Ambedkar University Delhi revises PhD rules amid student protest; here is what has changed

Dr BR Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) has revised its guidelines for full-time PhD scholars receiving fellowships, replacing the attendance rules that had triggered protests on campus. However, students and research scholars have continued their indefinite sit-in at the university's Kashmere Gate campus, with their demands now extending beyond the PhD attendance issue.The revised guidelines, issued on September 30, came after weeks of protests and discussions between the university administration and students..These foreign universities are bringing degrees to Bengaluru but at a whopping cost.What has AUD changed?The university's latest order supersedes the attendance guidelines issued on July 31.Under the revised guidelines, full-time PhD scholars receiving fellowships are required to participate in relevant coursework and seminars and maintain academic engagement and research progress.Attendance records will be maintained by the research supervisor and programme coordinator and verified by the dean of the concerned school.The university has said the revised guidelines focus on academic engagement and research progress and are aligned with UGC regulations.What was the earlier rule?The July 31 order had introduced an “attendance-cum-whereabouts” register for full-time PhD scholars receiving fellowships.Under the earlier system, unauthorised absence from on-campus research work could invite penalties and affect a scholar's fellowship..History of Delhi University Students' Union: From Rs 150 grant to national spotlight.The university had also issued a separate circular requiring students to give at least four working days' notice before organising protests, rallies, marches, dharnas and other public gatherings on campus.Students opposed both measures and demanded that the circulars be withdrawn.Why are students still protesting?Although the university has revised the PhD attendance guidelines, students say several of their other concerns remain unresolved.Students and research scholars have been holding an indefinite sit-in at the Kashmere Gate campus since September 28.Their demands include the withdrawal of the July 31 circulars, removal of iron gates and other barriers on campus, restoration of the PhD fee waiver and greater student representation in university decision-making.They have also raised concerns about basic infrastructure and facilities at different AUD campuses..Delhi Commission for Women seeks report on sexual harassment complaint against JNU professor.What is the dispute over campus access?Students have objected to iron gates and other security barriers at the Kashmere Gate campus, saying these restrict their movement within the university.The administration has defended the security arrangements and said a designated area is available for peaceful protests. It has also asked protesters to move their sit-in away from areas near classrooms and the library.Tensions over access have continued during the protest, with students and the university giving different accounts of recent confrontations involving security personnel.What happens next?The revised PhD guidelines address one of the main issues that led to the current agitation, but the students' wider demands remain.The university has said it is in dialogue with the protesters and has acted on demands it considers legitimate and permissible.The indefinite sit-in at the Kashmere Gate campus is continuing as students seek action on the remaining issues.

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