Several Vice Chancellors, who allegedly turned their chambers into YCP offices during YS Jaganmohan Reddy regime resorted to innumerable irregularities turning universities as `rehabilitation centers’ for YCP leaders.
Former Andhra University Vice Chancellor Prof Prasada Rao, who was notorious for his open involvement in YCP activities had surprisingly appointed YCP leader Lakshmi Parvathi as a Professor in the University, three years ago. But the irregular appointment came to light only now.
She was made as a Telugu professor in the newly established Trans-Disciplinary Research (TDR) Hub at the University. Giving her Professor status, the university appointed her as a guide to PhD scholars.
This TDR Hub has been set up to provide an opportunity to those who are performing jobs in various organizations to do PhD. James Stephen, who has no connection with the university, was brought in and made the dean of this TDR hub.
Meanwhile, Lakshmi Parvati stays in Vijayawada. All the PhD scholars are from Visakhapatnam. She was appointed without considering how she would guide them there. She was also made a guide for 10 researchers.
The professor who acts as a guide to the researchers doing PhD should have taught the lessons to the PG students. Must have at least five years of experience in teaching. At least one should have contributed in the process of awarding Ph.D.
Without any of such qualifications, Lakshmi Parvati was appointed as a guide. Moreover, she was also given some honorarium under ‘guide ship’. But hardly any trace of her guiding scholars. When the scholars expressed agitation from whom they can seek guidance, the Dean James Stephen assured them “You don’t need such fear. We will take care of everything.”
There are allegations that this TDR hub was set up to award PhDs required for promotions to employees who have contributed to YCP in all ways and working in various organizations. Surprisingly for the first time in the educational arena, a new term ‘Executive PhD’ was introduced.
This hub is running against the rules. More than 150 people are doing research here. They are from all departments like Telugu, Hindi, English, Commerce, Management. Generally such researchers should be associated with the relevant department.
Examinations should also be conducted under the supervision of the respective departments. But, James Stephen is not following any of these rules. Other than, Lakshmi Parvati, they brought people working in private colleges and appointed them as professors.
For those who are doing such research, the tests are conducted there and they themselves award marks to them. Knowing this matter, Dean of Examinations Dr. DVR Murthy raised an objection and cautioned that such tests will not be recognized.
Now is the time for them to be tested. The Vice-Chancellor has to give proceedings for this. As there is no one as VC at present, science college principal Dr. MVR Raju has given notification of the exams. However, it is noteworthy that permission is not given to conduct examinations in the TDR hub. Satyanarayana, head of the Hindi department, demanded an early inquiry into the cross-border affairs in the TDR hub.
