Kolkata: It has been four months since Aliah University, the only state-run minority university in India, has been without a vice-chancellor. Following the end of former VC Professor Abu Taleb’s tenure in September last year, the university’s registrar, Dr. Nurshad Ali, has also been doubling up as the acting VC.
Despite Partha Chatterjee, Minister of Higher Education, declaring in September that a search committee for selecting the university’s VC would soon be set up, most university professors remain clueless about the recruitment process.
“No university can run this way. It’s been almost four months since we have been without a VC. We have an acting VC who is filling in efficiently, but there are many decisions that only a VC can take, so they are getting stuck in the pending list. We are in a limbo-like situation where the day-to-day tasks of the university are being carried out, but nothing beyond that,” said Dr. Mohammad Maseehur Rahman, an associate professor of Arabic. He maintained that being without a VC for such a long period would only stagnate the university’s standards.
Another professor, Tajuddin Ahmed, associated with the university, also expressed his frustration over the situation. Ahmed said, “This is definitely damaging the image of Aliah University. It’s not just the students—faculty members are also being affected. Many professors who wanted to avail themselves of scholarships haven’t been able to do so, as the university lacks a VC to sign these forms. Only classroom teaching is taking place. Apart from that, every major decision is on hold.”
However, not many were willing to elaborate on the reasons that have led to this situation. Most, however, believe it could be an attempt to bring the university under the Ministry of Higher Education’s jurisdiction.
At present, the university falls under the Ministry of Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education (MA&ME). Clarifying the matter, Amzed Hossein, Professor in the Department of English and Dean of Student Welfare, stated, “These are just rumors. Last year, the university was notified that while it would remain under MA&ME, it would also receive guidance from the Department of Higher Education of Bengal. The delay in recruitment could be due to a lack of communication between the two departments. I am afraid I wouldn’t be able to explain beyond this.”
Shedding some light on the issue, an official associated with MA&ME, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “There could be a political angle. A few individuals are lobbying for the recruitment of candidates of their choice. This could be causing the delay.”
Professor Hossein, however, declined to comment on this. He maintained that the university has yet to receive any notification regarding the formation of a selection committee to appoint a VC. He added, “As per my knowledge, the acting VC has approached both ministries, requesting the immediate recruitment of a VC. But unfortunately, no concrete steps have been taken by the authorities to resolve this crisis.”
When eNewsroom contacted Minister Giasuddin Molla, Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education, he said, “The Chief Minister, who is also the Minister-in-Charge of this ministry, is a bit busy these days, hence the delay. But rest assured, Aliah University will have a VC by the end of this month.”
Jamia Millia Islamia is the only other Muslim minority institution in India, but unlike Aliah University, it is funded by the central government.
