BHU Professor Firoz Khan Is In Sanskrit Department, Will Remain There: HRD Minister Pokhriyal

Seeking to put an end to the controversy over the appointment of a Muslim professor in BHU's Sanskrit department, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal "Nishank" on Thursday told Lok Sabha that Firoz Khan is in the varsity's Sanskrit department and will continue to teach that language.

Participating in a debate on the Sanskrit Universities Bill, Danish Ali (BSP) referred to Benaras Hindu University assistant professor Khan, who was facing protests after being appointed to the post in the Sanskrit department of the varsity.

Intervening in the debate, Pokhriyal said "Firoz Khan is in the Sanskrit department, and will remain there." He also said the assistant professor will continue to teach Sanskrit. 

Earlier, BHU professor reportedly resigned from his post at the SVDV Department and joined the Arts Faculty. Students, mostly from the ABVP had staged protest against his appointment at the SVDV last month.

The students had boycotted his classes and staged a dharna outside the vice-chancellor's office. The BHU administration had come out in Khan's support, saying his appointment was made in accordance with the BHU Act and the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission. The university had in a public statement even said that Khan was the "best" among all candidates.