Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) faces intense scrutiny after a fact-finding report exposed systemic discrimination and religious coercion. Justice (Retd.) Shiv Narayan Dhingra led the committee that released the report on November 14, revealing bias and harassment targeting non-Muslim faculty and students. Testimonies uncovered a deeply ingrained culture of exclusion and intimidation, challenging the university’s adherence to its founding principles of equity and inclusivity.
An Environment of Bias ft Jamia Millia Islamia
The findings reveal a troubling reality where JMI, instead of fostering equal opportunity, institutionalizes bias against non-Muslims. Testimonies contradict the university’s claims of inclusivity, exposing a grim undercurrent of discrimination.
Faculty: Battling an Uphill Struggle at Jamia Millia Islamia
One assistant professor described relentless discrimination during her tenure at JMI. A Muslim clerk disparaged her work during her Ph.D. submission, questioning its quality without the qualifications to evaluate it. She attributed his confidence to religious superiority rather than expertise, highlighting a culture that undermines academic values.
Another faculty member from the Scheduled Caste community recounted blatant marginalization. His superiors denied him basic workplace facilities, including a cabin and furniture, while granting these privileges to Muslim colleagues who joined after him. When he finally secured a cabin, his colleagues openly expressed resentment, questioning how a “kafir” could hold such a position.
Students: Fleeing Harassment
Students, particularly tribal and non-Muslim individuals, described severe harassment that forced many to leave the university. A former student detailed instances where professors pressured students to adopt Islam. One instructor explicitly warned that non-Muslim students would not graduate unless they converted.
The coercion extended beyond verbal threats. Converts received better opportunities, creating a structure that rewarded compliance and undermined meritocracy.
Taking Action Jamia Millia Islamia
Call For Justice, an NGO, initiated the investigation after receiving complaints from JMI employees. The organization observed a protest by Scheduled Caste and Balmiki community members at Jantar Mantar in August 2024, focusing on Ram Niwas, a non-Muslim JMI employee who reported prolonged harassment. Additional testimonies of discrimination and coercion prompted the NGO to form the fact-finding committee.
The committee, including former police commissioner S.N. Srivastava and academic Dr. Nadeem Ahmad, conducted a detailed investigation to uncover the truth.
Submitting the Findings
The committee submitted the report to Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, the Ministry of Education, and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. The findings raise pressing concerns about the state of secular institutions in India and the need for accountability.
Irony of Inclusion
JMI, established as a minority institution to promote inclusivity, faces allegations of fostering religious conformity over equality. This paradox highlights the troubling erosion of its foundational values.
The country now watches to see whether these revelations will prompt corrective action or fade into obscurity. In a nation that cherishes secularism, the situation at JMI serves as a stark reminder that fairness demands vigilance and action to preserve it.