Four AMU Proctorial team members resign amid fee hike protests, allegations of student mistreatment
Aligarh: Four members of Aligarh Muslim University’s Proctorial team resigned on Thursday amid ongoing protests against the recent fee hike, following demands from demonstrators for their removal over alleged mistreatment of students during a sit-in.
Those who stepped down are Prof. Syed Ali Nawaz Zaidi (Deputy Proctor, Department of Law), Prof. Mohammad Asif (Deputy Proctor, Department of Economics), Dr. Anwar Ahmad (Assistant Proctor, Department of Commerce), and Dr. Imran Ahmad Usmani (Assistant Proctor, AMU Girls School).
An official memorandum stated their resignations were accepted by the Vice-Chancellor “on their own request, duly forwarded and recommended by the Proctor, AMU” with immediate effect. The memo did not mention the reason for the resignations.
The move comes after students accused Proctorial staff of using physical force to disperse a peaceful sit-in at Baab-e-Syed Gate on August 4. Videos circulating online showed members shouting at protesters to leave, throwing away bedding laid for the sit-in, and allegedly manhandling students.
Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon earlier assured that a separate committee would investigate the August 4 incident. Tensions on campus rose further after Uttar Pradesh Police, allowed entry later that week, allegedly assaulted protesting students, drawing widespread criticism.
Meanwhile, the Academic Council, in a meeting on August 14, approved measures to address fee hike concerns. It recommended that any increase for continuing students should not exceed 20% of the previous year’s rates, to be implemented in phases, with concessions or instalment options for students from economically weaker sections. The Council also urged the University to explore alternative revenue sources, including alumni contributions and hosting national-level examinations.
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PM unveils development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in Sikkim
Gangtok (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in Sikkim while attending the closing ceremony of the state's 50 years of statehood celebrations.
The projects span a wide range of sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture, the officials said.
These projects are aimed at accelerating holistic and inclusive development in Sikkim.
The PM's visit marks an important milestone in the golden jubilee year of Sikkim's statehood and reflects the government's "continued commitment to the rapid and sustainable development of the Himalayan state", the officials said.
