Three years after UGC directives,UoP still without list of standard research journals and publications

It is noteworthy that said regulation,titled ‘UGC regulations on minimum qualifications for appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges and measures for the maintenance of standards in higher education 2010’,was even formally endorsed by the state government by issuing a resolution to this effect in February 2011.

“Many faculty members are believed to have taken advantage of the situation by publishing their research work in paid or substandard journals and reaping career benefits from it since there are no standard lists available with the university that specify standard research journals and publications,” a senior faculty member told Newsline on condition of anonymity.

For example,the prescription of research publications for promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor on a graded scale requires the concerned teacher to undertake certain research work. Those who possess a Ph D degree,need to have one research publication during their service as Assistant Professor,in addition to the Ph D thesis. For those with a M Phil degree,two publications are mandatory while for those without Ph D or M Phil qualification,at least three research publications are must to get promoted.

In the absence of aforesaid lists of standard research journals and publications,proper validation of authenticity and quality of these research publications submitted by teachers before selection committees in support of their claim for promotion remains an issue,said another senior faculty member.

On the other hand,V B Gaikwad,director of Board of College and University Development of UoP,said the varsity could not maintain the list of standard research journals and publications due to varied reasons. He,however said that selection committees,which involve nominees of higher education department and experts along with university authorities,are capable of assessing the quality and standard of a teacher’s research work by virtue of their experience.

When contacted,State director of education ( higher),Prakash Gaikwad said UoP along with most other state public universities have failed to comply with 2010 UGC regulation in the matter of making out a list of standard research journals and publications,and uploading it on their website. “We keep sending reminders that universities should comply with UGC regulation and also the February 2011 government resolution,but to no avail,” he said.

The UGC,which itself had warned of withholding funds to universities as a consequence of failure of the universities to comply with different provisions of 2010 regulations,has not taken any action so far against any of the public universities in Maharashtra.