Nod for Sakshi Malik’s PhD admission in violation of UGC norms raises eyebrows
ROHTAK: The academic council of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, on Saturday paved way for the admission of Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik in a PHD course in physical education. This is despite the fact that Sakshi has not cleared any entrance test for the same, as mandated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The university said it has created a supernumerary seat for Sakshi after considering her as a special case owing to her achievement in last year’s Rio Olympics. Shakshi has applied for the said course and intends to start it from the next year.
However, the decision to exempt her from an entrance test has not gone down well with academicians at the university. Some of them have warned that this may set a bad precedent as other achievers in the future may seek similar exemption in admission criteria.
The wrestler had approached the varsity for an admission to a PhD course in physical education last year. She holds a post graduation from the same university.
However, she has not qualified NET, JRF, SLET, MPHIL or any other equivalent national entrance exam to be exempted from the entrance test.
Sources said many academicians in the university have opposed the move, asking what if she seeks further exemptions in course work. Some of them also demanded a no-objection certificate from Sakshi’s present employer, the Indian Railways, before admitting her to a PhD course.
Meanwhile, vice-chancellor Bijender Punia, called this a “routine procedure”. He said Sakshi’s achievement are “more than enough” to give her this exemption. “She has brought laurels for the country and our university. In such cases, many universities even give honorary PhD degrees to the achievers. However, Shakshi wants to pursue the course,” Punia said.
Prior to this, the Haryana government had awarded ₹2.5 crore to Sakshi for her Olympic feat, besides announcing promotion for her mother, post of wrestling director for her at MDU and a HUDA plot for her at a concessional rate.
NOD DESPITE THE FACT THAT SAKSHI HAS NOT CLEARED ANY ENTRANCE TEST FOR AS MANDATED BY THE UGC