Student protests broke out at Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur on Saturday after the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) ordered the demolition of 38 out of the university’s 40 buildings over alleged unauthorised construction.
Hundreds of students gathered at the university’s main gate and began an indefinite sit-in, demanding that the demolition order be withdrawn. They said administrative and legal disputes should not jeopardise the future of nearly 3,000 students studying at the institution.
“Our career and future are at stake. We want the government to reconsider its decision to demolish the university,” Mehroza Khan, a law student, told The Indian Express. She said many students would not be able to continue their education elsewhere, particularly those from rural areas or those residing in university hostels.
Another student participating in the protest said they were demonstrating to protect the future of thousands of students. “We want the demolition order to be revoked. That is our primary demand,” he said.
Students cite affordable education
The protesters argued that if there were deficiencies related to building plans or other administrative formalities, the authorities should resolve them through legal and administrative measures instead of demolishing the institution. Some students suggested that the government could take over the university’s administration if necessary but should not disrupt the education of thousands of students.
Students also highlighted the university’s fee concessions. One protester said students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes receive a 50% fee concession, while similar concessions are available for students who have lost their parents. He added that several professional courses, including B.Pharma and D.Pharma, are offered at the university and may not be easily accessible elsewhere.
The students warned that the indefinite protest would continue until the demolition order was withdrawn or a satisfactory resolution was reached.
Demolition notice and legal basis
The RDA issued the demolition notice on Wednesday, alleging that 38 buildings had been constructed without approval from the competent authority. The university has been given 15 days to remove the structures, failing which the administration said it would proceed with demolition.
The order was issued by RDA Vice-Chairperson and Rampur District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi under Section 27 of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, following a hearing and examination of records.
The university is run by the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, whose chairperson is Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who is currently in jail.
Political reactions
The demolition order has sparked political opposition, with the Samajwadi Party describing the move as unjustified and alleging that the university is being selectively targeted.
SP national spokesperson Juhie Singh said the institution provides affordable education and fee reimbursements to many students. Demolishing such a large educational institution, she alleged, reflected a targeted campaign against Azam Khan and the institution established by him.
