Al Falah University Under Scrutiny: NCMEI Issues Show-Cause Notice Over Minority Status

Faridabad: Al Falah University is facing intense scrutiny as authorities investigate its links following the Delhi blast on 10 November, which claimed 15 lives. The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) has issued a show-cause notice to the university, questioning why its minority status should not be revoked given the ongoing probe involving two of its doctors.

Regulatory and Legal Pressure

The move by NCMEI comes amid regulatory concerns, as the university is not accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and has faced prior questions regarding its funding and administration. Adding to its troubles, the university’s founder, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate.

Impact on Students

The potential revocation of minority status could significantly affect students, many of whom rely on government scholarships and grants for their education. Parents have expressed deep concern over the validity of their children’s degrees and their future academic prospects. A parent who submitted a letter to the Vice-Chancellor on Saturday said, “We are worried about our children’s education and need clear answers from the university and authorities.”

University Assurances

An unnamed professor at Al Falah attempted to reassure families, stating that the university would not be shut down and that authorities are fully cooperating with investigations to protect students’ interests. However, the professor acknowledged that if the university fails to provide NCMEI with requested documents such as trust deeds, funding details, and audited accounts, stringent action could follow.

Documentation Challenges

The education department noted that it has not yet received NCMEI’s notice, and collecting detailed records from a private university poses challenges. An official explained, “As a private institution, much of the required data is not directly accessible to us, even though information has been requested previously.”

Next Steps

NCMEI is scheduled to hold a hearing on 4 December, during which the university registrar and the education department’s principal secretary will present their case. The commission will examine whether the university’s management is still controlled by the minority community for which the status was granted and whether there have been any changes in ownership or control.