A faculty member of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University has been suspended and an inquiry committee constituted after a “provocative” question appeared in a first-semester examination paper of the Department of Social Work, an official familiar with the matter said.
The question featured in the BA (Hons) Social Work examination for the paper Social Problems in India. Following the controversy, the professor who set the question paper was placed under suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry, the official added, in line with an earlier HT report.
Why was the professor suspended over the exam question?
The question that triggered the action was included in the BA (Hons) Social Work exam on Social Problems in India. According to an official, it dealt with atrocities against a particular community. The question paper, reviewed by HT, carried the question: “Discuss the atrocities against Muslim minorities in India giving suitable examples.” The university has not formally confirmed the exact wording of the question.
The question paper was set by Prof. Virendra Balaji Shahare of the Department of Social Work, PTI reported. It drew criticism on social media, following which an inquiry committee was formed and the professor was suspended. An official said the university acted swiftly and remains committed to accountability, stressing that such matters are taken very seriously.
As per the suspension order, the professor’s headquarters will remain in New Delhi, and he will not be permitted to leave without prior approval from the competent authority, PTI reported.
ABVP alleges ‘ideological imbalance’
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) objected to the question, alleging that it reflected an “ideological imbalance.” Sarthak Sharma, Delhi state secretary of the RSS-affiliated student organisation, said the framing of the question presented society from a narrow perspective, according to PTI.
