Smriti Irani expresses anguish over comments made by AMU VC

Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani on Tuesday expressed her anguish over the controversial comments made by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) vice chancellor Lieutenant General (retired) Zameer Uddin Shah regarding girl students visiting the library.

"It is unfortunate that when entire nation is celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, such statements have surfaced. It's not only saddening as a woman but it also instils a feeling of resentment," Irani told the media here.

"I have sought information from the higher education secretary. Only after collecting all information, will I be able to make any comments," she added, refusing to make any direct statement on this issue,

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General (retd.) Shah in his defence said that he had been misquoted, adding that the university stringently works to provide equal rights and opportunities to women. He further said that women already have access to the library, adding that he had made no statements about male students bothering them. He also noted that till the Maulana Azad library is expanded, it cannot accommodate any more students.

Earlier, Lieutenant General (retd.) Shah had been quoted as saying that the girls had been denied access to the Maulana Azad library because "boys will flood the library if girls are allowed and there isn't enough space."

According to reports, the Centre has taken note of this statement, with Irani seeking a report from Lieutenant General (retd.) Shah on the same.