UGC Approves Long-Pending Promotions For 1,421 Maharashtra Professors With M.Phil Degrees
UGC Approves Long-Pending Promotions For 1,421 Maharashtra Professors With M.Phil Degrees
PUNE: In a major relief for Maharashtra’s teaching community, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the promotion of 1,421 professors holding Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degrees, granting them exemption from NET/SET eligibility requirements. This move ends a 25-year wait for academic recognition and clears the path for their elevation to senior and selection grades.
The issue stemmed from a policy gap where M.Phil. degrees were considered valid qualifications for teaching appointments before 1993 and again between June 14, 2006, and July 11, 2009. However, professors who earned their M.Phil. degrees between 1994 and 2009 were excluded from these benefits, leaving them ineligible for promotions without clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET).
State higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil revealed that the state government had repeatedly raised the matter with union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and UGC officials. Highlighting the inconsistency and injustice faced by the affected professors, the state sought a one-time relaxation of eligibility norms.
Responding to the request, the UGC granted an exemption allowing these professors to be considered for promotions from the date they received their M.Phil. degrees.
The decision is expected to benefit hundreds of senior professors who have served in the education system for decades without due recognition. It will also help strengthen faculty positions across Maharashtra’s universities and colleges.
