The Association of Mangalore University College Teachers (AMUCT) have decided to ask the University Grants Commission (UGC) to make changes in the guidelines pertaining to funding minor research projects and allow retired teachers to carry out research work.
Raising the issue at the annual general body meeting of AMUCT on Sunday, a lecturer said that the UGC has barred retired teachers from working on minor research projects. “Teachers apply for projects while in service. Sometimes however, by the time the UGC approves the projects, some of teachers would have retired from service. In such cases the UGC refuses to fund the projects and educational institutes are forced to return the funds to the UGC. The guidelines ought to be changed to fund projects for such teachers,” the lecturer said.
Outgoing president, AMUCT, Norbert Lobo, said the guidelines for grants for minor research projects had been changed following several instances of principal investigators not completing the projects within the prescribed time and retiring from service. “There are no instances from our region. However, there have been many from across the country. This is why the changes were brought in. In this way, we can ensure that research work is completed by the time lecturer retires from service.”
Mr. Lobo, who is representing AMUCT in the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation, said the issue raised by the lecturer will be taken up with the UGC.
‘Work with university’
Ummappa Poojary P., the newly-elected president of AMUCT, said the organisation has to work with Mangalore University in resolving issues related to announcing results of graduate and post-graduate courses.
“Having been the part of the process of evaluation in different capacities, I know what goes through. Rather than finding fault with the University, we should help it in resolving issues that arise,” Mr. Poojary said.
A committee has been set up by the Mangalore University to resolve issues concerning evaluation.
Sabiha Bhoomi Gowda, vice-chancellor of Karnataka State Women’s University, inaugurated AMUCT’s annual convention. She felicitated retired lecturers and those who have submitted doctorate theses.
