Guide ‘demands’ cash, gifts from MDU research scholar; probe on
A Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at the Department of Education at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has alleged harassment and unethical demands by her research supervisor and the head of the department.
‘Asked for branded handbags, watches, apparel…’
The research scholar has alleged that her research supervisor and head of department persistently harassed and pressured her to bring branded handbags, watches and suits etc and withheld her junior research fellowship (JRF) as a pressure tactic.
These include demands for expensive gifts, cash and 50% amount of her research fellowship.
The complainant said she has been threatened with discontinuation of her PhD research work as she refused to fulfil the demands of her research guide.
“I was intimidated by my guide and the department head. They obstructed my research work by delaying my research-related approvals. All this has hampered my academic progress and caused immense mental agony," alleged Parul.
She lamented that despite submitting evidence-backed complaints to the university authorities since November 2024, no concrete action has been taken to date.
“They attempted to portray my complaint as ‘anonymous’ in official communication. This was clearly an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the allegations and avoid responsibility for taking action. Such manipulation not only disrespects the complainant’s identity and courage but also constitutes a serious breach of institutional accountability and transparency," said the research scholar.
She has also lodged a complaint at the CM’s window and with the state Chief Secretary regarding the matter.
The complainant has also underlined systemic lapses in the management of research scholars’ attendance record and monitoring of their fellowships at the department.
“It has been brought to light that the department has failed to maintain proper attendance records, which has resulted in the misuse of fellowships granted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the university. Some research scholars who are employed in full-time jobs elsewhere, continue to draw JRF stipends simultaneously, which is a clear violation of UGC guidelines that prohibit simultaneous full-time employment and fellowship benefits," she asserted.
The research scholar has expressed concern over the absence of accountability and redressal mechanisms within the university.
MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh and Registrar Dr Krishan Kant preferred not to comment on the matter, while the Director (Public Relations), Prof Ashish Dahiya, said an inquiry was going on into the allegations levelled by the research scholar.
Haryana Tribune