The Crossbill News Desk
Four members of Aligarh Muslim University’s Proctorial team resigned on Thursday (August 14) amid ongoing student protests against a recent fee hike, following demands from demonstrators for their removal over alleged mistreatment during earlier protests.
Those who stepped down include Prof. Syed Ali Nawaz Zaidi, Deputy Proctor from the Department of Law; Prof. Mohammad Asif, Deputy Proctor from the Department of Economics; Dr. Anwar Ahmad, Assistant Proctor from the Department of Commerce; and Dr. Imran Ahmad Usmani, Assistant Proctor at AMU Girls School.
An official memorandum from the Vice-Chancellor’s office stated that their resignations were accepted “on their own request, duly forwarded and recommended by the Proctor, AMU,” and took effect immediately. The memo did not specify the reasons for their departure.
The development comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions on campus, where students have denounced the fee hike as “sudden, steep, and unjustified.”
On August 4, members of the Proctorial staff allegedly attempted to forcibly disperse a peaceful sit-in at Baab-e-Syed Gate. Protesters accused them of aggressive behaviour, including the use of physical force that “hit and hurt” students.
Videos circulating online show Proctorial staff ordering demonstrators to leave the road and relocate, as well as removing bedding laid down by students for the sit-in. The incident sparked accusations of harassment, manhandling, and intimidation.
Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon had earlier assured students that a separate committee would investigate allegations of misconduct by Proctorial staff during the August 4 protest.
Tensions intensified further later that week when Uttar Pradesh Police entered the campus and allegedly assaulted protesting students, prompting widespread criticism.
In a separate announcement, the Vice-Chancellor’s office stated that elections for the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union would be held at an “appropriate time” in accordance with Lyngdoh Committee Guidelines.
The reinstatement of the Students’ Union has been one of the core demands of the protesters, who view it as central to addressing broader grievances on campus.
Meanwhile, in a meeting held on August 14 via video conferencing, the Academic Council unanimously approved recommendations to ease the burden of the fee hike. These include capping any increase for continuing students at no more than 20 percent compared to the previous academic year, with phased implementation to minimise immediate financial strain.
The Council also recommended introducing fee concessions or instalment payment options for students from economically weaker sections, to be overseen by the Students’ Welfare Section.
It further urged the University to explore alternative revenue streams, including alumni contributions, sponsored research projects, and making campus infrastructure available for national-level examinations on weekends.
Those who stepped down include Prof. Syed Ali Nawaz Zaidi, Deputy Proctor from the Department of Law; Prof. Mohammad Asif, Deputy Proctor from the Department of Economics; Dr. Anwar Ahmad, Assistant Proctor from the Department of Commerce; and Dr. Imran Ahmad Usmani, Assistant Proctor at AMU Girls School.
An official memorandum from the Vice-Chancellor’s office stated that their resignations were accepted “on their own request, duly forwarded and recommended by the Proctor, AMU,” and took effect immediately. The memo did not specify the reasons for their departure.
The development comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions on campus, where students have denounced the fee hike as “sudden, steep, and unjustified.”
On August 4, members of the Proctorial staff allegedly attempted to forcibly disperse a peaceful sit-in at Baab-e-Syed Gate. Protesters accused them of aggressive behaviour, including the use of physical force that “hit and hurt” students.
Videos circulating online show Proctorial staff ordering demonstrators to leave the road and relocate, as well as removing bedding laid down by students for the sit-in. The incident sparked accusations of harassment, manhandling, and intimidation.
Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon had earlier assured students that a separate committee would investigate allegations of misconduct by Proctorial staff during the August 4 protest.
Tensions intensified further later that week when Uttar Pradesh Police entered the campus and allegedly assaulted protesting students, prompting widespread criticism.
In a separate announcement, the Vice-Chancellor’s office stated that elections for the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union would be held at an “appropriate time” in accordance with Lyngdoh Committee Guidelines.
The reinstatement of the Students’ Union has been one of the core demands of the protesters, who view it as central to addressing broader grievances on campus.
Meanwhile, in a meeting held on August 14 via video conferencing, the Academic Council unanimously approved recommendations to ease the burden of the fee hike. These include capping any increase for continuing students at no more than 20 percent compared to the previous academic year, with phased implementation to minimise immediate financial strain.
The Council also recommended introducing fee concessions or instalment payment options for students from economically weaker sections, to be overseen by the Students’ Welfare Section.
It further urged the University to explore alternative revenue streams, including alumni contributions, sponsored research projects, and making campus infrastructure available for national-level examinations on weekends.
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