: “The overwhelming response the University is receiving from different states of the country bears testimony to the fact that AMU credentials as a secular and modern education is well recognized across the nation. The passion and reverence with which the AMU team was received and welcomed at Malappuram, Murshidabad and Kishanganj shows that the initiative has ignited the hopes and aspirations of the people of the region irrespective of caste, creed and religion.”
Former MP and University Court Member, Waseem Ahmad, who is opposing the VC’s moves tooth and nail says: “The VC is aggressively moving ahead to divert attention on the enquiry against corruption. The opening of Special Centers is not in AMU Act. Without amendment in the Act, it is not possible. He is misinterpreting the decision taken by the executive council, misinterpreting the Court and strong governing bodies. He is misinterpreting all and sundry.” Waseem Ahmad advices the VC to take strong legal opinion and go to take a no-objection from the Law Ministry before proceeding or else all the preparations will fall flat on the ground.
Says Tariq Islam, who too is opposing the University’s decision for Special Centers: “Without amendment in the Act, it is not possible to go ahead. This is the legal aspect. My personal opinion is that we shall focus on development of this University, its academics, its infrastructure. When there are problems galore here, how will we be able to control centers in such far off places. Government is trying to capitalize on the brand name of AMU and seek political benefits in Muslim dominated areas. This VC is merely a tool in the hands of the Government.”
Tariq Islam says that he is unable to understand why Rs. 45 crore has been granted for Murshidabad and merely 10 crores for Malappuram. “Was this all deliberated before taking a decision? Is the finance ministry not accountable for this money?” Says he, adding further that even the boundary of the Special Center won’t be completed in Rs. 10 crore.
It is to be remembered that the feasibility report for the Centers, under the light of Satish Kumar, Secretary HRD Ministry’s decision, has not yet come. “Without the feasibility report, the VC should not have gone ahead with the plan. Even if the report is submitted, it will take about one to two years for the money to come. By then, elections in Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala would be over. It might just be an election gimmick,” says Islam.
Kaukab Hameed, sitting MLA from Baghpat and general secretary of the apex Old Boy’s Association says: “If the VC had really fallen in love with this University, then he would have given the IIT that he promised. Even in the meeting organized by the VC with his own henchmen present, former Chancellor Mr. AM Ahmadi had said that the VC shall change the Act. “Says Kaukab Hameed further: “No university in India has such centers! Why this love for AMU. If you really want to do something, open another university in the name of Sir Syed or Abul Kalam Azad. AMU was known for its special character, which united people from all parts of India under its ambit. If a Keralite will study in Kerala, Bengali will study in Bengal, who will come to AMU.”
Old boy and now the Vice Chairperson, Urdu Academy Delhi, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey too wants that consensus should be achieved before we go ahead with the opening of Centers. Prof. Wasey is also worried about the world-famous AMU character getting jeopardized.
Adds Mr. Mustafa: “This is the game by Mr. Pranab Mukherjee and Mr. E. Ahmad, who are seeing their constituency more than AMU’s interests. There is no rule in AMU which favours Muslims. If Muslims are getting admitted in AMU, it is because they are fulfilling the eligibility criteria. How will a Muslim student get inside the Center where there are no internal students? There is no special favour being given in the present set-up but new centers are being added in the name of Sachar Committee Report.” Mr. Mustafa says that the Government is deliberately trying to mix two debates. One is the Sachar Committee Report and its guidelines for doing something for the Muslims. The other is the character of the AMU. He points out that the entire Academic policy of the University will have to be changed, if we plan to go ahead with the Centers.
Kaukab Hameed is also of opinion that there is more of politics and less of sincerity. “UGC rules do not allow for opening of Campuses. All this will end up nowhere. Except that the VC wants to divert the mind from the ongoing enquiry.”
Not that there are no people backing the VC. Irshad Ahmad, a politician who has recently been elected to the University Court, fully favours the Vice Chancellor for whatever he is doing and points an accusing finger at those opposing the move. Says he: “We will have to give a chance to the VC. This decision is being opposed because nothing like this has happened in the past. Are we not doing such things which we have not done earlier? Let us first allow the Centers to come up. Naturally provisions will be incorporated openly or discreetly in due course of time for providing proper representation to students of the Community.”
Meanwhile, while unfolding the broad spectrum of multi-phased development strategy, Prof. Azis has said that by June next year AMU Centers would likely to move into their new campuses at Malappuram and Murshidabad. He has also suggested the courses that will be run at the Centers, commencing with MBA and BA-LLB in the first phase.