UP varsities to follow uniform norms for PHD
All the state universities would soon be forced to follow a uniform policy in research programmes (PhD).
All the state universities would soon be forced to follow a uniform policy in research programmes (PhD).
The state government has prepared a new ordinance — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree Ordinance 2013 —and has asked the universities to adopt it in there respective institutions with immediate effect.
Under the ordinance, the universities will have to follow minimum standards set by University Grants Commission (UGC) and UP State Universities Act, 1973.
In a letter dated June 14, Anita Mishra, special secretary, UP government has asked all the vice chancellors of state universities to pass the ordinance through their executive councils (EC) so as to attain uniformity in PhD programmes.
“A copy of model draft of the ordinance is attached with this letter. The universities should ensure that it is passed in the EC according to the local and special requirements in accordance with the UP State Universities Act. Any progress in this regard should be communicated to the government,” read the letter.
As of now, the universities have been following different norms in research programmes. Though some of the guidelines, like conducting a common entrance test for admission to PhD courses as mentioned in the 2009 regulation of UGC have been adopted by some institutions, uniformity still remains a distant dream.
“It is indeed a welcome initiative. Now the government should ensure that the ordinance is passed in the executive councils without any further delay" said Moulendu Misra, former president Lucknow University Associated Teacher’’s Association (LUACTA).
Once the ordinance gets a nod in the executive councils, the universities need to communicate the same to the governor, who is the chancellor of the state universities.