Concern over fall in research standards

Visakhapatnam: The Principal, College of Arts and Commerce and Member, Executive Council of Andhra University, Prof K Ramamohana Rao, said that the ethical research was neglected in the universities and it is high time to delink PhDs for recruitment and promotions in teaching.

Ramamohana Rao launched a lecture series on ‘Research Methods in Social Science Research’ organised by the department of Social Work under UGC-DST programme here on Wednesday.

Expressing concern over the deterioration of research standards in universities, Rao said that there should be flexibility in the research admissions and those who are serious and capable of doing real and ethical research should be given opportunity to do research in universities.

The purpose of research should not be linked to acquiring jobs and getting promotions, but it should contribute to the societal needs, he said. The universities should encourage qualitative research and should encourage meritorious and capable students to do research with ethical standards and commitment, he added.

The former Director of College of Social Work and Research Centre, Hyderabad, Prof DK Laldas, UGC nominee Prof Koteswara Raju and others were present.