Aligarh: The Urdu Department of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), which once held the prestigious status of a Centre of Advanced Study (CAS), has lost this recognition. The special designation, granted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2011, ended in March 2023 due to allegations of budget mismanagement and lack of proper utilisation of funds. As a result, the department no longer receives additional financial support and special facilities from the government, reports the ETV Bharat.
Over 100 students are currently pursuing research in AMU’s Urdu Department, which was the first in the country to achieve CAS status under the UGC. The designation’s first phase lasted until March 31, 2018, followed by a second phase from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2023. However, the third phase was not initiated, leaving the department without the benefits of the advanced study center status.
Reports suggest that the loss of status also stems from the Urdu Department’s lack of a dedicated building. Currently, it operates out of the Urdu Academy building.
As per the ETV Bharat report, Dr. Aseem Siddiqui, the AMU spokesperson, confirmed the development, stating that the university is actively working to regain the CAS status for the Urdu Department. He expressed optimism that the designation would be restored soon. However, the department’s faculty members, including its chairperson, have refrained from commenting, citing the need for internal discussions.
