The Aligarh Muslim University's (AMU) Urdu Department has lost its special status as a Centre of Advanced Study (CAS) after the University Grants Commission (UGC) revoked its funding. The department, which was awarded the CAS status in 2011, has been a hub for Urdu research and higher education, providing opportunities for students from marginalized communities. The UGC's decision has left the department struggling to maintain its research projects and infrastructure.

The revocation of the CAS status has raised concerns about the government's attitude towards institutions serving minority communities. Critics argue that the decision is part of a broader pattern of neglect towards such institutions. The move has also sparked fears about the future of Urdu studies in India, with students and faculty members expressing uncertainty about their academic prospects. AMU authorities have assured that they are working to restore the CAS status, but the government's role in the decision has come under scrutiny.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)