Rampur's only university faces demolition: Students fear loss of education and livelihoods

Students at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur are anxiously awaiting their fate as the Rampur Development Authority has issued a demolition notice for 38 of the university's 40 buildings, with a deadline of August 5. The notice, issued on July 15, threatens to shut down virtually the entire campus, sparing only the medical college building and academic block.

The university, spread over 250 acres, was founded nearly 20 years ago by senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who serves as its lifelong chancellor. Under the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh, Khan has faced nearly 100 registered cases, over 70 of them in 2019 alone, with sources indicating about 30 related to the university.

Students like 20-year-old Shahvez, who is studying for an OT technician diploma, plead, “If you have a problem with the name, change the name, acquire the university… But don’t demolish it.” Another student, 26-year-old Mohd Shoaib, pursuing an M. Pharma, worries about his upcoming convocation and the validity of his degree if the demolition proceeds.

The university is the only one in Rampur district, which ranked fifth lowest in literacy in Uttar Pradesh according to the 2011 Census. Shoaib notes, “We used to be made fun of. Imagine what will happen if the only university in the district is demolished.” The nearest alternatives are Government University and Guru Jambeshwar University in Moradabad, 50 km away, with Guru Jambeshwar yet to establish a campus.

Female students express particular concern. Farah, a student in the auxiliary nurse midwife course, says while on a Scooty with friends, “The government talks about Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, but what about our education? Our parents will not let us go anywhere else.” The three friends insist they do not wish to transfer to other colleges, despite assurances from counselors deployed at the university gates.

The administration has set up a 'Student Counselling Centre' in a tent at the gates, staffed by teachers from government colleges in Rampur. They have been recording details of students entering and exiting, offering options from 30 colleges—five government and the rest private—affiliated to Guru Jambeshwar University. Jagriti Madan, head of the centre and Principal of Government Raza PG College, urges students not to panic, saying they can choose any of the listed colleges.

The trust running the university reports a student strength of about 2,400, enrolled in 40 courses across 14 faculties including science, law, humanities, commerce, Islamic studies, education, agriculture science, and pharmacy. Professional courses like paramedics and pharmacy are popular. About one-third of students are women, and a substantial number are Hindus.

The demolition notice has sparked fears not only among students but also in the broader community, given the university's role in providing higher education access in a region with limited options. The situation remains tense as the August 5 deadline approaches.