Former Bureaucrats Call on UP Government to Pause Demolition of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University

A coalition of former bureaucrats in Uttar Pradesh has formally requested the state government to suspend the demolition proceedings affecting 38 of the 40 structures at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University. This appeal comes in light of a recent order issued by the Rampur Development Authority on July 15, which deemed most of the university’s buildings as constructed without the necessary approvals.

The Constitutional Conduct Group, representing these retired civil servants, addressed a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressing their serious concerns regarding the implications of such widespread demolition. Founded by the incarcerated Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, the university has become a symbol of educational aspirations for many students in the region.

On Monday, a temporary stay on the demolition was granted by the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner’s court, pending a final hearing. The ex-bureaucrats emphasized in their letter that while adherence to planning laws and judicial guidelines is essential, the potential consequences of demolishing these educational structures warrant thorough scrutiny. They articulated that a university transcends its physical buildings; it embodies the hopes of countless students, the commitment of dedicated faculty members, and the livelihoods of numerous employees.

The letter further outlined the detrimental impact that large-scale demolitions would have on essential educational facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and hostels. Such actions could severely disrupt academic activities and jeopardize the overall educational landscape of the region. The former bureaucrats implored the Uttar Pradesh government to explore all legal avenues for regularizing the buildings before proceeding with any demolition.

This appeal garners attention in the context of ongoing debates in India regarding urban planning, legal compliance, and the preservation of educational institutions. As the situation develops, the fate of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University remains a focal point for discussions on educational rights and infrastructural integrity across the state.

Source: scroll.in