The Central University of Kerala in Kasargod has issued a circular, according to which the research fellows pursuing their PhD from the university will have to choose topics which are “in accordance with the national priorities.”
The decision has been taken to “discourage research in irrelevant areas,” the circular says.
The circular says that it was issued following a Vice Chancellors’ meeting in New Delhi in December.
Speaking to the New Indian Express, the University’s Vice Chancellor G Gopa Kumar said, “The nation’s priority means its economy, technology, food security, social issues. A 25-year-old student will not know what the country needs. So it is better to give him/her ideas.”
The students however disagree and view the decision as a move to muffle dissent.
“As far as we can comprehend, through this circular, the authorities do not want to take any more students who voice against them,” said Ajith, another PhD scholar of CUK.
(With inputs from The News Minute and New Indian Express.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)