More than 20 PhD scholars in a fix as research fee not paid to MKU for seven years

As the college management has failed to pay research centre fees to Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) for more than seven years despite having paid the required fees to the college management, affecting the scholars' research progress and completion of their doctoral programmes.

Key points

• For more than two years, I have been running from the university to the college and session the Principal, but my grievance has not been resolved.
• Another scholar, M Lalitha (name changed), remarked the delay was causing considerable mental stress among the scholars.
• After the protest, the college management allegedly paid the pending fees for the Chemistry research centre.
• This person enrolled as a part-time scholar almost eight years ago, stated he was yet to complete his Ph.D.
• Speaking to TNIE, a senior MKU official remarked the university had repeatedly issued notices to the college over the pending fees.

Speaking to TNIE, N Sunil (name changed). This person enrolled as a part-time scholar almost eight years ago, stated he was yet to complete his Ph.D. "Two years ago, I submitted my J-form to the MKU research department. Initially, they did not tell me anything and kept delaying the approval. After I repeatedly approached them, I was informed that the college management had not paid the fees to the university. Nevertheless, I had paid the entire fee to the college. After which they can submit their theses and appear for the final viva, " he stated, scholars can attend the pre-viva only after their J-forms are approved.

"For more than two years, I have been running from the university to the college and session the Principal, but my grievance has not been resolved. It is extremely frustrating since I have completed the requirements from my side and paid all the fees, " he went on.

Another scholar, M Lalitha (name changed), remarked the delay was causing considerable mental stress among the scholars. A scholar from the Chemistry department once locked himself inside a classroom and staged a protest.

After the protest, the college management allegedly paid the pending fees for the Chemistry research centre. As plenty of of us are working as lecturers in private colleges, but all of us cannot resort to such protests. Such demonstrations could affect our careers and professional image, she remarked. TNIE attempted to contact the college Principal, M R Chandran, but he was unavailable for comment.

Speaking to TNIE, a senior MKU official remarked the university had repeatedly issued notices to the college over the pending fees. The college has now cleared the dues for the Chemistry and Botany research centres, but still owes more than Rs 10 lakh towards the other research centres, the official remarked.

"At least, the college should return the fees collected from students for the other research centres. The university can then allow these scholars to continue their research at the university itself under the same guides, " the official remarked.

For now, more than 20 PhD scholars in a fix as research fee not remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.