Latest news with #Nazia
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Maulana Azad fellowship delay hits 1,400 PhD scholars; stipends stalled since Jan
New Delhi: More than 1,400 PhD scholars relying on the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) face mounting financial distress as stipend payments remain stalled since January 2025, with the researchers raising concerns that the lack of funds has threatened their academic progress and basic sustenance. Introduced in 2009 by the Union ministry of minority affairs, MANF supports PhD candidates from minority communities –– including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis, who clear the National Eligibility Test (NET) and come from families earning under ₹6 lakh annually. Scholars receive ₹37,000 monthly as junior research fellows (JRF) for the first two years, rising to ₹42,000 for the subsequent three years as senior research fellows (SRF). As of December 2023, 907 JRFs and 559 SRFs depend on the scheme. Despite government assurances in December 2022 that existing scholars would continue receiving support even as new admissions stopped, disbursements became erratic, the scholars said. The transfer of nodal agency responsibilities from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) in late 2022 introduced significant administrative hurdles. The fellowship's budget was also cut down this year by 4.9% — from ₹45.08 crore to ₹42.84 crores. 'Until 2022, everything was going smoothly,' said Nazia Israr, a MANF scholar at Kashmir University. 'Then, UGC said they would no longer be the nodal agency... After that, our fellowships just stopped.' Scholars describe endless cycles of document verification, Aadhaar linking, and unfulfilled promises. 'We kept going from our universities to banks to ministries. Every time they say, 'approval is pending'. But no one tells us from whom,' she added. The financial impact is severe. 'From January 2025 till now, I haven't received a single rupee,' Nazia said. Her personal life mirrors the crisis: 'My rent is unpaid. My research has been derailed. I just got married. My husband also has responsibilities — how long can he fund my education?' She emphasised the fellowship's deeper meaning: 'This fellowship was not just financial aid. It was hope.' Opposition lawmakers have raised the delay in disbursement of funds with the government. On 27 April, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi received a plea from the scholars demanding immediate payment of dues, implementation of revised House Rent Allowance (HRA) matching UGC norms effective January 2024, and regular monthly disbursements. Other opposition lawmakers including SP's Zia Ur Rehman Barq, DMK's T Sumathy, and the Congress's Mohammad Jawed wrote directly to Union minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, stating the stress the scholars are facing over the lack of funds. 'The delay has caused severe financial and emotional stress... This is not the first time,' Jawed said in his April 24 letter, referencing similar delays in 2023-24. Sumathy and Barq highlighted the HRA disparity: UGC JRF-SRF scholars received increases (9% to 10%, 18% to 20%, 27% to 30% in January 2024, but MANF rates remain unchanged. Barq stressed the scheme's purpose: 'Timely financial support is crucial to safeguard academic progress and uphold inclusivity.' An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged funds exist but stated disbursement approval is pending. 'The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) has the money but we haven't gotten approval to disburse the same. Once we get the approval, we will immediately pay out but there are issues with guideline changes and nodal agency change so it's taking time,' said the official.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Scolding Or Workload Alone Not Abetment To Suicide': Allahabad HC Grants Bail To MLA
Last Updated: The court gave bail to Jahid Baig, a Samajwadi Party MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi, in a case involving the suicide of an 18-year-old domestic help The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Jahid Baig (aka Jahid Jamal Beg), a Samajwadi Party MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi constituency, in a case involving the suicide of an 18-year-old domestic help, Nazia, who had been working in his home for nearly a decade. The bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh, while allowing the bail plea, held that there was no prima facie evidence to establish abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, by the legislator or his family members. The incident occurred on the night of September 8-9, 2024, when Nazia was found hanging in a storeroom on the third floor of the MLA's residence. Her death sparked concerns of child labour and alleged harassment in a politically sensitive setting. Another minor girl, Moni alias Sania, was rescued from the same household the next day during a joint raid ordered by the district magistrate. According to Moni's statement, both girls were often overburdened and scolded, sometimes even slapped. However, the court observed that such statements, while concerning, did not amount to instigation under the law. Nazia's father Imran and cousin Zubair initially refrained from making any accusations against the applicant. Later, Nazia's mother submitted an application under Section 173(4) BNSS against a young man named Abhishek Saroj, claiming that Nazia had been in a relationship with him and was being blackmailed over intimate photographs, which allegedly led to her suicide. The single-judge bench placed weight on Nazia's call records, which showed extended conversations with Abhishek in the hours leading up to her death. It noted that these details, combined with the mother's complaint, 'supported and corroborated" the theory that the alleged blackmail may have triggered her suicide. Further undermining the prosecution's case was the unexplained five-day delay in lodging the FIR, despite the police and district officials visiting the scene on September 10, a day after the suicide. 