Pune finds itself in the midst of a scholarship examination controversy as protests erupt following the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute’s (BARTI) decision to cancel the PhD scholarship examination. Candidates, now dissatisfied with the unfolding events, are urging the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) to follow suit and nullify their exams.
The dispute originated from objections raised by candidates regarding the PhD scholarship examination conducted by the SET department of Savitribai Phule Pune University. Allegations surfaced that the question paper used in the recent exam was recycled from the SET examination held in 2019, leading to widespread demands for the cancellation of the test.
To address the situation, a meeting was convened at Savitribai Phule Pune University, resulting in the decision to annul the previous exam and schedule a re-examination on January 10. However, BARTI took a divergent route, announcing the cancellation of the examination for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Researcher Fellowship.
In response to BARTI’s decision, candidates for the PhD scholarship initiated protests, emphasizing the need for exam cancellation and immediate scholarship disbursement. Vocal protestor Saurabh Shinde called upon SARTHI to align with BARTI’s decision and prioritize the concerns of the candidates.
Sanjeev Jadhav, Registrar of SARTHI, acknowledged the demand and assured that further actions would be taken in consultation with the government. The cancellation of the PhD scholarship examination is perceived as a strategic move, and authorities are expected to navigate cautiously through the complexities of the situation.
