Opposition Protests Govt’s “Interference” in AMU’s Affairs

Opposition parties today created a storm in Rajya Sabha over alleged government interference in the autonomy of AMU. (Photo: RSTV Screengrab/Altered by The Quint)

Opposition parties led by Congress and SP, on Monday, created a storm in the Rajya Sabha over alleged government interference in the autonomy of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), forcing the House to be adjourned till noon.

Javed Ali Khan of SP, through a Zero Hour mention, raised the issue of Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani declaring offsite centres of the University illegal and threatening to stop financial aid.

The University’s Executive Committee and Academic Council, drawing rights from Section 12 of AMU Act, in 2008 had decided to set up five off-campus centres. Three of them were made operational, he said adding the BJP government has now questioned that decision.

Khan also said that the AMU Vice Chancellor has in a statement said that HRD Minister was declaring these centres illegal and threatening to stop assistance.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government is committed to protecting the minority status of AMU and other minority institutions.

The AMU matter is in court and everyone should abide by whatever the judicial verdict is, he said.