Syndicate meet pushed back, Madurai Kamaraj University's PhD students in limbo

The syndicate of Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) has not sat for the past six months, putting PhD students in a dilemma. The students complain that they cannot appear for jobs as they are awaiting a doctorate certificate that would be granted only after the syndicate clears their doctoral research.

Sundar (name changed), a PhD student, claimed that he had done his viva voce in February, but has not received the certificate yet.

"After clearing the viva, researchers will receive the syndicate clearance within one month. Only then we can file for provisional certificate. Without the certificate, we cannot file for job. At least 25 PhD researchers in MKU and its affiliated colleges are still waiting to receive syndicate clearance. We made several representations to the authorities through our guides, but in vain," he added.

He also stated "A friend who had defended her viva in Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, was awarded the doctorate recently. Now she is employed as assistant professor in a self-financing college in Tirunelveli. But MKU students were not able to take up any employment due to absence of certificates. E Sundaravalli, chairperson of MKU convener committee should call a special syndicate meeting and give sanction at the earliest."

Talking to TNIE, a top official of MKU, said that syndicate meetings need to be conducted every month. Since there is no V-C, this has not been conducted. MKU convener committee Chairperson E Sundaravalli has not arranged for the syndicate meeting since January this year. But, students who had finished their viva before October will receive their convocation by this year

R Murali, secretary of Save MKU Forum alleged that almost 100 PhD scholars are awaiting their doctorates.

"The syndicate must hold an emergency meeting and approve the papers, and release their provisional certificates at the earliest," he said.