The Indian Parliament took a significant step forward on 21 September by passing the Women’s Reservation Bill—“Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”—marking a landmark in the nation’s journey towards gender parity in legislative bodies.
The bill, securing nearly unanimous support in both houses of Parliament with just two dissenting votes, signals a transformative stride towards ensuring women hold at least 33 per cent of the seats in state legislative assemblies and the Lok Sabha.
This legislative advancement aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s overarching vision for women’s empowerment and their active participation across varied sectors in the country. The government has consistently placed emphasis on supporting and promoting women, underscoring their crucial role in India’s development and advocating for equal opportunities in decision-making roles.
Notably, this broader context of women’s empowerment within India’s societal and legislative fabric resonates strongly with the ongoing process at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to select its next vice chancellor. The proceedings stand out in the university’s 100-year history as women candidates are contending for the first time. This momentous step signifies a shift towards greater inclusivity within an institution that has predominantly been shaped and led by men.
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Unfounded concerns
Sultan Jahan Begum, an iconic figure and a trailblazer in her era, left an indelible mark in history as the founding Chancellor of AMU from 1920 until her passing in 1930. Not only was she a great reformer in the tradition of her mother and grandmother, but she also founded several pivotal educational institutions in Bhopal, particularly emphasising free and compulsory primary education in 1918. During her reign, she placed particular emphasis on public instruction, specifically advocating for female education.
However, despite such historical milestones, AMU’s trajectory has largely been shaped by male leadership. But now, the university stands at a crucial juncture with five candidates vying for the V-C’s position. The responsibility entrusted to the AMU Court in shortlisting three finalists assumes a pivotal role in charting the course for the institution’s future.
There are concerns in some circles regarding the nomination of Prof Naima Khatoon due to her husband serving as the acting V-C and presiding over the meeting. But her nomination is not in violation of the university’s regulations and established protocols. Prof Mohammad Gulrez, the acting V-C, chaired the meeting in line with the statutes of the university, which empower the V-C to preside over the Executive Council meetings. As per Regulation 27 of the Executive Council, members likely to be personally affected by a motion should abstain from voting, a rule that didn’t apply to Prof Gulrez in his capacity as a separate legal entity.
Moreover, the circular issued by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, pertains only to candidates themselves, disqualifying them from the V-C position if they attend meetings of the Executive Council. Since Prof Gulrez was not a candidate, this directive did not necessitate his recusal, eliminating any conflict of interest. Also, Prof Khatoon was not present during the crucial meeting.
The Executive Council unanimously decided on procedures for tied votes, indicating that the multiple rounds of polling were not held. The absence of a specific regulation—barring a close relative from participating in the Executive Council meeting—further supports the impartiality of the selection process.
An opportune moment
Out of the 20 names initially proposed for the Executive Council’s deliberation, five candidates were selected following a meticulous voting process utilising ballot papers.
Now, the importance of inclusivity and diverse representation stand at the forefront. The selection, driven by merit and competence, should consider gender diversity and representation, recognising the invaluable contributions and perspectives women bring to leadership roles. Encouragingly, this move aligns with the recent legislative push for gender inclusivity, marking a substantive step forward in achieving a more balanced and equitable leadership landscape within academic institutions.
While the decision-making authority rests with the President of India, who serves as the Visitor to the university, there lies a significant opportunity to reinforce the commitment to gender inclusivity and equality within the academic sphere. AMU’s decision has the potential to set a remarkable precedent, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting and facilitating women’s active participation in leadership roles, thereby empowering and nurturing a more inclusive environment at the university.
In the broader context of India’s societal fabric, the inclusion of women in leadership roles across various sectors, including academic institutions, stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to gender equality and the realisation of a more balanced and representative governance structure. This moment in AMU’s history presents an opportune moment to underline the importance of inclusivity and representation, ensuring that the best-qualified individual, regardless of gender, assumes the role of the V-C, thereby fostering an environment that cherishes and upholds equality and diverse perspectives.
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A suitable candidate
Prof Khatoon boasts an extensive academic background, having held prestigious positions as a professor and chairperson in the Department of Psychology before taking on the role of principal of AMU’s Women’s College in July 2014. Her contributions to academia and her intimate knowledge of AMU’s institutional culture make her a compelling candidate. Her vast experience and pioneering roles in the women education sector highlight her potential to lead AMU forward.
Hailing from a remote Muslim “Pasmaanda” community in Odisha, Prof Khatoon has established an extensive and diverse academic and administrative career. She holds a PhD in political psychology, honed through her work at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) in Delhi and AMU. Currently, she is director at the Centre for Skill Development & Career Planning at AMU since October 2015.
Her academic and scholarly endeavours have transcended international boundaries. With an extensive repertoire of experience in delivering lectures and participating in national and international conferences, she has contributed significantly to the academic discourse. Prof Khatoon has also authored, co-authored, and edited six books, alongside publishing numerous papers in national and international journals.
Furthermore, her expertise extends to supervising fifteen PhD theses and an extensive number of dissertations, primarily focusing on clinical, health, applied social, and spiritual psychology. She also has a rich administrative background, having served as AMU’s deputy director, provost in key halls, and contributing to the Women’s College Student Union.
What lies ahead
The subsequent phase in this selection journey involves the upcoming AMU Court’s meeting scheduled for 6 November, where they will convene to deliberate and shortlist three final candidates. These three names will then be submitted to the President of India, who will make the ultimate decision in appointing the AMU’s 21st vice chancellor. This thorough and transparent selection process underlines the institution’s commitment to securing an able and visionary leader to steer AMU into its next chapter of growth and development.
The Indian government has significantly emphasised women’s empowerment, acknowledging their pivotal role in driving progress. For instance, during Najma Akhtar’s tenure as the V-C of Jamia Millia Islamia, the institution achieved an A++ grade from NAAC, highlighting the impact of women in leadership roles.
Similarly, the appointment of Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, a political science professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University, as the first female C-C of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), brought new heights of recognition to the university.
Also, Professor Nilofer Khan, currently serving as the V-C of Kashmir University, has spearheaded significant changes and development within the institution.
While the court deliberates on the next AMU V-C, there’s a keen focus on the potential for a woman to take the helm. Granting a woman this position could significantly benefit the university, enabling her to play a pivotal role in managing critical situations and advocating for the welfare of students, staff, and other crucial matters. Her leadership could potentially lead to proactive steps for the betterment of the AMU.
The author is professor in comparative literature, donor member of AMU, and former media advisor of the university. He tweets @jasimmohammad_. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)