Aligarh Muslim University Seeks Central Status for its Murshidabad Centre

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in writing has urged the Minister of Union minority affairs to transform the AMU centre at Murshidabad into a central university. The plan of AMU University to start a polytechnic college from the next academic year is also on the cards. The course will offer 7-8 vocational courses for the youth, which will lend them a helping hand to grab employment opportunities.

The vice-chancellor of AMU, Zamiruddin Shah stated that the government has offered University a land in Murshidabad of 288 acres, free of any cost. The land offered by the government is segmented by a canal which runs in between, and in segment A, already 3 courses at the temporary building have begun.  Sector A is soon to be constructed.

The chief objective is to provide education to the deprived population in the region. The University holds a secular status and admission is open to all.

Those 3 courses running at AMU centres include BA LLB, a 4-year course in management studies and a B.Ed course.

The curriculum will remain same as followed in the Aligarh centre and so will be the academic calendar at all AMU centres.

 If the campus at Murshidabad is approved for being a central university, the AMU shall introduce similar courses in Bengal in the following 3-4 years, said Shah.

Currently, 225 students have taken admission at the AMU centre with a quarter heading from Bengal.

AMU's vice-chancellor added that both Maharashtra and Rajasthan have also shown interest and have also requested to establish its centres in those states, which may be seen materializing, shortly in future.

AMU already has extended centres running in Bihar, Kerala and Bengal.