Delhi University Panel Recommends Dropping Pakistan, China, Islam-Focused MA Political Science Courses
New Delhi:June 27 — Delhi University’s Standing Committee on Courses has recommended dropping or reframing several MA Political Science electives that center on Pakistan, China, Islam, and political violence. The proposal, which follows closely on the heels of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, aims to reorient the curriculum toward India-centric perspectives and remove content that could be perceived as “glorifying” hostile nations.
Among the courses under review are “Pakistan and the World,” “State and Society in Pakistan,” “Islam and International Relations,” “Religious Nationalism and Political Violence,” and “China’s Role in the Contemporary World.” The university administration has directed that these be restructured—for example, by shifting focus to “India-Pakistan Relations” or “India-China Relations.”
The proposed revisions have drawn criticism from faculty and academic groups, who describe the move as politically motivated and detrimental to academic freedom. Professors argue that critical engagement with neighboring countries and sensitive geopolitical topics is essential for a rigorous political science education.
This curriculum reshuffle is part of a broader trend within the university to align syllabi with national narratives, including the replacement of thinkers like Allama Iqbal with figures such as V. D. Savarkar and the exclusion of topics like Kashmir, Israel-Palestine, and communal violence.
Revised course proposals are due by July 1 and will be reviewed by the Academic Council before final approval.
