UP: Demolition order against Azam Khan’s Jauhar University stayed for now

Moradabad: In a big relief to Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded by Samajwadi Party leader and former MP Azam Khan, the Uttar Pradesh government’s Divisional Commissioner has stayed, for now, the demolition order issued against 38 campus buildings by the District Magistrate of Rampur, an official said on Monday.

The Divisional Commissioner has directed the Rampur district administration to maintain status quo till the next hearing, thus putting the brakes on bulldozers heading towards the campus.

The controversy over Jauhar University erupted after the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) flagged multiple violations inside the varsity, claiming that 38 out of 40 buildings were made without necessary approvals.

The RDA had also asked the University to remove them on its own within a time frame, failing which the district administration will step in to raze them.

Earlier last week, a group of SP leaders and workers hit the streets in Ayodhya in protest against the Rampur Development Authority’s order to demolish 38 out of 40 campus buildings, allegedly built without approved sanctioned plans.

They submitted a memorandum, addressed to the President of India, to the city’s District Magistrate and demanded a halt to the proposed flattening of the varsity buildings.

In the memorandum, the SP workers have sought his intervention against the proposed action against Jauhar University and insisted that all parties be given an opportunity to present their case in accordance with legal procedures.

The stir, led by former minister and former MLA Tej Narayan Pandey, saw scores of SP workers raising slogans in support of Jauhar University and accusing the government of acting out of political vendetta.

Tej Pandey said that the state administration should rather provide an opportunity to rectify technical or documentary deficiencies rather than bringing down the entire educational institution.

He alleged that the government wants to shut down schools and open liquor shops in their place.

Pandey said that on the one hand there is talk about making the country ‘Vishwa Guru’ (global leader) but on the other, attempts are being made to snatch pens and books from the hands of children.

“The country cannot be strengthened by running bulldozers over temples of learning. If there are shortcomings regarding the university’s building, blueprints, or other documents, an opportunity should be given to address them in accordance with the rules,” he stated.

–IANS