University authorities have been asked to address fire safety concerns and submit required records, while questions continue over multiple investigations
RAMPUR — The pressure on Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded as the flagship educational project of senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, has increased after the Fire Department issued a fresh notice concerning safety compliance in several buildings on the campus.
The latest development comes weeks after action by the Rampur Development Authority (RDA), which raised objections regarding building approvals within the university campus.
According to a notice issued by Chief Fire Officer Vijay Kumar Singh, fire safety arrangements in 22 campus buildings were found to be below the prescribed standards during an inspection.
The notice directs the university administration to complete the required fire safety measures within seven days and submit all relevant records to the department.
Officials have also asked the university management to provide complete building plans and other documents relating to the structures under scrutiny.
“The required fire safety measures must be completed and all relevant documents submitted within the stipulated period,” the notice states.
Authorities have warned that further action may be taken under applicable laws if the university fails to comply with the directions or does not respond within the specified time.
The latest notice follows a joint inspection conducted by officials from the Fire Department and the Rampur Development Authority.
During that inspection, the RDA reportedly found that only two of the 40 buildings within the university campus had approved maps, while the remaining structures were allegedly constructed without formal approval.
Following those findings, the RDA issued notices seeking explanations from the university administration regarding the status of the buildings.
Under existing regulations, the university trust may seek regularisation of the structures through the prescribed process or approach the courts for legal relief.
Officials have said that the RDA has already filed a caveat before the high court to ensure that its position is heard before any interim order is passed in the matter.
The university is also facing challenges arising from earlier proceedings involving the trust that manages the institution.
Previously, tax authorities cancelled the registration of the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, which operates the university. Official documents cited allegations relating to financial irregularities, tax matters and transactions that were subject to scrutiny.
Supporters of the university have argued that the institution has played an important role in providing educational opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and has become a significant centre of higher education in the region.
They have also questioned the timing and frequency of actions being taken against the university, saying that the institution has faced multiple administrative and legal challenges in recent years.
Officials, however, maintain that the actions are based on regulatory requirements and compliance issues that apply to all institutions.
At present, attention is focused on how the university administration responds to the latest notice. The coming days are expected to determine whether the institution is able to satisfy the Fire Department’s requirements or whether additional proceedings will follow.
With notices now issued by multiple authorities, the future course of action regarding several university buildings remains a matter of close public and legal interest.
