19 scholars under him, ex-VC broke Anna University rules
TNN | Jan 28, 2020, 04.48 AM IST
CHENNAI: Anna University regulations in 2013 allowed a professor to guide up to 12 research scholars at a time (the number is 11 now). But M Rajaram guided 19 research scholars simultaneously from 2013 to 2016 when he was holding office as vice-chancellor, according to a reply to an RTI query.
Anna University’s PhD regulations do not bar a vice-chancellor from guiding research students, but there is conflict of interest, say academicians. The vice-chancellor chooses the examiners to evaluate thesis and conduct viva-voce for doctoral candidates.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, say professors, asking how it’s possible to guide 19 research scholars while holding a top academic post in a university?
“It is unethical to guide research scholars after becoming a vice-chancellor. Besides, he wouldn’t have time to guide so many research scholars while heading a large technical university,” said E Balagurusamy, former vice-chancellor, Anna University.
Professor Rajaram denied all allegations. “There is no bar on a vice-chancellor guiding researchers. I have not taken any student after becoming vice-chancellor. All my PhD students completed research after proper publication,” Rajaram told TOI. He said some of his students had published papers in top journals like IEEE.
On allegations that he guided scholars in other streams such as computer science engineering and held a closed viva-voce for his students, Rajaram said, “As a professor in electrical and electronics engineering, I can guide students from all circuit branches. My students have defended their thesis in public viva voce and university has records for attendance of public.”
But his critics are not convinced. They say even a full-time research guide cannot supervise more than 10 scholars. According to UGC’s shodhganga website, Rajaram conducted viva voce for 43 students as guide between 2013 and 2019. The data shows Rajaram had more than 12 Anna University research scholars, which is a violation of university rules.
Raising doubts about the research data and originality of the theses, several professors demanded a committee be set up to investigate the issue.
“If there is sufficient proof and evidence of plagiarism, fake data in theses submitted by his research scholars, the university will initiate action,” said M K Surappa, vice-chancellor of Anna University.
TNN | Jan 28, 2020, 04.48 AM IST
CHENNAI: Anna University regulations in 2013 allowed a professor to guide up to 12 research scholars at a time (the number is 11 now). But M Rajaram guided 19 research scholars simultaneously from 2013 to 2016 when he was holding office as vice-chancellor, according to a reply to an RTI query.
Anna University’s PhD regulations do not bar a vice-chancellor from guiding research students, but there is conflict of interest, say academicians. The vice-chancellor chooses the examiners to evaluate thesis and conduct viva-voce for doctoral candidates.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, say professors, asking how it’s possible to guide 19 research scholars while holding a top academic post in a university?
“It is unethical to guide research scholars after becoming a vice-chancellor. Besides, he wouldn’t have time to guide so many research scholars while heading a large technical university,” said E Balagurusamy, former vice-chancellor, Anna University.
Professor Rajaram denied all allegations. “There is no bar on a vice-chancellor guiding researchers. I have not taken any student after becoming vice-chancellor. All my PhD students completed research after proper publication,” Rajaram told TOI. He said some of his students had published papers in top journals like IEEE.
On allegations that he guided scholars in other streams such as computer science engineering and held a closed viva-voce for his students, Rajaram said, “As a professor in electrical and electronics engineering, I can guide students from all circuit branches. My students have defended their thesis in public viva voce and university has records for attendance of public.”
But his critics are not convinced. They say even a full-time research guide cannot supervise more than 10 scholars. According to UGC’s shodhganga website, Rajaram conducted viva voce for 43 students as guide between 2013 and 2019. The data shows Rajaram had more than 12 Anna University research scholars, which is a violation of university rules.
Raising doubts about the research data and originality of the theses, several professors demanded a committee be set up to investigate the issue.
“If there is sufficient proof and evidence of plagiarism, fake data in theses submitted by his research scholars, the university will initiate action,” said M K Surappa, vice-chancellor of Anna University.
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