UGC seeks report from Sharda University over exam question on Fascism-Hindutva parallel

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday sought a report from the Sharda University about an "objectionable" question asked by it about the similarities between Fascism and Hindutva.

The higher education regulator has asked the Greater Noida-based private university to explain in the detailed action-taken report the steps taken by it to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.

The UGC noted that asking students such a question is against the spirit and ethos of our country, which is known for inclusivity and homogeneity.

A paper for first-year students of the BA honours course in Political Science had a question: "Do you find any similarities between Fascism/Nazism and Hindu right-wing (Hindutva)? Elaborate with the argument."

After the question paper went viral on social media platforms, the university formed a three-member committee to "look into the possibility of bias in the questions".

In a statement issued on Saturday, it said the committee has found the question objectionable and for the purpose of evaluation, it may be ignored by the evaluators.

"The university regrets that such an incident has taken place that may have the potential for fomenting social discord," said a statement issued by the university and signed by the registrar, on May 6.

"The university fraternity is totally averse to any line of thought which distorts the great national identity and the inclusive culture inherent in our national ethos," it further said.

A professor at the University was also suspended and show-caused last week for setting the examination paper.

On May 7, the university publicised the name of the professor and said that a detailed show-cause notice has been issued by the committee to him.

It also said that the probe committee found the question "prima facie objectionable."