Nagpur: A senate panel was formed to devise a formula to allocate funds for research in colleges and postgraduate teaching departments (PGTDs) by Nagpur University on Tuesday.
Senate members pointed out that one percent of the entire NU budget was supposed to be allocated for research funding, but it didn’t happen to date despite the house clearing it in its previous meeting in March this year. Members suggested that 10% of fixed deposits (FDs) must be spent on research funding.
After an intense debate ensued, VC Prashant Bokare said a committee should be formed to look into the issue and find out sources of funding for research projects. Bokare said the earmarked funds of Rs2.5 crore for research must be utilised first before seeking other sources.
Some members objected that the university was not allocating one percent of the entire budget but calculating after the deduction of its expenditures. They said it was a misinterpretation of the senate decision.
The debate started after senate member Payal Thaore suggested the PGTDs must not be excluded from the funding.
Senate member Shrikant Bhowte alleged bias in approving research projects in affiliated colleges. “While several projects were outright rejected on the face of candidates, many were approved against norms,” he said.
Members said the allocation of funds under the aegis of NU’s centenary celebrations was meant for those researchers who didn’t get any funding or are involved in any aided projects. However, some applicants were having multiple project funding but were still availing these funds, they claimed.
Member Nitin Kongre also said he received several complaints of discrimination. Senior member Rajendra Bhoyar suggested that instead of rejecting proposals outright, the NU must give a second chance for improvement.
“A mechanism must be set up to scrutinise a proposal and inform the researcher about deficiencies. He must be given a chance to resubmit the proposal by removing the deficiencies,” he said.
Senate member Raj Madankar said there is no dearth of funds and the university can look beyond its kitty. Pro-VC Rajendra Kakde said stress must be given to outcome-based research projects and only those found suitable must be approved.
