'Discuss atrocities against Muslim minorities in India': Jamia Millia Islamia exam question triggers row; professor suspended

NEW DELHI: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University has suspended a faculty member from its Department of Social Work following complaints about the content of an end-semester examination paper.The order, dated 23 December, said the university received several complaints regarding the paper titled "Social Problems in India" for the B.A. (Hons) Social Work programme, Semester I, for the 2025–26 academic session. The paper was set by Prof. Virendra Balaji Shahare.The question asked students to "discuss the atrocities against Muslim minorities in India, giving suitable examples."Taking note of the complaints, a JMI official said it found negligence and carelessness on the part of the faculty member.

"The professor has been put under suspension and an inquiry committee has been set up," said Saima Saeed, Chief Public Relations Officer, JMI.According to the suspension letter seen by PTI, the vice-chancellor, acting under Statute 37(1) of the Statutes of the University, ordered that Prof. Shahare be placed under suspension with immediate effect pending an inquiry.The office order added that the professor’s headquarters will remain in New Delhi during the suspension period, and he has been directed not to leave without prior permission from the competent authority.

The question paper drew criticism on social media. A student-run platform associated with Jawaharlal Nehru University shared images of the paper, questioning the appropriateness of the question and alleging ideological bias. The post objected to the framing of the question and linked it to alleged violence against Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh.Meanwhile, the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) also circulated the question paper, describing it as a matter of "serious concern". DUTA alleged that the question promoted a "one-sided" narrative in a centrally funded university and called for an immediate review of the question paper and the syllabus. The association urged the education ministry and the University Grants Commission to take note of the issue.