The historic Students’ Union Hall suffers from neglect. The grand structure has now become a crumbling façade with wild bushes encroaching upon the site.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) Students’ Union Hall, a symbol of the institution’s rich heritage, is currently in a state of disrepair. Since the last student union elections in 2018, the hall has remained locked, and the building is suffering from severe neglect.
Established in 1920, the Students’ Union Hall has been a pivotal venue for student governance and activities at the prestigious university. Unlike typical student elections, AMU’s elections are notable for being free from political affiliations. However, the university administration has not conducted any elections since 2019, leading to significant discontent among the student body.
Students are increasingly frustrated with the lack of democratic processes on campus and are demanding restoration of the student union elections. Simultaneously, the condition of the historic building continues to deteriorate. The once grand structure has now become a crumbling façade with wild bushes encroaching upon the site. The iconic fountain, gifted by the university’s founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, is also non-functional.
Reports indicate that efforts to communicate the building’s poor condition to the administration have yielded no results. Despite annual contributions of about ₹150 per student for the upkeep of the union hall, totaling approximately ₹24 lakh per year, the building remains neglected. Over the past six years, this amounts to around ₹1.44 crore.
Inside the hall, significant wear and tear is evident. The ceiling and entrance walls are damaged due to moisture, and the previously installed CCTV cameras and lights have disappeared. The AMU flag and name board are no longer visible, further reflecting the building’s neglected state.
The hall includes spaces for the union’s executive members and an art gallery featuring portraits of past union leaders. It also holds historical significance due to the portrait of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and a terrace used for speeches before elections. This iconic space is integral to AMU’s student life and its continued neglect is a point of concern.
In response to the ongoing protests, Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon recently planted a tree and attempted to clean a portion of the hall. However, the newly planted greenery is withering, mirroring the overall condition of the hall.
Student leaders have expressed their frustration, criticising the administration for not according due priority to the building’s maintenance. They are urging that the hall be maintained with the same care as other university properties.
As the new academic year approaches, students are hopeful that the Vice Chancellor will address their concerns. They anticipate that elections may be announced in early August, as previously promised by Prof. Khatoon. Should the administration fail to act, students have indicated that they will resume protests and sit-ins to demand the restoration of the democratic process.
The AMU administration’s response to these issues will be closely watched as students await both the restoration of their historic building and the long-awaited student union elections.
