A closer look at the government’s role, the impact on students and its ramifications on education and research reveals a disturbing scenario
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Department of Urdu at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) suffered a setback after the University Grants Commission (UGC) revoked its special status as a Centre of Advanced Study (CAS) in March 2023. The department has long been a hub for research and scholarly advancement, and the UGC decision has not only raised questions about its future but has also drawn attention to the broader implications of government policies on academic institutions that serve underrepresented communities.
The Urdu department at AMU was awarded the prestigious CAS status by the UGC in June 2011, making it the first university in the country to get such recognition in this field. The status brought with it several benefits, including increased funding, special facilities, and access to additional resources for the department. These advantages played a crucial role in the development of the department, enabling it to become a centre of excellence for Urdu research and higher education.
Under the CAS, the Urdu department was able to provide specialised research opportunities to students, including those from marginalised communities, who had the chance to pursue doctoral and post-doctoral studies in an environment equipped with modern research tools and resources. The CAS status also facilitated collaborations with international institutions, enhancing the global standing of the department and making it a leader in the field of Urdu studies worldwide.
The first phase of the CAS status lasted until March 2018, with the second phase extending from April 2018 to March 2023. However, when the third phase failed to commence after March 2023, the Urdu department lost its special status, along with the crucial financial and infrastructural support that came with it. This sudden revocation has left the department grappling with a host of challenges, from a lack of resources to an uncertain future for its research projects and students.
The official reason for the revocation of the Centre of Advanced Study status was the alleged misuse of funds and irregularities in budget allocations. According to sources, the department’s failure to properly utilise the funds allocated to the CAS during the second phase led the UGC to withhold the third phase of funding. However, this explanation raises more questions than answers.
It is important to note that the decision to revoke the department’s status has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the real reasons for this move lie not in the management of funds, but in the broader context of governmental attitudes towards institutions that cater to specific communities, particularly minority communities like Muslims. The Urdu department at AMU, historically one of the most respected centres for Urdu studies, has long been a symbol of the Muslim community’s contributions to India’s cultural and intellectual landscape. By revoking its special status, the government has, in effect, placed the future of the department in jeopardy, leaving students and faculty alike uncertain about the resources available for research and education in the field of Urdu studies.
Moreover, the Urdu department’s failure to secure its third phase funding is seen by many as part of a wider pattern of neglect towards institutions that serve minority communities. While prestigious departments in other fields have continued to receive government backing, the Urdu department has been left to fend for itself, struggling to maintain its position as a leading centre for research in a crucial area of scholarship.
One of the most glaring issues facing the Urdu department is its lack of adequate infrastructure. Despite its long history and reputation, the department does not have a dedicated building of its own. Instead, the department operates from the Urdu Academy building, which is shared with other departments and organisations. This lack of a proper, dedicated space has significantly hindered the department’s ability to function efficiently, with students and faculty constantly facing difficulties related to overcrowding and inadequate facilities.
This issue is compounded by the fact that the department’s staff and students have not received the resources and support that they were promised under the Centre of Advanced Study status. The absence of modern research tools, library resources, and a suitable research environment has made it increasingly difficult for students, particularly those pursuing advanced degrees, to carry out their work. Without the necessary infrastructure and resources, the department’s ability to produce quality research and foster academic growth has been severely restricted.
For the more than 100 female students currently enrolled in the Urdu department, the revocation of special status has meant a disruption in their academic journey. Many of these students are engaged in research projects that were made possible by the funding and resources available under the CAS status. With the removal of this support, the future of their research and academic aspirations is uncertain.
Sana, a PhD student in the Urdu department, expressed her concerns over the recent developments. “We are in a state of confusion,” she said. “We had access to a wealth of resources and research opportunities under the CAS. But now, with the revocation of this status, we are left without proper guidance and funding. The government’s decision has placed our entire academic future in jeopardy.”
Another student, Ayesha, echoed similar concerns. “The department has always been a beacon of hope for students like us, especially for girls who are pursuing higher education in a field that is often neglected. Now, we feel abandoned. Our futures are uncertain, and the university’s administration has not been transparent about the situation,” she said.
It is clear that the revocation of the CAS status has had a profound impact on the students, who now find themselves in an academic limbo. For many, the loss of funding and resources means that their research projects will be delayed or even abandoned altogether, leaving them without the support they need to complete their studies.
In response to the revocation, AMU’s spokesperson, Dr Asim Siddiqui, attempted to reassure students and faculty by stating that the university administration is working tirelessly to restore the Centre of Advanced Study status for the Urdu department. “We are aware of the challenges faced by the department, and we are committed to securing the restoration of the CAS status as soon as possible,” Dr Siddiqui said. “The department and the administration are in constant touch with the UGC, and we are hopeful that the status will be reinstated in the near future.”
However, despite these reassurances, many feel that the university’s response has been too slow and lacking in transparency. The fact that the revocation of the status was not publicly announced by the university has left many feeling misled. Furthermore, the department’s failure to secure funding for the third phase of CAS raises concerns about the administration’s ability to advocate for the needs of its faculty and students in an increasingly hostile academic environment.
While the university administration works to restore the CAS status, the government must also take responsibility for its actions. The revocation of this status is not just a blow to the Urdu department, but also to the future of Urdu studies in India. The government’s decision to withhold funding and resources from a department that has long been a pillar of Indian academia raises serious questions about its commitment to preserving the country’s cultural and intellectual diversity.
At a time when the government is pushing for greater emphasis on education in regional languages and cultures, it seems counterproductive to strip funding from an institution that has been a champion of Urdu studies. The Urdu department at AMU has produced some of the most prominent scholars in the field, and its contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Urdu language and literature are immeasurable. For the government to withdraw its support at a time when such institutions are facing unprecedented challenges only highlights its failure to recognise the importance of preserving India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
The revocation of the CAS status for the Urdu department at AMU is a deeply concerning development. It not only threatens the future of the department but also reflects the government’s growing indifference towards institutions that serve minority communities. As the university and its students fight to restore the department’s status, the government must be held accountable for its actions and recognise the vital role that institutions like AMU play in preserving India’s cultural diversity. Without proper support, the future of Urdu studies in India looks increasingly uncertain, and the consequences of this neglect will be felt for generations to come.
