Promotions to be awarded based on quality of published work, not quantity says UGC

The University Grants Commission has directed the Vice Chancellors and heads of the different institutions and universities to make sure that the decision to award credit points, promotions or research degrees must be based on the quality of the work published by the individual and not the quantity. The directive was issued by the UGC keeping in mind the interests of the Indian Academic publishing and credibility of the research and knowledge production.

The UGC advised the Vice-Chancellors, selection committees, screening committees, research supervisors and experts involved in the academic performance evaluation and assessment to make sure that their decision in selections, promotions, credit allotment, and research degree must be on the basis on the quality of the work published and not the numbers.

In a letter written by the UGC to the Vice-Chancellors and institution heads, it has been stated that the old UGC approved a list of journals that has been replaced with a UGC-CARE reference list of quality journals. From June 14, 2019 research publications from the journals indexed in the list will be considered for academic purposes.

The UGC has been stressing on the need for quality research compared to quality in the universities and other higher education institutions in the country.

The HRD ministry recently started the preparation for the National Research Foundation for which a proposal will soon be presented before the cabinet. The National Research Foundation will help in promoting research in India. It is expected that the proposal for the NRF will be presented this month. The government and HRD ministry have been making efforts to promote more research-driven activities in the institutions and universities in the country.

The National Research Foundation will fund the research projects by providing grants and establish research labs for science, oceanography, nanotechnology and information and communication.

As per reports, the NRF will be the highest body which will be formed under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister and aim at excelling in knowledge and infrastructure.

Also Read: HRD Ministry preparing a detailed plan for National Research Foundation, proposal to be presented before the cabinet soon