Biodata of Members

Prof. (Dr.) Shahid Akhter

Introduction

Prof. (Dr.) Shahid Akhter is a management academic, educationist and public administrator with more than two decades of experience in higher education, minority education and public policy. He is currently Member and Offg. Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), Ministry of Education, Government of India; Professor in the Department of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia; and Executive Council Member, President of India (Visitor) Nominee, AMU, Aligarh, U.P.

Previous Positions

• Chairman, Jharkhand Minorities Commission (Jan 2013 – Jan 2016), Status equivalent to Cabinet Minister.
• Vice Chairman, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), Ministry of Education, Government of India (Dec 2018 – Dec 2021).
• Court Member, Aligarh Muslim University (March 2019 – March 2022).
• Member, Project Approval Board (PAB) for Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas/Minorities, Ministry of Education (Mar 2018 – Mar 2020).
• UGC Nominee, Governing Body, New Arts, Commerce and Science College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
• Member, UGC Expert Committee for Open and Distance Learning Programs and Online Programs.
• Chairman, Finance Committee, NCPUL, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• National Convenor, Muslim Rashtriya Manch.
• Prabhari, Hindustan First Hindustani, an Intellectual Organization working for nation-building.
• Chancellor’s Nominee, Board of Governors, Jharkhand Rai University.

Academic Qualifications

• Ph.D. (Commerce & Business Management), Ranchi University, 2010
• MBA (Marketing Management), Ranchi University, 2000
• LL.B., Ranchi University, 2003
• B.Sc. (Chemistry Hons.), Aligarh Muslim University, 1997

Publications & Research

Prof. (Dr.) Shahid Akhter is an accomplished author and researcher, with several contributions to the fields of education, minority rights, and management. Notable publications include:

• Patent: AI-Based Computing Device for Intelligent Business Management – Granted on 11th September, 2026 by Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, U.K.
• Managing Human Resource in Event Management Sector (2026)
• Network Security and Cryptography (2025)
• Waqf Bill 2024: Respect to Islam and Gift for Muslims (2024)
• Bhartiya Musalmaan: Ekta ka aadhaar- Hubbul watani (Rashtriyata) 2023
• Fundamental Digital Marketing (2019)
• Grievance Management (2018)
• Brand Management (2018)
• Advertising Management (2011)
• Editor in Chief – Darpan Desh (National Monthly Magazine)

Furthermore, Dr. Akhter has authored a large number of academic, social, and research works that have been printed in esteemed national and international journals and chapters in various books.

Key Contributions & Achievements

Event Leadership

Organized the successful event on World Minority Rights Day and the 20th Foundation Day of NCMEI on December 18, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, focused on “The Role of Minority Educational Institutions in Shaping Viksit Bharat@2047.” The event saw the participation of esteemed dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Shri Indresh Kumar, RSS National Executive Member, and various academics and legal experts.

Conferences on NEP 2020 and Nation-Building

Under the Chairmanship of Dr. Akhter, the Commission has regularly organised national, regional and State-level conferences to facilitate greater awareness and effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 among Minority Educational Institutions.

These programmes have provided a platform for interaction among educational institutions, policymakers, government officials and representatives of minority communities. The conferences have focused on aligning MEIs with the broader objectives of educational reform, skill development, inclusive education and nation-building, and on enabling their contribution towards the realisation of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Strengthening of State-level Institutional Mechanisms

Under the Chairmanship of Dr. Akhter, the Commission has actively pursued the appointment of competent authorities in States/UTs for dealing with applications relating to NOCs and minority educational institutions. Following the intervention of the Commission, State Governments notified competent authorities for issuance of NOCs in Delhi in 2024, and in Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram in 2025. This represents an important institutional achievement in strengthening the mechanism for protection and recognition of minority educational institutions at the State level.

Engagement with State Competent Authorities

Under the Chairmanship of Dr. Akhter, regular meeting is being held with minority community members from various states and is aimed at sensitising State authorities regarding the educational rights of minorities guaranteed under Article 30(1) of the Constitution of India and the provisions of Section 10 of the NCMEI Act, 2004. The meetings also facilitated greater coordination between the Commission and State authorities in matters relating to NOCs, Minority Status Certificates and the functioning of Minority Educational Institutions.

