AMU Elects First Woman in Teachers Association

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has elected a woman to its influential teachers association for the first time.

S Chandni Bi, assistant professor of history, has been elected to the powerful executive council of the AMUTA (Aligarh Muslim University Teachers Association), officials said.

"It's a significant development and I hope to further the cause of women's emancipation, a cherished wish of the founder of the AMU, Sir Syed (Ahmed Khan). I would say the university is evolving and gradually responding to changing demands and perceptions. The AMU teachers association is an important body and can effect significant changes," Chandni Bi said.

Perhaps the time has now come for a major push to reforms to change the profile of this great institution, she added.

Chandni Bi was unanimously elected along with four other members — Waseem Raja, Abdul Hakim Khan, Inamuddin and Shakir Ali — to the executive council.

Ten applications were received for five vacancies of AMUTA's election commission by chief election officer Saleem Akthar. Five withdrew and the remaining five were elected without opposition, according to Saleem.