UP University Faces Demolition of 38 Unauthorized Buildings Amid Controversy

The Rampur Development Authority in Uttar Pradesh has issued a demolition order for 38 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, a higher education institution founded by the Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who is currently imprisoned. Reports from PTI indicate that the majority of structures on the campus were constructed without the necessary official approvals.

Of the 40 buildings on the university premises, only the medical college and the academic block were deemed to have been constructed legally. Unidentified officials cited as sources of the report have claimed that this lack of authorization raises serious concerns about the university’s regulatory compliance.

Azam Khan, who has been a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh politics, previously held the position of president of the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, which oversees the university. However, as of January, Khan and his family stepped down from their roles within the trust, which has drawn additional scrutiny towards the university’s operations.

The demolition initiative falls under the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act of 1973. The university has been allocated a period of 15 days to dismantle the unapproved structures voluntarily; otherwise, the local administration will proceed with the demolition. This decision comes after a report from the regional junior engineer pointed out the presence of unauthorized buildings on the campus, according to Rampur District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi.

The university management was given the opportunity to contest the allegations and submitted a formal reply earlier this year on July 8. A personal hearing took place a week later on July 15, where university representatives argued that the campus is located in Singankhera village, a factor they believe should exempt them from certain building regulations.

This situation has stirred a considerable amount of controversy, particularly given Khan’s political stature and the university’s significance in the region. The developments raise questions about adherence to urban planning regulations within educational institutions and the accountability of administrative processes in Uttar Pradesh.

Source: scroll.in