Synopsis: Aliah University crisis intensifies as the West Bengal government withholds essential grants. The institution struggles with staff shortages, pending salaries, and lack of infrastructure support, raising concerns for minority education.
Qalam Times News Network | Kolkata | September 13, 2025
Mounting Concerns Over University’s Future
Aliah University crisis has deepened following financial directives that compel the institution to cover day-to-day expenses from its own funds. Widely regarded as a prestigious center of higher learning for minorities, the university is now facing severe strain on its resources, putting essential services and academic growth at risk.
A recent circular from the finance office instructed that costs such as electricity, transport, staff wages, and laboratory consumables must be paid out of the university’s internal funds. Only salaries of permanent teachers and staff would continue to come from the state exchequer. This move has sparked sharp criticism, with stakeholders calling it stepmotherly treatment toward Aliah University.
Essential Services Under Threat in Aliah University
The Aliah University crisis is reflected in serious administrative and operational hurdles. Group C and Group D vacancies remain unfilled, while many employees continue on temporary contracts without prospects for regularization—something already granted at other state universities. Students are also facing delays in receiving mark sheets due to insufficient office staff.
If forced to divert limited resources to routine expenses, the university will be unable to maintain or upgrade its infrastructure. This could undermine research, academic development, and the university’s role as a key institution for minority education.
Demands for Immediate Relief
Stakeholders have demanded immediate release of all pending grants, recruitment for vacant teaching and non-teaching posts, and restoration of research and development funds. They also urged the government to improve laboratory facilities, expand scholarships, and secure financial stability for the institution.
Pointing to the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department’s budget of over ₹5,600 crore, critics asked why Aliah University was excluded from additional support. They warned that this neglect strikes at the core of minority aspirations and risks derailing generations of students.
Finance Office Circular Sparks Outrage
The finance office circular dated September 2, 2025, outlined strict cost-cutting measures, restricting expenses on refreshments, furniture, and IT equipment, while allowing only emergency repairs with Vice-Chancellor approval. The restrictions further fueled fears that the institution is being deliberately weakened.
Pride of the Minority Community at Risk
Aliah University is more than an academic institution—it is a symbol of pride and progress for the minority community. Its weakening is seen not just as a financial issue but as a blow to cultural and educational advancement. Community voices continue to urge the government to reverse its discriminatory policies and safeguard the university’s future.
