Researchers to continue stir at Kerala University

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University Researchers have decided to defy the orders of vice-chancellor P. K. Radhakrishnan and to continue with the indefinite strike against the new regulations. The vice-chancellor had earlier banned strikes on the campus during working hours following a recent agitation in which protestors blocked the vice-chancellor.

Advocate N. S. Lal was appointed inquiry officer on the incident after the explanation of the suspended researchers, Ajesh V. V., P Maneesh, S. Najeeb, V. Shanu and K. P. Vishnu, found unsatisfactory. The issues started with the Kerala University issuing an order on January 8 enforcing the UGC order that mandates the university to select a research supervisor from among only regular faculty members. However, no other university in the state had issued such an order. The agitating researchers have also sought the withdrawal of a hike in extension fee from a meagre Rs 600 to exorbitant Rs 1.7 lakh.

The university in the order pointed out that if it did not enforce the norms, it would be a violation of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M. Phil/PhD Degree) Regulations, 2009. The university order further says that retired teachers can continue as research supervisors until July 15, 2016. Afterwards, the departmental doctoral committee should reallocate candidates to serving teachers.

The order has made it clear that each research supervisor should guide no more than eight research scholars and five M.Phil students at a time. However, the order also provides for two “supernumerary seats” for each supervisor for accommodating existing reallocated research scholars. The decision, however, was against the interest of students as there were not enough research guides in the university. The number of M Phil seats had to be cut due to the new regulations.