The Maulana Azad National Urdu University Act, 1996
📜 Overview of the Act
1. Title and Commencement
The Act is officially called The Maulana Azad National Urdu University Act, 1996 (Act No. 2 of 1997).
It came into force on 9th January 1997.
2. Objective of the University
The key objectives of MANUU under the Act are:
To promote and develop Urdu as a medium of instruction and cultural language.
To provide higher education and research through Urdu.
To provide vocational and technical education in Urdu.
To take appropriate measures for promotion of Urdu literature and culture.
To provide for distance education and open learning through Urdu.
3. Powers and Functions of the University
Under the Act, the University has the power to:
Grant degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Establish and maintain colleges, centers, and study centers.
Offer correspondence and online courses.
Conduct research in Urdu and related areas.
Publish works and promote academic interaction in Urdu.
Maintain relations with other universities and academic institutions in India and abroad.
4. Governance Structure
The university has the following main authorities:
a) Visitor
The President of India is the Visitor of the University.
Has powers to review the work and functioning of the University.
b) Chancellor
A ceremonial head.
c) Vice-Chancellor
The chief executive officer of the University.
d) University Authorities
Court
Executive Council
Academic Council
Finance Committee
Boards of Studies
These bodies take decisions on academic, administrative, and financial matters.
5. Medium of Instruction
The main medium of instruction and examination in the university is Urdu.
This is a unique feature compared to other central universities in India.
6. Funding
Being a Central University, the university is funded by the Central Government through the University Grants Commission (UGC).
7. Admission and Equal Opportunities
The university provides for admission of students from all parts of India, with a focus on Urdu-speaking and educationally backward sections.
Ensures no discrimination on the basis of religion, gender, caste, etc.
⚖️ Case Laws Related to the Act
While there are no landmark Supreme Court judgments directly interpreting the MANUU Act specifically, there are a few relevant cases and principles that relate to:
1. Language and Medium of Instruction
T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002)
The Supreme Court emphasized that minority institutions (including those based on language like Urdu) have the right to establish and administer educational institutions.
MANUU being a central university with a focus on Urdu, operates under the idea of language promotion, which is supported by Article 29 and 30 of the Constitution (rights of minorities to conserve their language, script, and culture).
2. Reservation and Equality
Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (2008)
Upheld the constitutionality of reservation in educational institutions, including central universities.
MANUU, being a central university, follows UGC and government policies on reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and PwD categories.
3. Recognition and Validity of Degrees
Bharathidasan University v. AICTE (2001)
The Court clarified that universities established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature do not need AICTE approval to start technical courses, though norms must be followed.
Therefore, MANUU’s courses and degrees are recognized, and the university has the autonomy to start approved programs under the UGC framework.
📌 Importance of the MANUU Act
Provides a legal foundation for establishing and running a unique university dedicated to Urdu language.
Ensures educational empowerment of Urdu-speaking and minority communities.
Serves as an example of inclusive education using a regional language.
🔚 Conclusion
The Maulana Azad National Urdu University Act, 1996 is a crucial piece of legislation that helped create a central university dedicated to the promotion of Urdu language and culture, and to provide higher education opportunities to Urdu-speaking populations across India. Governed by the UGC and Ministry of Education, MANUU plays a vital role in linguistic diversity, minority rights, and educational inclusion in India.
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