Former Urdu University Chancellor Demands Probe into AMU Discrimination Allegations
Firoz Bakht Ahmed, the former chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, has taken a strong stand against alleged misconduct at Aligarh Muslim University. He has written a formal letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling for an immediate and independent central investigation.
Serious Accusations of Bias and Apathy
In his communication, Ahmed highlights what he describes as religious discrimination, administrative neglect, and systemic failure within AMU. He points specifically to the troubling case of Professor Rachana Kaushal, a faculty member in the political science department.
Professor Kaushal, a widow who has been teaching at AMU since 1998, claims she has faced persistent harassment and discrimination over the past ten years. She asserts the mistreatment is based on her religious background.
Professor's Decade-Long Struggle for Justice
"The chairperson and the dean have been harassing me for several years," Kaushal stated. "I tried to overlook it initially, but the situation worsened to such an extent that I had no choice but to approach the Vice-Chancellor."
She reports that her career progression was unfairly blocked. "My promotion was deliberately stalled in 2017," she explained. "I only received that promotion after a High Court issued a direct order in my favor."
Kaushal also revealed a disturbing campaign against her. "At that time, an organized effort targeted my reputation. I possess audio recordings where individuals deliberately communalized the issue. They falsely claimed I said my promotion was denied because I am Hindu. I want to make it clear—I never mentioned my religion in any official representation or in my court petition."
Repeated Appeals Ignored by University Administration
According to Ahmed's letter, Professor Kaushal has made multiple appeals to the AMU Vice-Chancellor since September of last year. Despite her efforts, no substantive action has been taken to address her formal complaints. This apparent inaction forms a core part of the former chancellor's allegation of administrative apathy.
The appeal to Minister Pradhan now places the matter before the central government, seeking intervention to ensure a fair and impartial review of the events at the prominent university.
