NCMEI questions Al-Falah Medical College’s minority status after blast links

Growing scrutiny over Al-Falah Medical College has intensified as the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions has questioned the institution’s claim to minority status and asked it to justify why the recognition should not be cancelled.

The commission’s notice follows an earlier communication from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council on Nov 12 that sought clarification on accreditation related statements made by the Faridabad based university.

The latest notice was triggered after investigators linked two people connected to the Nov 10 Red Fort blast with the university.

The commission has directed the registrar of Al-Falah University and the Principal Secretary of the Haryana education department to appear for a hearing on Dec 4.

NCMEI has demanded a wide range of records, including details on the trust governing the university, its funding pattern, the process of appointing staff and administrators, and evidence of compliance with the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004.

The notice also seeks original documents of the trust deed, data on admissions and faculty recruitment, minutes of governing body meetings, and audited financial accounts for three years.

“Failure to appear or produce the documents may lead to ex parte proceedings,” an official said.

The Haryana Education Department has been asked to submit a verification report describing inspections carried out, oversight measures taken and correspondence exchanged with the institution since it was granted minority status.

Officials involved in the process said NCMEI intends to determine whether the institution is still controlled by the minority community mentioned in its trust and whether any change in ownership or administration affects its eligibility for the status.

The blast on Nov 10, which killed at least 12 people, has placed the institution under sharper focus. Dr Umar un-Nabi, accused of driving the explosive laden vehicle, and Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie, now facing charges, were affiliated with the university.

The National Medical Commission has already struck off four doctors linked to the case, including Muzaffar Ahmad Rather, Adeel Ahmad Rather, Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie and Shaheen Shahid, after they were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Enforcement Directorate, on Nov 18, arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of the Al-Falah group, as part of its money laundering investigation into alleged financial irregularities and claims about fraudulent accreditation.

The Association of Indian Universities has also withdrawn the university’s membership.

NAAC, in a separate notice earlier this month, sought an explanation for accreditation related information displayed on the university’s website.

Senior officials at NAAC said the institution has since responded and removed the content flagged by the council.

Repeated attempts to reach the Al-Falah Medical College administration and the vice chancellor for comment were unsuccessful.

The commission’s hearing on December 4 will determine whether further inquiry is required or whether the institution’s minority status should be reviewed or withdrawn.

Several agencies continue to examine employment records, financial details and other institutional documents associated with the Al-Falah group.