A professor at the prestigious Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi has been suspended from his duties following a major controversy over a question he set in a recent examination. The university administration took swift disciplinary action after the question, deemed highly inappropriate and potentially inflammatory, triggered widespread complaints and concern.
The Controversial Exam Question That Sparked Outrage
The incident centers on a question paper for the B.Tech (Computer Science) Semester 4 examination for the subject 'Communication Skills'. The specific question that caused the uproar asked students to 'Write a paragraph on 'Gau Mata' and its relevance in modern society'. This question was part of the paper set by Professor Bhattacharjee of the University's Centre for Media Studies, who was serving as an external paper setter for the engineering department's exam.
The inclusion of this topic in a technical communication skills exam for computer science students was immediately questioned. Critics and complainants argued that the question was not only irrelevant to the technical syllabus but also carried a significant risk of promoting a majoritarian religious and political narrative in an academic setting. The university received formal complaints highlighting these concerns, prompting an internal review.
University's Swift Disciplinary Action
Responding to the complaints with seriousness, the Jamia Millia Islamia administration launched a prompt investigation. Upon verifying the facts, the university's Executive Council, its highest decision-making body, convened and decided on strict action. The Council suspended Professor Bhattacharjee with immediate effect.
The suspension order clearly cites the reason: the professor's action in setting the controversial question. This decisive move underscores the university's stance on maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that examination content remains appropriate, secular, and relevant to the prescribed curriculum. The administration has emphasized its commitment to a neutral and inclusive academic environment.
Broader Implications and Reactions
This incident has reignited discussions about academic freedom, responsibility, and the boundaries of syllabus in Indian universities. While the university's action has been praised by many for its promptness, it has also sparked a debate on several fronts:
- Academic Relevance: The core issue raised is the complete disconnect between the exam question and the subject of 'Communication Skills' for Computer Science engineers. Experts question the pedagogical merit of such a topic in this context.
- Institutional Neutrality: The episode highlights the sensitivity required in public educational institutions to avoid content that could be perceived as aligning with specific political or religious ideologies.
- Disciplinary Protocols: The suspension demonstrates the procedural mechanisms within universities to address grievances and enforce accountability among faculty members, including external examiners.
The university has not commented on whether the question paper itself has been cancelled or if students will be re-evaluated on an alternative paper. The focus, for now, remains on the disciplinary action taken against the professor. This case serves as a strong precedent for other academic institutions regarding the scrutiny of examination content and the consequences of overstepping established academic and ethical guidelines.
As one of India's prominent central universities, Jamia Millia Islamia's handling of this controversy is being closely watched. It underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing diverse perspectives within the educational framework while upholding the principles of secularism and academic rigor that are foundational to India's higher education system.