Outreach through Tours and Field Visits

The coordination with various Minority Commissions and Board of State Governments is understood to have been smooth during the tenure and NCMEI provided an important platform for direct engagement with State Government officials, educational institutions and stakeholders.

These engagements contributed to greater awareness among State authorities regarding the constitutional and statutory safeguards available to minorities under Article 30(1) and reinforced the role of Minority Educational Institutions in the national education system. Such outreach also enabled the Commission to understand issues faced by MEIs at the State and regional levels and to promote more effective implementation of the statutory framework governing minority educational institutions.

Educational Reform Leadership

Dr. Akhter’s influence in education policy and the empowerment of minorities through educational institutions is profound. He is dedicated to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering integration and a stronger India.

Honours & Recognitions

Dr. Shahid Akhter has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards for his exceptional contributions to education, social reform, and national integration. His advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly in the domain of minority education, has been widely acclaimed. Below is a summary of his accolades:

• Be The Change Award 2026: Presented by Be the Change Foundation, National Conclave for contribution at the Vanguard of Global Innovation, Leadership and Transformative Change.
• Awadh Ratna Award-2024: Presented by Sangam Foundation, Lucknow on 06.10.2026 at All India Kaifi Azmi Academy, Nishat Ganj, Lucknow, for contribution to Social and Educational Field.
• Mahatma Gandhi Excellence Award 2024: For outstanding contributions in education and social work, awarded by FACE Group on October 2, 2024, at L’Elegant Hotel, Sahibabad Industrial Area Site, Delhi NCR.
• Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Honorary Award 2023: Presented by Taleemi Bedari for exemplary achievements in education, on October 15, 2023, at the International Research Institute of Buddhist Studies, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, U.P., India.
• Changemaker of the Year Award 2023: Honoring his efforts in societal upliftment and nation-building at the 3rd National Awards for Social Excellence on August 15, 2023, at Jamia Hamdard Convention Hall, New Delhi.
• Great Humanitarian Award 2021: For philanthropic contributions in education and social service, presented by the National Independent Bishop Council, New Delhi.
• Sir Syed Award 2020: Recognized by Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association (Hapur, Ghaziabad, and Meerut Chapter) for his contributions to education and social service, on October 25, 2020.
• Daktur-e-Adab Award 2019: For promoting Urdu language and excellence in education, awarded by the Islamia Group of Colleges, Deoband, U.P., on June 20, 2019.
• Indo-Nepal Ekta Award 2018: Presented by Former Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Lokendra Bahadur Chand, for promoting education, national unity, and social service, on November 25, 2018, at The Indian Society of International Law Hall, New Delhi.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award 2018: Awarded by the Global Brotherhood Forum for achievements in education and social service, on September 25, 2018, at India International Centre, New Delhi.
• Jharkhand Sewa Ratan Award 2012: For distinguished contributions to management, presented by the Speaker of Vidhan Sabha and Lokayukt, Government of Jharkhand, on February 5, 2012, at XISS Hall, Ranchi.

Additionally, Dr. Shahid Akhter has received more than 100 awards and recognition from various platforms. He has been featured in the Achievers Book of Dainik Bhaskar as one of the most influential individuals. Moreover, his articles published in International Newspaper and National Newspaper (Hindi, English and Urdu language) regularly on different social, educational and national issues.

Vision for the Future

Dr. Shahid Akhter is deeply committed to building a more inclusive and equitable India, where every citizen, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s growth. Through his leadership and academic contributions, he envisions strengthening national unity, integrating minorities with key government reforms, and driving educational transformation to empower future generations. Dr. Akhter’s efforts are focused on connecting and integrating minorities with significant policy initiatives. His vision is to create a self-reliant, Viksit Bharat, where the benefits of reform reach all citizens and foster an environment of progress, unity, and prosperity for the entire nation.

Most importantly, Dr. Akhter is actively working to engage minority communities in the vision of a developed India. Through nationwide programs organized under the banner “Ek Watan, Ek Qaum – Hindustan; Shreshtha Bharat – Viksit Bharat,” he is fostering unity, national pride, and inclusive participation in nation-building. These initiatives, held across different parts of the country, have witnessed remarkable success. In every city, thousands of participants from minority communities and minority educational institutions are attending and enthusiastically connecting with the spirit of Bhartiyata. The growing popularity of these programs reflects a strengthening sense of unity and collective commitment towards building a Viksit Bharat.