Mumbai: MU teachers’ body challenges appointment of pro-vice-chancellor

Mumbai University Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ajay Bhamare

The Mumbai University and College Teachers Association (MUCTA) has raised questions regarding the appointment of Dr Ajay Bhamare as the pro-vice-chancellor of Mumbai University (MU). Citing their inability to locate crucial research qualifications such as the H-index, i10 index, and Google Citations associated with Dr Bhamare, the teachers' association has called upon the governor , who also serves as the chancellor of all state universities, to order an investigation into Dr Bhamre's credentials, in alignment with the provisions outlined in the Maharashtra Public University (MPU )Act and UGC guidelines. MUCTA claims that they couldn't find any information about Dr Bhamare on Google Scholar and that his essential research qualifications, such as H-index, i10-index and Google Citations are not recorded.

"The appointment of the current Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Ajay Bhamare, appears to be in potential violation of the conditions outlined in the MPU Act. Upon searching for Dr Bhamare's name, it has come to our attention that he is not listed on Google Scholar, and critical parameters such as citation index, H-index, and i10-index are conspicuously absent for our esteemed pro-vice-chancellor. It has also been noted that Dr Bhamare does not possess a Google Scholar account, despite holding a portfolio that is fundamentally tied to research," said Dr Subhash Athavale, general secretary of MUCTA. According to Dr Athavale, it is disconcerting to have an individual in the academic role of pro-vice-chancellor, which involves making crucial academic decisions and overseeing the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, "without a track record in research or scholarly contributions".

He added, "We strongly urge scrutiny of Dr Bhamare's academic records in full compliance with the MPU Act and UGC guidelines. We believe it is important to reevaluate his appointment. We have faith and confidence that the chancellor will-promptly direct the vice chancellor of the University of Mumbai to conduct this verification and implement required measures at the earliest." Meanwhile, Dr Bhamare was not available for comment. Dismissing the allegations raised by MUCTA, a senior official of MU stated, "The appointment was conducted in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in the Maharashtra Public University Act, and no violations have occurred. We would not like to make any further comments about these baseless allegations."