JU limbo stalls fellowship & PhD entry, IoE status appeal
Times of India | 10 April 2025
12 Kolkata: Important academic and administrative work at Jadavpur University, such as release of student fellowship, admission to PhD, thesis evaluation and writing to the education ministry to reconsider the Institute of Eminence tag, have been stalled due to the absence of a vice-chancellor.
An official said the university had planned to write to the education ministry, listing out clarifications and requesting them to reconsider JU's Institute of Eminence tag. But the removal of Bhaskar Gupta from the interim VC's put brakes on the process. "The letter was almost finalised, but without the head of the institution, the university cannot proceed with it," said an official.
JU has been operating without a permanent VC for nearly two years. The posts of a permanent registrar, of deans and of a finance officer have also been vacant.
Swapan Soren, appeared for his PhD interview in the chemistry department in mid-March but the results are yet to be declared, making it difficult for him to get his fellowship. "The result could not be published without the doctoral committee meeting, which, in turn, can't be held without a VC," Soren said. "The delay is affecting me financially, as I won't receive my fellowship unless I am registered. I come from a poor family. I am being forced to borrow from teachers and relatives to meet my expenses."
Some research scholars said their theses evaluation had been pending as the selection of an external examiner needed the VC's approval. Some others are worried about their future as they would not be able to get a provisional PhD certificate without the VC's approval.
JUTA held a press meet on Wednesday, highlighting the challenges faced by teachers, students and officials without a VC. JUTA general secretary Partha Pratim Ray said, "It is impossible to run a university without a VC. Financial approvals of over Rs 1 lakh can't be sanctioned, large sums of project money can't be utilised and have to be returned. The promotion of teachers will be affected."