By TCN News,
New Delhi: A delegation comprising of prominent Social Activist, Academicians and Journalists of Human Chain met Pranab Mukherjee, President of India and raised the issue of Minority Character of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI).
Human Chain, an NGO that works for the upliftment of education in the society on Thursday met Pranab Mukherjee and expressed community’s concern over the change of stance by central government towards AMU and JMI.
The group which was led by Mohammad Aslam Alig, President of Human Chain drew the attention of Mukherjee towards present Union government’s stand, as expressed by the Attorney General before the Supreme Court on Jan 11, 2016, of not supporting the Minority character of the Aligarh Muslim University and withdrawing of an appeal filed by the UPA government against the Allahabad High Court judgment of 2006.
Delegation discussed that according to AMU Amendment Act -1981, Section 2(L), “University” means the educational institution of their choice established by the Muslims of India which originated as the Mohammadan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College, Aligarh and which was subsequently incorporated as the AMU.
Tauqueer Aslam told that the stand of NDA government also amounts to denying the minorities of their fundamental rights and goes against the declared policy of the Prime Minister “Sabka Sath – Sabka Vikas” as without the educational advancement of Muslims, development of minorities will remain a distant dream. As also the backwardness of the largest minority in India adversely affects progress of the Nation. He also raised the issue of funds for all three AMU centers, especially AMU-Kishanganj center.
Tauqueer Alam Jamei, Vice President of Human Chain said that minority character of AMU and JMI was not only a matter of education but also an advancement of the socially, economically backward section of Indian society, especially Muslims, hence please take all necessary steps to safeguard the Minority status of AMU and JMI.
Pranab Mukherjee listened to the concerns raised by the delegation and said that he was well aware about the issue of Minority Character of AMU and JMI and that he would take necessary steps to restore the minority character of AMU and JMI.
On delegation’s urging, he also provided assurance of releasing fund for all three AMU centers.
In 2013, Human Chain had played a significant role between the government of Bihar and AMU administration for the establishment of AMU centre at Kishanganj.