Pursuing MPhil/PhD while working will cost teachers their experience: UGC

The University Grants Commission's (UGC) notification, which states that the experience of teachers will not be counted if they pursue MPhil or PhD simultaneously with teaching assignment by taking leaves, has sent the entire fraternity into a tizzy with many teachers at the Delhi University (DU) terming it as "denial of study leave" to them.

According to the Clause number 3.1 of the gazette notification (service condition) issued by the UGC on July 18, the time taken by candidates to acquire MPhil or PhD degree shall not be considered as teaching/research experience to be claimed for appointment to the teaching positions. "However, the period of active service spent on pursuing research degree simultaneously with teaching assignment without taking any kind of leave shall be counted as the teaching experience for the purpose of direct recruitment or promotion," it said.

Until now, the teachers were entitled to include the duration of their study leave in their experience. "This is extremely discouraging for the teachers who want to pursue research. Who would like to take study leaves for pursuing PhD? It takes three years to complete PhD. How is it even possible to pursue PhD simultaneously with a teaching assignment. The government is indirectly denying us our right to take the study leave," said Rajesh Jha, a professor at Rajdhani College and a member of DU's Executive Council.

The UGC, however, has restored its earlier proposed service condition of discontinuing increments during the study leave. " Even as the UGC has restored the increment during study leave, but taking off the teaching experience of three years will be the same as no increments for PhD. Who would like to give away their experience then?" asked another faculty member.

As per the norms, minimum teaching experience required to be promoted to the positions of associated professor and professor, is eight and ten years, respectively.

The DU Teachers' Association (DUTA) said that it will take up the matter in its upcoming executive meeting. "We will take this matter to the higher authority and will overturn it," said DUTA president, Rajib Ray.

Despite several attempts, officials at the UGC could not be reached for a comment.

NEW RULES

• Until now, the teachers were entitled to include the duration of their study leave in their experience
   
• The UGC, however, has restored its earlier proposed service condition of discontinuing increments during the study leave