Hyderabad, January 19: Taking serious note of the alleged scam in the awarding of PhD degrees at Dravidian University, the government has decided to impose ban on conducting PhD programmes through distance mode. Based on the report submitted by a two-member probe committee, the vice-chancellors decided to constitute a panel of subject experts and academicians from other universities to award PhD degrees. Meanwhile, notices were issued seeking clarification from the Dravidian University vice-chancellor on the findings of the two-member committee.
“All universities are warned against indulging in such activities. If there is a problem, the vice-chancellors can approach the government for any help including financial assistance,” the minister said.
The government has also decided to increase the block grants by 25 to 30 per cent for all universities with special emphasis on newly established universities for the development of infrastructure.
The minister also stated that orders have been circulated to all universities to fill vacancies through roster system. All vacant posts of vice-chancellors will be filled within two months apart from constituting the executive councils as per norms, he added. He also ascertained that the vice-chancellors are responsible for the the protection of University properties.
–Agencies