Calicut University cracks down on research shirkers'

KOZHIKODE: Calicut University may take action against researchers who have not completed their work despite receiving the fellowship. The Course and Research Committee which submitted a report in this regard to the University Syndicate observed that it affects the quality of research and reputation of the university, besides losses to the exchequer. Those who are willing to continue the research will get all possible help for its completion.

The panel took the decision after the audit department raised questions over the funds misused by the researchers without completing PhD theses. They had drawn over Rs 60 lakh as research aid without result. The committee considered cases of 31 ‘dropout’ scholars in which 20 had given an explanation, which it will study in detail and take a decision in consultation with the guides. “For remaining 11, we recommend the university to initiate appropriate legal action. We cannot at any cost justify the scholars leaving halfway," said subcommittee convener Dr Fathimathu Zuhara K.

"They are not just causing loss to the government and funding agencies, but also spoiling the chances of students with genuine research interest.” Vice-chancellor Dr K. Mohammed Basheer said lack of strict and timely evaluation at department level resulted in such misuse of funds. “If they conduct a proper assessment every six months, such issues wouldn’t happen. In many cases, the scholars rush through it at the last hours affecting the quality,” he said. “Since the NAAC demands more concentration on research, strict actions will follow to maintain high standards.”