JNUSU delegation discusses MPhil, PhD extension, fellowship, CUET, funding with UGC

NEW DELHI: A delegation of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) visited the University Grants Commission (UGC) on April 18, 2022, to discuss issues relating to student welfare. The JNUSU discussed issues such as the grant of extension for MPhil-PhD terminal batches, non-NET fellowship, CUET and the relinking of MPhil-PhD, and disbursal of non-NET and funds for infrastructural repair.

Regarding the timely grant of extension to MPhil-PhD scholars of terminal batches, the UGC responded that it is not against the grant of extension, but the matter is under discussion. UGC officials reassured JNUSU that they will look into the matter. JNUSU appealed to the students of the terminal batches of MPhil and PhD to send individual representations to the UGC to bring attention to the matter and to fasten the process of extension.

When JNUSU raised the issue of the non-NET recovery at JNU, the UGC's additional secretary said that the commission does not stipulate the recovery of fellowships, except in case of overlapping periods. The delegation of JNUSU was also told that the UGC has held dialogues with the JNU administration regarding the issue. UGC further said that students affected by the issue should send their individual representations to the UGC with relevant details and documentation to enable the commission to take action. Students can send the individual representations to the UGC secretary, chairperson, and the additional secretary.

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JNUSU also stressed the opposition to the CUET exam, the removal of the MPhil programme from the National Education Policy (NEP), and the issue of deprivation points. According to the JNU students' union, the UGC officials have taken note of the issues raised and assured that these issues will be raised on relevant platforms. The UGC also assured that the concerns raised by the JNUSU regarding the NET qualification for PhD entrance shall be considered while making the final decision.

UGC further said that it shall look into the issue of irregular disbursal of non-NET fellowship, which was raised by the JNUSU. It said that the issue will also be discussed with the JNU administration. Regarding infrastructural repairs, UGC responded that it is up to the university to request additional funds for emergency repairs.

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