Research scholars upset at UGC's quarterly updation of approved journals list
Publication of
research articles in these approved journals alone would be considered for
awarding of PhD degree, as per UGC rules.
Published:
01st November 2019 By Aadhithya MS | Express News Service
TIRUCHY:
Researchers and university faculty members voiced disappointment over the
University Grants Commission (UGC) constantly updating the list of approved
journals for paper publications. The updation every three months would hinder
research, they said.
Publication of
research articles in these approved journals alone would be considered for
awarding of PhD degree, as per UGC rules. The UGC also said that appointments
and promotions may be done by considering not just the number of papers
published, but also if they were published in journals that are indexed in the
quarterly updated list.
Recently, the
UGC had reiterated adherence to the UGC CARE (Consortium for Academic and
Research Ethics) list, which would be renewed once in three months.
Meanwhile,
Bharathidasan University (BDU) has issued a circular clarifying that articles
published in the journals in the previous list can be accepted till January
2020. This allows members to submit abstracts of PhD theses with a screenshot
of their publication in a journal mentioned on UGC CARE's earlier list from
June (it was last updated in September). This could be done only until January
2020 after which they should adhere to the latest list, BDU clarified.
Researchers,
depending on their subjects and universities, have to get a minimum number of
articles published to receive their doctorate degree. PhD aspirants argued that
UGC CARE's quarterly updates would cost them dearly. A research scholar in
sciences said, "PhD research spans anywhere from three to five years,
sometimes even longer. We are struggling to get our articles published in
journals because we need to develop contacts with the editors of journals. With
UGC CARE altering the list every three months, it would be tough for us to get
our articles published."
Pointing to
another issue, they said, "Many reputed journals seek payment for
publication because these journals will have to send our articles to review
panels. Only then do they publish it and we have to pay for that. These reputed
journals are the ones that will always be on the list. Other journals on the
list may be removed in ensuing lists. Given this scenario, pursuing a PhD will
remain an unfulfilled dream for those from poor backgrounds."
A senior
professor criticised the three-month updation cycle, saying "Updating
every three months poses a great problem. Every single researcher would be
inconvenienced. It should be updated after at least three years."
