Jamia Millia Islamia -- A minority institution....??
The National Commission for minority Educational institutions(NCMEI) granted minority institution status to Jamia Millia Islamia University on 22nd Feb 2011. Now the university would hold at least 50% seats exclusively for the muslims and it no longer needs to reserve its seats for the scheduled castes and tribes. The decision was taken in light of the fact that Jamia Millia Islamia was set up by the muslims for the benefit of the muslims. When the judgement of the Godhra case is being pronounced in one part of the country we have another move being made at another part which might actually further alienate the communities instead of bridging the gaps between them.
A Minority institution aims at safeguarding the rights of the minorities and ensuring their socio economic development. But a move like this would only further stratify our nation which has already been divided on the basis of caste, creed and religion since its genesis. When the universities across the world are stressing on the need to diversify their intake of students, is such a move by the government justified? It really amuses me when people say we are part of a globalised world.
A university is a place where young minds interact, learn and build up an understanding towards their fellow students coming from various regional backgrounds. It helps in building up a feeling of tolerance and respect towards different cultures and goes a long way towards contributing to the building up of a united nation. But, a verdict like this would seriously undermine the spirit of secularism and religious tolerance. It might even widen the existing differences and acerbate the relationship further .
Is this a welcome move in this era when we should concentrate towards building a casteless nation?
