MESCO unveils plans to set up “Aleef University”

Hyderabad, December 27 : The Muslim Education Social and Cultural Organisation (MESCO) on Thursday unveiled its plans to start ALEEF University in the city.

Disclosing the details during the inaugural ceremony of India Education Conclave – 2012 organised in collaboration with the National Commission for Minorities Educational Institutions at Jubilee, MESCO Secretary Dr Fakhruddin Mohammad said that the proposed Arabic Language and English Education Foundation (ALEEF) University was being conceptualised for the last 12 years. He said that the MESCO has already imparted modern education to nearly three lakh students while training about 3,000 Ulemas in English language.

Dr Fakhruddin said that besides Hyderabad the MESCO has been operating four other centres at Bidar, Gulbarga, Mangalore and Delhi for the last several years. These centres could be converted into university campuses in future, although the proposed university would begin its operations with online distance education courses. He also said that steps were being taken to get accreditation from the University Grants Commission, other Central agencies and international universities.

Addressing the conclave, the University Grants Commission member Prof MM Ansari exhorted the Muslims to get higher education and quality education to ensure development. He also stressed the need for taking steps to protect the minority institutions that have been set up by different organisations across the country.

Former MP Aziz Pasha slammed the Centre for not releasing the funds meant for the welfare of minorities during the 11th Five Year Plan. He said of Rs 17,000 crore that were sanctioned, only Rs 7,000 crore were released while just Rs 4,000 were utilised. He said a representation has been made to the Planning Commission seeking Rs 42,000 crore for the Minorities Welfare under the 12th Five Year Plan.

He also demanded the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force comprising Home, Finance, Social Justice and other related departments.

Rajya Sabha MP MA Khan, former MP SM Lal Jaan Basha, MESCO Director Dr Ifteqaruddin and FEMI President Dr Tajuddin also addressed the conclave.