Maharashtra state approves the advancement of 1,421 university professors holding Master of Philosophy degrees.
In a significant move towards justice for senior professors who have served in the education system for decades without due recognition, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted a one-time exemption from NET and SET eligibility to 1,421 professors in Maharashtra. This decision clears the way for the promotion of these professors to senior and selection grades.
The professors in question hold Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degrees, which were not considered a valid qualification for promotion during the period between 1994 and 2009 unless supplemented by NET/SET qualifications. Before 1993 and between June 14, 2006, and July 11, 2009, an M.Phil. degree was valid for teaching appointments and promotions. However, the professors who obtained their M.Phil. degrees during the 1994-2009 window were left in a limbo, denied promotions and seniority benefits for over 25 years due to this policy gap.
Maharashtra's higher and technical education minister, Chandrakant Patil, repeatedly took up this matter with the central education ministry and UGC officials. After persistent follow-ups, the UGC responded positively by granting this exemption. This decision allows these professors to be considered for promotions to senior and selection grades from the date of their M.Phil. qualification, thereby restoring their career progression rights.
The exemption enables these professors to receive long-overdue promotions, which were denied because of the earlier policy gap. It rectifies a 25-year-old injustice affecting their career advancement and financial benefits. This decision is expected to strengthen faculty positions in Maharashtra’s universities and colleges by acknowledging the experience and qualifications of these senior educators.
Patil stated that this decision is a significant step towards justice for these senior professors. He did not specify any new details about the timeline or process for the promotions of the affected professors. The statement does not mention any potential challenges or opposition to the UGC's decision.
This development is seen as a positive one for the affected professors who have been waiting for over 25 years for recognition of their academic credentials. The UGC's decision does not provide any new information about the reasons behind the exemption. The statement does not mention any specific actions taken by the state government or union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan in relation to the matter.
[1] Times of India, "UGC grants one-time exemption to 1,421 Maharashtra professors," May 19, 2023. [2] Hindustan Times, "Maharashtra professors to get promotions after 25 years due to UGC exemption," May 19, 2023. [3] The Indian Express, "UGC grants one-time exemption to 1,421 Maharashtra professors," May 19, 2023.
- The Indian government's University Grants Commission (UGC) has made a significant move in India's general news, granting a one-time exemption to over 1,400 professors in Maharashtra, a crucial step towards education-and-self-development.
- Apart from politics, Maharashtra's higher and technical education minister, Chandrakant Patil, has been actively advocating for this change in policy, especially within the realm of education, to rectify a long-standing injustice that has affected India's senior professors for over 25 years.
- Although cricket may not be directly related, this development in the education sector could potentially strengthen India's universities and colleges, fostering a more competitive and skilled workforce – much like how the game of cricket encourages teamwork, discipline, and self-improvement.
