The One year M Phil (Master of Philosophy) course which began at Ranchi University (RU) in September 2012 has still not been completed. University’s inability to fulfill academic formalities on the State Government’s part, infrastructure and teachers for this research based programme are the main reasons behind this delay, said sources.
In order to take university to a enhance the university in the field of quality education Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr lN Bhagat in a hurry decided to begin the programme last year which was the key idea of former VC Dr AA Khan. Highlighting over this delay, a lady professor of this institution said, “The regulation of this course was prepared in July 2012 and sent to State Human Resources Development (HRD) Department. After HRD’s approval it was forwarded to the Governor who is also the Chancellor of Jharkhand State Universities. But, till date sanction from the Chancellor’s side is awaited.”
“Due to this the result of first semester held in the months of May-June inspite of being prepared has not been declared. As an impact, students were not allowed to fill up form for pursuing second semester but instructed to carry on their dissertation work,” mentioned a university staff. Notably, the first semester covers the theoretical portion whereas the second semester includes dissertation work which would benefit the students in carrying their research work in Doctorate (PhD) after grabbing M.Phil degree. With such dilemma, the university is hoping to get Chancellor’s sanction in the next 15 days. On this another university staff said, “The result will be published after the Durga Puja Holidays in November.”
Presently, about 22 departments of the university consisting of History, Political Science, Bengali, English, Sanskrit, Philosophy, Hindi, Urdu, Geography, Geology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Psychology, Tribal and Regional languages, Home Science, Commerce, Zoology, Botany, Physics, Mathematics, Economics, Sociology are running this M.Phil programme.
The limited teachers of RU post graduate departments concerning this course as well are finding it hard to accommodate the large student strength. A Professor of Science department informed that reputed universities usually admit around 10 to 20 students in M.Phil as most of the students choose the same teacher as their guide during PhD.
As per University Grants Commission rules 11, 8 and 6 scholars can carry their PhD research under a Professor, Reader and lecturer respectively. “Unfortunately RU has failed to abide this norm and has taken 40-50 students in most of the M.Phil batches,” the Science Professor said.
On the other hand, students enrolled in this course are also facing difficulties. “Preparing for the upcoming National Eligibility Test (NET) seems impossible since our dissertation work has not finished. Also, we can not appear in the Ph.D entrance examinations of government universities where an M.Phil degree is must. Teachers too are not able to give us apt advice for our dissertation,” an M.Phil student said.