Al-Falah University Faces NAAC Scrutiny Following Delhi Blast Links and Expired Accreditation Claims

Al-Falah University has gained significant attention following the Delhi blast that resulted in 13 fatalities.

New Delhi:

Two divisions of Al-Falah University, located in Faridabad, have received a show-cause notice from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), a key organization under the Union Education Ministry. The university has come under scrutiny after doctors employed there were allegedly found involved in terrorist activities.

The NAAC, responsible for evaluating and grading higher education institutions, has highlighted that Al-Falah University's website claims 'A' ratings for both the Al-Falah School of Engineering and Technology and the Al-Falah School of Education and Training.

According to the notice, the engineering college received an 'A' grade in 2013, which was valid until 2018. Similarly, the Department of Teacher Education earned an 'A' grade in 2011, valid until 2016.

"Both colleges' accreditation status has expired. Neither institution has volunteered for the Cycle-2 Assessment and Accreditation process of NAAC," states the notice.

The notice demands the university administration to provide justification against potential punitive actions.

"Why should the University not be disqualified from future Assessment and Accreditation consideration by NAAC? Why should NAAC not recommend that UGC withdraw Al-Falah University's recognition under section 2(f) and 12B? Why should NAAC not recommend that NMC withdraw recognition for Al-Falah University's NMC-recognized programs?" the notice inquires.

"Meanwhile, you must remove NAAC accreditation details from your website and any other publicly available documents and confirm compliance to NAAC," the notice adds, requesting a response within seven days. Currently, the university's website is inaccessible.

The notice bears the signature of Ganesan Kannabiran, NAAC's director.

Al-Falah University in Faridabad's Dhauj was established in 2014 and received recognition from the University Grants Commission the following year. The university operates under the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, formed in 1995, which launched an engineering college in 1997. The institution offers various academic programs through its schools of medical science, engineering and technology, humanities, computer science, and education.

Three doctors employed at the university's Al-Falah School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre have attracted security agencies' attention following the discovery of explosives and the deadly blast near Red Fort. Dr. Muzammil and Dr. Shaheen are in custody due to alleged connections with explosives and weapons recovered in Faridabad, while Dr. Umar was operating the vehicle that exploded near Red Fort and is believed to have initiated the blast.

Professor Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Anand, Vice Chancellor of Al-Falah University, expressed that the institution is "deeply saddened and anguished by the unfortunate developments" and condemns these actions. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all innocent people affected by these distressing events."

The university has clarified that its only connection to the doctors under investigation is professional.

The Vice-Chancellor's statement also denounces reports attempting to damage the University's reputation. "The University notes with deep concern that certain online platforms are circulating baseless and misleading stories clearly intended to malign the reputation and goodwill of the University. We strongly condemn and categorically deny all such false and defamatory allegations," she stated.