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UGC notification on retired profs may prove a problem for Barkatullah University research guides
Superannuated professors at universities cannot act as guides or supervisors in awarding M Phil or PhD degrees, according to a University Grants Commission circular.
Superannuated professors at universities cannot act as guides or supervisors in awarding M Phil or PhD degrees, according to a University Grants Commission (UGC) circular.
The circular says that "Universities shall allocate supervisors from amongst the regular faculty members in a department or its affiliated PG colleges/institutions depending on the number of students per faculty member." Any degree awarded otherwise would be in violation of the UGC Regulations, 2009.
This UGC notification can prove to be a problem for the Barkatullah University as about 500 out of 1800 registered guides are retired professors.
Retired English professor, Zamiruddin said, “I have already resigned due to the non-academic environment in the university. It looks like that they are living in a fool's paradise. Retired professors don't ask for students. It's the university that asks us to guide the students because of experience and knowledge. They are mistaken. There is a shortage of guides and retired professors for a few subjects and this decision will affect the students adversely.”
Urdu poet and retired professor Anees Sultana said, “This is not a good decision keeping in mind research. The decision makers are ignoring the talent and competence of retired professors. It will definitely affect the working of the university.”
Barkatullah University vice chancellor MD Tiwari didn't find the decision very thoughtful. He said, “In research work, experience plays a very important role. A young guide also needs the guidance of an experienced guide for research. After retirement, the competency of professors can't be questioned because they will always be well aware of topics, books and research work.”
Meanwhile, some retired professors have welcomed the decision.
Retired professor HS Yadav said, “In the central universities, retired professors can't supervise in awarding MPhil and PhD degrees. This is a good decision.”
