UGC Halts PhD Admissions at BHU Amid Allegations of Irregularities

 

UGC Halts PhD Admissions at BHU Amid Allegations of Irregularities

VARANASI – In a significant move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has halted the ongoing PhD admission process at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) following multiple complaints of favoritism and violation of norms. The commission has also announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the alleged anomalies.

Protests and Allegations Spark UGC Action

The university has come under intense scrutiny after several aspirants and student groups alleged irregularities in the PhD admission process. Protestors, including aspirants Shivam Sonkar and Archita Singh, accused department heads of favoring select candidates and flouting UGC regulations. Their sit-in protests garnered wide attention and drew criticism from opposition parties.

More than 1,200 students have already been admitted to various PhD programmes, while admissions to over 400 seats remain pending. In response to the growing unrest, a group of students also staged a large-scale protest at the university’s central office, expressing frustration over administrative inaction despite repeated appeals.

UGC Orders Immediate Suspension of Admissions

In a letter issued by UGC Secretary Manish R. Joshi, the commission directed BHU to immediately stop all PhD admission activities for the academic year 2024-25. The letter states:
"In order to examine the issue pertaining to PhD admissions at BHU and ensure compliance of UGC Regulations, it has been decided to constitute a committee."

It further added: "BHU is directed not to take any further action on PhD admission for the year 2024-25 until the report is submitted by the committee and a decision is taken by the appropriate authority in this regard."

Senior Officials Summoned

The UGC has summoned BHU’s acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sanjay Kumar and the university registrar to provide an explanation. Their responses are expected to assist the committee in understanding the circumstances under which the alleged violations occurred.

UGC Committee to Examine Departmental Functioning

The committee, expected to be formed in the coming days, will not only investigate the specific complaints raised by candidates but will also review the functioning of the departments involved in the PhD admission process. According to sources, the committee will focus on whether the university followed the Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree Regulations, 2022, as mandated by the UGC.

Lack of Full-Time Leadership Adds to the Crisis

BHU has been functioning without a full-time Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor, or Executive Council for an extended period. This leadership vacuum is believed to have further aggravated administrative challenges, especially in handling sensitive matters like PhD admissions.

Emergency Meeting Held at BHU

Following the UGC’s directive, BHU officials held an emergency meeting on Tuesday and decided to immediately halt the admission process. The university awaits further instructions pending the investigation report.

Conclusion

The suspension of the PhD admission process at BHU is a rare and serious intervention by the UGC. The findings of the probe committee could have far-reaching consequences not just for BHU but for PhD admissions policies across central universities in India.