RONO HILLS, Nov 24: The Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars’ Forum (RGURSF) on Tuesday called on Registrar Dr N T Rikam to apprise him about the difficulties faced by the varsity’s scholars in carrying out research works due to suspension of hostel accommodation.
Urging the university administration to allow re-entry of research scholars into the campus for accessing library, labs and hostel accommodation, the RGURSF submitted a memorandum highlighting the disruption of research works since the declaration of the country-wide closure of universities and colleges in March. “Researchers are facing hurdles in carrying out their work as staying out of campus has deprived them of adequate time and many are facing financial difficulties to accommodate themselves at rented houses and commutation problem is a major issue. Moreover, research works of scholars from life sciences are highly dependent on experiments carried out in labs on a daily basis. Coupled with such problems, the scholars’ community is gravely affected,” RGURSF General Secretary Prem Taba said.  
“Scholars have a limited tenure of 3-5 years to complete their research work, out of which six months have already passed due to the lockdown. They need an environment for discussion, common study space, library facility, good internet connection to access various journals. The experimental research of scholars is suffering badly due to inaccessibility of lab facilities and the PhD/MPhil scholars who are not on any fellowship programmes are also finding it difficult to pay rents outside,” Taba elaborated, adding that universities like JNU, DU, BHU, Dibrugarh University and others have already started allowing hostel accommodation to their research scholars.

The RGURSF General Secretary cited the new guidelines issued by the UGC on reopening of colleges and universities wherein it is mentioned that higher educational institutions outside containment zones shall be allowed to open and students of research programmes in science and technology may join the institution as the number of such students is comparatively less and norms of physical distancing and preventive measures can be easily enforced. "The guidelines explicitly state that in the case of central universities, the authority to decide on such matters lies with the Vice Chancellor. Moreover, all scholars’ hostels, viz. Tissa, Dibang, Panyor and Siang have single-room occupants and safe distancing can be maintained unlike the PG hostels,” Taba reasoned. The RGURSF GS has urged the university to constitute a committee to take a decision on the matter and allow reopening of hostels in a phase-wise manner.
Meanwhile, the Registrar assured the matter will be looked into and taken up during the November 25 meeting with the Deans of all faculties. RGU may consider allowing phase-wise entry of students, he added. RGU PR

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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