'As per statement of Moni with whom deceased-Nazia was working in the house of the applicant, that sometimes applicant scolded the deceased for work. Even assuming the same as correct at this stage, the same cannot be categorised as instigation or abetment to commit suicide," the court held, adding that there was no suicide note, no direct incitement by the applicant, and no allegations of abetment from the deceased's parents. However, the court emphasised that its findings were restricted to bail and should not influence the merits of the ongoing trial. Jahid Baig, who had been in custody since September 19, 2024, was directed to cooperate with the proceedings and barred from leaving the country. First Published:
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Mothers behind the mat: The Silent pillars of kho kho athletes
In a sport defined by speed, agility, and endurance, the real strength for many of India's Kho Kho stars has come from home—from the woman who encouraged them, fought societal norms, and made personal sacrifices to ensure her child could chase dreams on the mat. Nazia from Jammu & Kashmir reflects on the resilience of her mother, saying: 'My mother has been a constant source of support throughout my journey. Despite occasionally facing concerns from some of our relatives about my safety, she has always believed in me and my potential in sports. She stood by me like a pillar of strength, offering unwavering encouragement. Even during times of financial hardship, she never let that become a barrier to my dreams. Her support for my game has never wavered, and for that, I am truly grateful.' Subhashree Sing from Odisha credits her mother's bravery and belief, stating: 'I come from a small town in Odisha, but my mother made the brave decision to send me to Bhubaneswar for my studies. She has always understood my passion and dreams, and supported me wholeheartedly. I am truly grateful to her for believing in me and making sacrifices so I could pursue a better future. Her strength and selflessness have been my biggest inspiration.' Sumon Barman of West Bengal shares a deeply personal note of thanks: 'Despite her busy schedule, my mother has always supported me wholeheartedly. Whatever I need—whether it's love, care, or encouragement—she gives it without hesitation. I am truly thankful to her, because whatever I am today is because of her unwavering support and sacrifices.' Aakash Balyan of Uttar Pradesh adds his voice to the chorus of gratitude: 'My mother has always done everything for me with unconditional love. I often leave home early, but she always makes sure my meals are ready on time and takes care of all my personal needs so I can reach the ground without any stress. Her constant motivation and support have meant the world to me. I will always be deeply thankful to her for everything she does.' This Mother's Day, the Kho Kho Federation of India joins its athletes in saluting these incredible women—the ones who didn't just raise champions, but also became the strength and spirit behind their victories. They provide unwavering support, guidance, and presence through their child's triumphs and tribulations. Mothers indeed play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these young athletes and the sport itself.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Polio team attack: man arrested, wife booked
Mominabad police have arrested a man on charges of assaulting a polio worker and registered a case in which his wife has also been nominated as a co-accused. According to SHO Mominabad, Mairaj Anwar, the complainant Naeem-ul-Hassan - focal person for security affairs of the District West Polio Team - reported that the incident took place at around 10:30am in Fareed Colony, Orangi Town. As the polio team, which included female workers, was heading towards a school, two residents, Muhammad Jan and his wife Nazia, allegedly attacked the team. They reportedly tortured female polio worker Ruqayya, tore her clothes, and used abusive language. Nazia also allegedly assaulted another female worker, causing internal injuries, and threatened to kill other members of the team. Male polio worker also had sustained injuries. Police then reached the scene and took the accused couple into custody. The complainant alleged that the accused deliberately obstructed the polio campaign, attempted to kill team members, and assaulted the staff. He has requested legal action. An FIR (No. 176/2025) has been registered under Sections 354, 186, 337-A(i), and 34 of the PPC.
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Back-to-back Cambridge nomination
Listen to article Nazia Kashif, from Bahria College Karsaz, Karachi, has been shortlisted among the top 10 teachers in Pakistan for the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards (CDTA) 2025, marking her second consecutive nomination for this prestigious award. The CDTA is a global competition that recognises exceptional primary and secondary teachers for their remarkable contributions. This year, 90 outstanding teachers from across the globe have been selected, including 10 inspiring educators from Pakistan, marking a proud moment for the country's education sector. Nazia is a mentor and guiding force in her students' academic and personal growth. Her passion for literature extends beyond textbooks, encouraging students to bring stories to life through stage performances. She also guided students in painting a mural on the college's main entrance wall. The artwork, featuring symbols of unity and inspiring quotes, aimed to spread kindness and inclusivity. The winner of the CDTA will be announced on April 23.
