No space for women: Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor Zameeruddin Shah faces flak for library diktat

NEW DELHI: Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor Lt Gen (retd) Zameeruddin Shah’s decision not to allow Women’s College students from using the institution’s library created an outrage with political parties and the National Commission for Women condemning it. HRD Minister Smriti Irani has sought a report from the higher education secretary on the issue.

National Commission for Women Chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam condemned the incident, but lamented since the act is not illegal no action can be taken. The Delhi Commission for Women also emphasised that this is a blatant case of gender discrimination. “Reports of women being insulted in a temple of learning are coming in.

It is saddening as a woman but also instils a feeling of resentment. I have asked the higher education secretary for information on this issue,” Irani said. She termed Shah’s remarks as “unfortunate and shocking”. Shah had turned down the request of Women’s College that its undergraduate students be allowed to use the Maulana Azad library located in the Aligarh Muslim University as it is better equipped. He had maintained that this would lead to “four times more boys” entering the library. Delhi Commission for Women head Barkha Shukla said Shah’s remarks show his “regressive thought process”.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra demanded that Shah should step down from his post as he his decision is “absolutely regressive” and wondered how an educationist could make such remarks. “Library is a totally gender neutral place and is a place for empowerment,” Patra told ET, adding that women cannot be prevented from being empowered by keeping them away from a library. Congress spokesman Rashid Alvi also condemned Shah’s remarks as “unfortunate” and one that does not suit a vice-chancellor.