The Higher Education Department has tightened the norms for the University Grants Commission-funded scheme meant for university and college faculty to pursue research. The move comes in the wake of the detection of numerous violations by beneficiaries of the scheme.
The Faculty Improvement Programme (FIP), which enables teachers to pursue doctoral degrees and undertake research in the premier institutions of the country, has benefited many over the years. The scheme has been envisaged in a manner that benefits the student community too.
Leaving midway
However, the government has identified a number of violations that has led to huge loss of public money. Many teachers leave the programme midway or fail to submit their thesis in time.
Some even fail to render the compulsory service to the institution concerned on return from the FIP deputation.
In view of the violations, the government has decided to impose penalties on those who fail to adhere to the norms. Those who fail to render compulsory service after deputation will be imposed a penalty that comprises the pay and allowance drawn during the fellowship and the salary paid to the substitute teacher and contingency grant with interest. They will be sanctioned further salary upon rejoining service only after deduction of the penalty.
Besides, if the teacher fails to submit the thesis within six months from the date of expiry of deputation period, they will be liable to pay the entire amount drawn by them, along with the contingency grant, salary paid to the substitute teacher and a penalty of ₹25,000 along with interest. The government will also restrict the scheme to teachers aged below 45 years.