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Delhi University’s proposal to drop PG Political Science electives on Islam, Pakistan, and China has sparked controversy among faculty and academics.
DU may drop papers on Pakistan, China, Islam in Political Science PG syllabus.
A Delhi University (DU) panel’s proposal to remove postgraduate Political Science elective courses on Islam, Pakistan, and China has sparked sharp controversy. The proposal has divided faculty members, with some alleging it reflects political bias and threatens academic freedom, while others argue it ensures national relevance and aligns the curriculum with India’s strategic priorities.
The university’s Standing Committee on Academic Matters met on Tuesday to review syllabi across departments, as reported by the news agency ANI.
According to Dr. Monami Sinha, a member of the committee and the Academic Council, the Political Science postgraduate syllabus came under “significant scrutiny.”
She said that the courses likely to be removed or replaced include: ‘Pakistan and the World’, ‘China’s Role in the Contemporary World’, ‘Islam and International Relations’, ‘Pakistan: State and Society’and ‘Religious Nationalism and Political Violence’. These courses will either be dropped entirely or revamped, she noted. The department’s course committee will draft a new syllabus, which will then go through the university’s formal approval process.
The Delhi University administration has yet to issue an official response on the matter.
Earlier, DU Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh had stated that department heads were asked to review syllabi and eliminate content that involved what he termed “unnecessary glorification of Pakistan.” His comments followed a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.
However, many DU faculty members strongly object to these changes, calling them ideologically motivated. Dr. Monami Sinha argued that omitting such courses compromises the academic integrity and critical thinking that higher education should encourage. “It is imperative to study Pakistan in detail, given its central role in India’s foreign policy. Similarly, removing content on China ignores the reality of its growing global influence,” she said.
Beyond Political Science, several other departments were also affected. The committee reportedly suggested removing Unit 3 of MA Geography (Semester 1), which deals with internal conflict and religious violence, including works by political scientist Paul Brass. In the Social Geography course, the Chair objected to the inclusion of “Distribution of SC Population,” arguing for reduced emphasis on caste.
In Sociology, the introductory theory paper was criticised for focusing solely on Western theorists like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. The committee suggested including Indian theorists and traditional family structures. Additionally, Kath Weston’s reading on same-sex families was challenged, with the Chair arguing it was inappropriate as same-sex marriage is not yet legal in India. A course on vulnerability and disaster management was also reportedly removed.
Condemning these moves, Abha Dev, Secretary of the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), said: “Academic autonomy of departments stands eroded. The dumbing down of courses based on belief systems rather than pedagogical principles is deeply worrying. DU’s reputation for academic excellence is at stake.”
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Mithuraaj Dhusiya, an elected member of the Academic Council, questioned the standing committee’s jurisdiction. “The standing committee can suggest changes, but it cannot direct departments to drop papers. Universities must foster open, critical debate—not suppress uncomfortable questions. Engaging with the ‘other’ is vital for intellectual growth in today’s complex geopolitical environment,” he stated.
The controversy has reignited debate around academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and ideological interference in higher education.
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