UGC secy stresses quality research, ethical standards at GNDU session

Professor Manish R Joshi, Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC), emphasised the importance of quality research, publication ethics and addressing systemic challenges in higher education during an interactive session with research scholars and faculty at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU).

Prof Joshi urged the academic community to move beyond the outdated focus on the quantity of publications, advocating instead for research that prioritises impact, credibility and originality. He encouraged scholars to adopt rigorous methodologies and contribute meaningfully to knowledge advancement and innovation. Reflecting on the limitations of the earlier UGC-CARE journal list, which was restricted to 1,200 journals, he acknowledged that it inadvertently pushed researchers towards predatory journals.

To address this, the UGC has now granted universities the autonomy to evaluate journals based on transparent and clear guidelines, fostering ethical publishing practices and ensuring access to credible platforms.

Addressing concerns about the financial burden of private plagiarism detection tools, Prof Joshi clarified that no research scholar should bear the cost of plagiarism checks. “We have directed the institutions to establish internal systems to provide these services free of charge, emphasising the need for academic integrity and equitable access to essential tools. Also, the procedural and structural challenges faced by PhD scholars, there have to be clarity of purpose before embarking on a doctoral journey,” he said.

He described it as a demanding yet transformative process that shapes academic and professional futures, urging institutions to offer better guidance and resources to support scholars.

Scholars raised issues related to delays in fellowship disbursements, house rent allowance (HRA) concerns and the diminishing relevance of the UGC-National Eligibility Test (NET) in faculty recruitment. Prof Joshi assured that these concerns would be escalated to the relevant UGC departments, promising personal oversight to ensure resolution.

The session was facilitated by GNDU’s academic leadership. Dr Palwinder Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs, welcomed Prof Joshi and showcased the university’s achievements in research and education. Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Karamjeet Singh said such dialogues serve as a vital platform to align academic aspirations with policy reforms.