Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University has come under scrutiny after a fact-finding report by a committee led by retired Justice Shiv Narayan Dhingra revealed allegations of discrimination against non-Muslim students, faculty, and staff, as well as instances of coercion for religious conversion.

Key Allegations

The report, released by the NGO Call for Justice, highlights disturbing incidents of bias, harassment, and unequal treatment of non-Muslims at the university. Some of the major claims include:

1. Discrimination Against Non-Muslims:

   • Witnesses testified to facing derogatory remarks and biased behavior based on their religious identity.
   • Non-Muslim staff members alleged denial of basic facilities, such as office furniture, which were readily provided to Muslim counterparts.
   • A non-Muslim assistant controller of examinations recounted being publicly mocked for holding a senior administrative position.

2. Harassment of Tribal Students:

   • Tribal students and faculty reported facing targeted harassment, forcing many to leave the university.

3. Coercion for Religious Conversion:

   • A professor allegedly told students that completing their degrees depended on converting to Islam, citing her personal experience as an example.

Committee Findings

The fact-finding committee, comprising legal and administrative experts, presented its findings to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Education Ministry, and Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor. Key observations include:

• Systemic discrimination against non-Muslims, irrespective of their roles as students or faculty.
• Reports of harassment aimed at pushing individuals to convert to Islam.
• Allegations that Muslim staff members used derogatory language against non-Muslim colleagues and students.

The committee includes:

• Justice (Retd.) Shiv Narayan Dhingra, former Delhi High Court Judge (Chairman)
• SN Srivastava, former Commissioner of Delhi Police
• Rajeev Kumar Tiwari, Advocate, Delhi High Court
• Narendra Kumar (IAS), former Secretary, Delhi Government

Jamia Millia Islamia’s Response

The university has strongly denied the allegations of forced conversions and discrimination. It issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and equality under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif.

• Efforts for Inclusivity: The administration emphasized its initiatives to include marginalized groups in decision-making roles, such as appointing non-Muslim SC community members to key positions.
• Zero-Tolerance Policy: Prof. Asif reiterated that the university has a zero-tolerance stance against caste, gender, or religious discrimination.

The university urged anyone with concrete evidence of discrimination or coercion to come forward, promising strict action.

Broader Implications

The allegations against Jamia Millia Islamia have sparked intense debate over inclusivity and religious tolerance in educational institutions. While the university has pledged corrective measures, the claims underscore the need for greater vigilance and transparency to foster a truly equitable academic environment.

The report and the university’s response have reignited discussions about the importance of safeguarding diversity and addressing biases to ensure a fair and inclusive space for all.