The Mumbai University College Teachers’ Association (MUCTA) has escalated its protest against the university’s prolonged delay in granting PhD guideship approvals to over 300 eligible teachers. Despite obtaining PG teaching approvals from the university, these teachers are forced to wait for an additional two years for PhD guideship due to outdated university norms.
Exhausted All Avenues, Seeking Urgent Resolution:
On March 12, 2023, MUCTA wrote to the Mumbai University administration urging immediate consideration of PhD guideship approvals as per the UGC’s March 6, 2023,notice permitting such approvals even during probation. Over the subsequent nine months, MUCTA sent four reminders (the most recent on December 12, 2023) emphasising the urgency of the matter.
Recognizing the university’s inaction, MUCTA approached the UGC Chairman, seeking his intervention. The UGC office promptly urged its Deputy Secretary, Dr. Smita Bidani, to address the issue. MUCTA has also highlighted a relevant Supreme Court judgement to the UGC, further reinforcing the need for swift action.
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Leadership’s Inconsistent Priorities Raise Questions
While both Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajay Bhambre has championed the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP, their commitment to prioritising research development at the university level appears questionable. Dr. Bhambre, specifically, lacks a documented research background and publications, casting further doubt on his understanding of the academic research ecosystem. MUCTA has already written to Hon Chancellor about Dr Bhambre’s poor research background and how he is not eligible as per the norms for pro-vice chancellor post.
Dr. Subhash Athavale, General Secretary of MUCTA, reiterates the association’s plea to the university: “We urge the university administration to resolve this long-standing issue within the next 20 days. Failure to do so will compel us to resort to a university-wide strike.”
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