Jamia Millia Islamia’s decision to cancel the PhD registration of a “bona fide” student without rhyme and reason has left some students stumped. Reacting to the high-handedness of the university for playing with the academic career of the student, Dhrupadi Ghosh, a release issued by student organisation, Dayar-i-Shauq Students Charter (DISSC), questioned the official letter which, they said, cites no reason for the cancellation of the PhD scholar’s registration.
Moreover, DISSC accused the university of witch-hunting against Dhrupadi — who is one of the popular critics of the alleged maladministration in the university — by taking the harsh measure without issuing any prior notice or show-cause to the student, thus leaving her devastated.
The letter (in possession of The Pioneer) sent to Head, Department Sociology, Supervisor Dr Neshat Quaisar, and others, reads: “In light of the office order…issued by the Registrar, JMI regarding the cancellation of Dhrupadi Ghosh from PhD in Sociology, the admission of Dhrupadi Ghosh is being cancelled from PhD in Sociology w.e.f. 07.11.2017.”
Off late it has been noticed that Jamia is cracking on students for dissent voices on the campus. A few days ago four students from DISSC were given show-cause notices for holding a cultural event on the campus without seeking “permission” from the university official.
The show-cause notice issued by the authority carrying signature of Chief Proctor of Jamia, Prof Haroon Sajjad, said, “You have maligned the image of the university by circulating false derogatory information through you Facebook post.”
However, Professor Saima Saeed, the university spokesperson, refuted the charge. “Cancellation of her PhD registration has got to do nothing with protest. Dozens of protests have taken place in the university campus and nobody has been served any notice. If protesting inside the campus was an issue, other students could have met the same fate. Why only her research has been cancelled as there is more than what meets the eye”, she said.