OU drops prof.’s promotion

Prof. cites errors in his own publications; expert panel had passed papers

A professor from the geography department of Osmania University formally requested the withdrawal of his seniority promotion, citing discrepancies in his publications, sending ripples through the varsity, with the OU Teachers Association expressing apprehension over a surge in such requests.

The publications were one of the important features considered for his promotion and the same was approved by an expert committee.

The OUTA dubbed it a convenient method for the applicant to distance himself from the “misdeeds of unethical promotions.”

OUTA president Prof. Manohar said, “This might set a precedent,” calling for a more robust inquiry into the promotion processes to prevent misuse of withdrawal requests. OUTA general secretary Prof. Surrender Reddy raised questions about the credibility of the Subject Expert Executive Council (SEEC), responsible for clearing the publications and works of professors for promotions.

Prof. Reddy suggested that this could be a systemic issue, leading to questionable promotions within the university.

The withdrawal request comes amid growing concerns over alleged improper promotions at Osmania University. The OUTA sought the intervention of the state government for a comprehensive inquiry.

According to an order by OU registrar Prof. P. Laxminarayana, the professor, who had applied for promotion to the position of senior professor at Academic Level 15, had undergone the standard evaluation process.

The procedure involved a review of the professor's publications and supervisory roles in doctoral candidates, as per the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2018. Upon receiving favourable reviews from an external subject expert, the professor was summoned for an interaction with the selection committee.

Subsequently, the executive council approved the recommendations of the selection committee, including his promotion to senior professor.

After working for several months, he submitted an application highlighting discrepancies in his publications. The professor attributed these discrepancies to oversight and unintentional errors, expressing regret and formally requesting the withdrawal of his promotion.

The university obliged and said that monetary benefits derived by the professor would be subject to recovery.

“This might set a precedent,” calling for a more robust inquiry into the promotion processes to prevent misuse of withdrawal requests.

— PROF. MANOHAR, OUTA president