Hyderabad: Maulana Azad National Urdu University students redress bid stalls
Hyderabad: A group of 12 students of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) have alleged that the university’s grievance redressal cell for students has failed in performing its duty as mandated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The 12 students are among the 25 found to be guilty of breaking university rules when they took part in protests that were held in May. Following that, as part of disciplinary action initiated by the university in October, all of them were debarred from taking admission into hostels till they finish their courses.
On being awarded the disciplinary action, 12 students approached the grievance redressal cell by October-end alleging that they were not given a fair trial by the Proctorial Board and the disciplinary action taken against them is arbitrary. They asked the redressal cell to look into the matter.
It was more than 40 days back that the students approached the grievance redressal cell but till now, no report has been given by the redressal cell on their allegations.
As per UGC (Grievance Redressal) Regulations, 2012, “Grievance Redressal Committee shall communicate its decision within ten days of receipt of the complaint” to those involved.
Another issue that the students have point out is that MANUU has not appointed an Ombudsman for the redressal of grievances.
As per the UGC regulations a person who has been a judge not below the rank of a district judge or a retired professor with at least ten years’ experience as professor should be appointed as Ombudsman in such cases.
When contacted, Prof Khatija Begum, Chairperson of the redressal cell, said that the redressal committee has been following all procedures mentioned by the UGC.
One of the redressal cell members, however, claimed that the students who had approached the cell did not appear for hearing of their case because of ongoing examinations.
He added that once all of them presented their case, the cell will come out with a report of its findings.
