New research has come to a standstill in the University of Mumbai, as the Research Recognition Committee (RRC), which confirms research titles as well as recognises guides, has been defunct for the past six months. Around 1,500 research proposals and recognition of 100 guides has piled up due to this. The university claims that it is trying to get the committees formed but nothing has come of it.
Speaking about the problem, Sanjay Wairal, former senate member of MU, said that the university was undergoing one of the worst academic phases in its history. “Research is the backbone of any institution and is also an indicator of its growth. It has been six months since the previous RRC was disbanded after the term of the senate came to an end on August 31, 2015 and since then, hundreds if not thousands of aspirants have to await the formation of the committee so that they can embark upon their research projects,” said Mr Wairal. He added that while the six-month loss was grievous from the aspirant point of view but even more terrible for the reputation of the university.
According to a university official, nearly 1,500 proposals were pending and as many as 100 recognitions for guides was pending too. “On the one hand the centre and the state is pushing for increased research and innovation under the Prime Minister’s Skill for India initiative while on the other hand the oldest university in the country has brought research to a standstill just because it does not have an RRC. The university is setting a wrong precedent and, in fact, discouraging aspirants from taking up research work due to the delay in setting up the RRC,” said a former dean of the MU.
Dr M.A. Khan, registrar, MU, admitted to the absence of RRCs for various subjects and topics. “We are trying to form RRCs on a war footing so that the temporary stop on approval of proposals and recognition of guides is removed and aspirants can continue their work. The university lays a lot of emphasis on research and will do everything possible to overcome this lull,” said Dr Khan.
