In a press conference at Marathi Patrakar Sangh on Saturday, the Ismail Yusuf College Campus Bachao Sangharsh Samiti announced that it will launch the biggest peaceful protest in Mumbai's history for the cause of minority education.
In a press conference at Marathi Patrakar Sangh on Saturday, the Ismail Yusuf College Campus Bachao Sangharsh Samiti announced that it will launch the biggest peaceful protest in Mumbai's history for the cause of minority education.
What's on the Samiti's agenda?
With the HC hearing on Monday on the allotment of land for the National Law University (NLU) the state wishes to build on the college premises, Samiti members said they will protest outside the Mantralaya at the Gandhi statue in a symbolic satyagraha on March 9. The state budget session too begins that day.
The Samiti was formed three days ago by Muslim and non-Muslim social activists, educationists and community NGOs in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Jogeshwari college.
What are their demands?
In its list of demands, the Samiti has asked the state to stop encroaching on the waqf land of the college and remove all illegal encroachments that have already been permitted. They have asked for the college to be declared a minority educational institution under Article 30 (1) of the Indian constitution. They also want for the entire land to be handed over to a suitable Muslim trust that will develop a world-class university. The Mehboob-ur-Rahman committee has recommended that the land be handed over to Anjuman-I- Islam.
What do they plan to do with the land?
"We welcome the move to build the NLU, but not on this land. We feel that the government's move is an excuse to grab this land, which was bought from donation given by a philanthropist for minority education. The Sachar Comittee report says Muslims are the most backward in the country when it comes to education. We need this place to create a secure establishment," said Sudheendra Kulkarni. chairman of Observer Research Foundation, Mumbai.
Where else can govt build its institutes, they say?
Former standing committee member of minorities education ministry of HRD Saleem Alware said there are 243 acres in the Kalina campus and a plot reserved for education in Wadala, where the state can open its educational institutes. "Yusuf Ismail College has become sub-standard and needs to be privatised. The new institute will have 51% reservation for minority. Many Muslim parents wish to send their daughters to institutes that either have a minority quota or Muslim management or where a majority of community members are present. Girls don't have many colleges to go to and they will benefit from this venture," he said.
Authorityspeak
Dr Zahir Kazi, president of Anjuman-I-Islam, which is considered the oldest Muslim education institute in the country, said the problem dates back to 1930. "The hostel was replaced by the PWD office, land was given to various trusts... We must talk with the present government. The land doesn't belong to them, they are just attested trustees. The purpose for which they were brought in hasn't been fulfilled," he said.
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