AMRITSAR: Professor Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC), emphasized 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 Joshi urged the academic community to move beyond the outdated focus on the quantity of publications, advocating instead for research that prioritizes impact, credibility, and originality.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 toward 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. He directed institutions to establish internal systems to provide these services free of charge, emphasizing the need for academic integrity and equitable access to essential tools.
Prof. Joshi also highlighted procedural and structural challenges faced by PhD scholars, stressing the importance of clarity of purpose before embarking on a doctoral journey. 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. On reaching Campus, Prof. Joshi was warmly received by Vice -Chancellor Prof. Dr. Karmjeet Singh at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, honoring him and noting that such dialogues serve as a vital platform to align academic aspirations with policy reforms.
In concluding remarks, Registrar Dr. K.S. Chahal and Dean of Students’ Welfare Dr. H. S Saini expressed gratitude, stating that the interaction would greatly benefit faculty and scholars. They emphasized that such discussions reinforce GNDU’s commitment to a research ecosystem grounded in quality, transparency, and ethical standards, reflecting the UGC’s vision of prioritizing quality in India’s higher education landscape.