E-Paper
PU faculty aged over 62 may not be able to guide new PhD scholars
Faculty members with less than three years of completion of re-employment may not be allowed to take new research scholars at PU as per a proposed change in rules
Panjab University (PU) is considering the proposal to not allow faculty members over the age of 62 to guide new research scholars under the new PhD guidelines recommended by a varsity panel recently.
However, they can continue to supervise or co-supervise the already registered PhD scholars until the age of 70 years. The new guidelines, formulated in accordance with University Grants Commission minimum standards and procedure for award of PhD degree regulations 2022, will be tabled for approval in PU syndicate meeting on March 25.
As per PU regulations, the retirement age of teachers is 60 years. However, they are allowed to stay in service till 65 years of age as per a Punjab and Haryana high court order.
As per the proposed guidelines, no faculty will supervise PhD of candidate from their own or spouse’s blood relations. A candidate can be given a maximum extension of two years on the stipulated six years’ time for completion of the degree with a valid justification. Female candidates and persons with disabilities (more than 40% disability) can be allowed a relaxation of two years after the maximum stipulated time of eight years . They will be charged a fee of ₹35,000 per year for the extension beyond eight years.
Women candidates will be provided maternity and child care leave for up to 240 days once in the duration of the degree.
Colleges as research centres
The new guidelines have proposed the academic, research, administrative and infrastructural requirements to be fulfilled by colleges for being recognised as a research centre and offer PhD programmes. Only the colleges with adequate facilities for research can offer PhD programmes.
The approved research centre may also constitute a cluster of 10 or more colleges to run PhD programmes in different disciplines. The guidelines for this will be prepared by a committee under the chairmanship of dean, college development council.
Meanwhile, the university also issued the supplementary agenda on Friday for the syndicate meeting, which includes the recommendations of a committee on the issue regarding release of enhanced salary in pursuance of CAS promotions under 4th Amendment of UGC Regulations, 2010. A total of 38 agenda items will be taken up during the syndicate meeting on March 25.
