Shahid T. Komath became the Maulana Azad National Urdu University’s first civil services aspirant to crack the exam. And while the university seems encouraged by his rank – 693, the fate of its Civil Services Education Academy (CSEA) hangs in a precarious balance as it awaits an extension from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Experts said the CSEA is a result of Sachar Committee recommendations to improve the conditions of minorities in the country. While four similar academies are in universities in North India such as Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligargh Muslim University, the CSEA served as the sole centre in the South.
“We are waiting for the renewal to come through. Technically the renewal should have come before March 31,” said an academy official requesting anonymity.
Sources said CSEA Director Amirullah Khan, a former civil servant, made a presentation to a UGC high-level committee in the same month, pitching for an extension. While the extension was granted for a year, professor Khan ceased to discharge his duties from March 31.
“It appears Mr. Khan left since the extension did not come. The thrust of his presentation was to provide coaching to women, the SCs, STs and minorities. The academy was providing coaching and accommodation to those who were unable to afford it on their own. It was made clear that to produce results, it would take two or three years,” a source said.
Speaking to The Hindu , MANUU Registrar M.A. Sikander said, “We are happy with Mr. Komath’s success, but I don’t know why the extension has not come. We are actively following it up with the UGC.”
Pro-Vice Chancellor Shakeel Ahmad too confirmed the university is yet to receive the letter of extension. Describing the CSEA’s nature as ‘not permanent’, he conjectured that the UGC could be busy dealing with other issues. “Other such centres too are awaiting renewals,” he said.
While the CSEA has been in existence since 2009, an overhaul of procedure and entrance examination was done last year. This resulted in 6,000 online registrations and a final selection of around 120 candidates of which more than 50% were women. Students were provided accommodation and access to the university library.
While Prof. Amirullah Khan was appointed its Director, former top cop A.K. Khan was appointed advisor.
