Professor at Baburaoji Gholap College Loses Position Over Bribery Accusations in PhD Thesis Approval
The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has taken decisive action against a professor accused of bribery, leading to the cancellation of their guideship and the reassignment of affected students to new mentors.
Shakuntala Mane, a professor at Baburaoji Gholap College in Sangvi, found herself embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced that she demanded bribes in exchange for approving a PhD thesis. The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) intervened following a complaint from a PhD scholar, resulting in Mane’s arrest.
The university administration swiftly responded to the allegations, initiating disciplinary measures against Mane. In a circular released on Wednesday, SPPU officially revoked Mane’s guideship, highlighting its commitment to upholding academic integrity and ethical standards.
Mane, who had previously supervised eight students, will no longer oversee their academic pursuits. SPPU has facilitated the transfer of these students to alternative guides, ensuring continuity in their research endeavors.
Commenting on the situation, SPPU’s pro-vice-chancellor, Parag Kalkar, emphasized the university’s proactive approach in addressing misconduct within its academic ranks. He affirmed that stringent measures had been implemented to safeguard the academic interests and welfare of students.
However, the incident has sparked concerns among the student community, prompting calls for further action to address systemic issues. The Savitribai Phule Pune University Student Struggle Action Committee voiced their apprehensions, urging the administration to address grievances and uphold transparency.
In a letter addressed to the vice-chancellor, the committee expressed solidarity with PhD scholars facing undue pressure from mentors. They called for the establishment of an independent fact-finding committee to investigate similar allegations thoroughly.
Rahul Sasane, representing the committee, underscored the necessity of an impartial inquiry and advocated for the creation of a dedicated PhD Grievance Redressal Centre. Such measures, he argued, would facilitate the resolution of scholar students’ concerns and reinforce trust in the university’s academic ecosystem.
As SPPU navigates this ethical quandary, its commitment to accountability and ethical conduct remains paramount. The university’s actions send a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated, reaffirming its dedication to fostering a culture of academic excellence and integrity.
