422 PhD students of PTU in a fix after dean issues fresh order

THE ORDER HAS PUT SCHOLARS PURSUING PHD UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF 147 PROFESSORS OF THE TECH VARSITY AT THE RECEIVING END

BATHINDA:An order issued by AP Singh, dean of research and innovation at Inder Kumar Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU), Jalandhar, has put as many as 422 PhD scholars in a fix.

Singh had issued an order on April 25, stating that to all the PhD scholars associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda, and its affiliated should either enrol at the MRSPTU or pursue their research under the supervision of a guide working at IKGPTU.

The MRSPTU was formed in 2015 by the Punjab government and colleges of 11 districts were affiliated with it.

The order has put 422 scholars pursuing PhD under the guidance of 147 professors of MRSPTU in a fix. Students who were enrolled for PhD in the year 2011 to 2015 are at the receiving end of the order.

However, no guidelines were issued to the PhD scholars at the time of formation of the MRSPTU.

These scholars continued with their research under the professors who were shifted to MRSPTU from the IKGPTU. Most of the scholars are at a stage nearing completion and several of them have already completed their course work.

According to official of IKGPTU, the decision was taken as per the guidelines of the UGC. Harjeet Singh, a PhD student, said after finishing his course work it is not possible to change guide or university at this point of time.

He added that at IKGPTU there are two subjects in the course work but there is an additional lab course at the MRSPTU. So, it is not possible to change university or guide.

Sources at MRSPTU and IKGPTU said the universities might be merged soon and this will solve the issues.

However, no one confirmed as to when the government will take a step in this regard.