'Totally Illegal’: Mohandas Pai Condemns Alleged Harassment Of Non-Muslims At Jamia Millia

JMI University is facing scrutiny following allegations from a fact-finding committee that uncovered instances of discrimination against non-Muslims and attempts at coercing religious conversions

A fact-finding committee released its report on November 14, revealing accounts of discrimination against non-Muslim students, faculty, and staff at JMI University

Source : X

Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai has sharply criticised Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) over allegations of discrimination against non-Muslim students and instances of coercion aimed at religious conversion. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Pai called the reported actions "outrageous and completely illegal."

Pai questioned how a central university, which is fully funded by taxpayer money and regulated by bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, could allow such practices to take place without oversight. He wrote, "This is outrageous and totally illegal. How can a central university fully funded by taxpayers money, regulated by @ugc_india and @EduMinOfIndia allow this? No oversight?"

He also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging them to take immediate action. Pai demanded that the alleged coercive conversion practices be stopped and that those responsible be dismissed from their positions.

JMI University is facing scrutiny following allegations from a fact-finding committee that uncovered instances of discrimination against non-Muslims and attempts at coercing religious conversions.

This is outrageous and totally illegal. How can a central university fully funded by tax payers money,regulated by @ugc_india and @EduMinOfIndia allow this? No oversight? Minister @dpradhanbjp this must stop and these folks who tried to convert should be sacked @narendramodi… https://t.co/bP8upZibbs

— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) November 15, 2024

A fact-finding committee released its report on November 14, revealing accounts of discrimination against non-Muslim students, faculty, and staff at Jamia Millia Islamia University. Witnesses described instances of bias and prejudice based on religious identity, which allegedly affected various facets of university life.

In response, the university acknowledged that past administrations may have mishandled such incidents but emphasised that the current administration is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. The university highlighted initiatives aimed at integrating marginalised groups into key decision-making and administrative roles.

Regarding the allegations of coercion for religious conversion, the university strongly denied any evidence to support such claims. "If anyone presents concrete evidence, we will take strict action," a university spokesperson told India Today TV. "We remain sensitive to grievances and are dedicated to ensuring a safe and inclusive campus."

The report also sheds light on harassment faced by tribal students and faculty, with some alleging a toxic environment that led many tribal students to leave the university, the report further noted.