Pune: BARTI’s Decision Sparks Wave of Protests – Candidates Call for SARTHI to Cancel PhD Scholarship Exam
Pune, 2nd January 2024: In a cascading effect following the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute’s (BARTI) decision to cancel the PhD scholarship examination, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) is now grappling with protests from candidates demanding a similar cancellation.
The issue surfaced when candidates raised objections about the examination for the PhD scholarship, which was conducted by the SET department of Savitribai Phule Pune University. Allegations emerged that the question paper used in the recent exam was from the SET examination conducted in 2019, prompting demands for the cancellation of the test.
In response to the controversy, a meeting was convened at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where authorities decided to nullify the previous exam and schedule a re-examination on January 10. However, BARTI took a different approach by announcing the cancellation of the examination for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Researcher Fellowship, adding fuel to the already heated situation.
In light of BARTI’s decision, candidates for the PhD scholarship initiated protests on Monday, calling for the cancellation of their exams and immediate disbursement of scholarships. Saurabh Shinde, a vocal protestor, urged SARTHI to follow BARTI’s example and prioritize the concerns of the candidates.
Sanjeev Jadhav, Registrar of SARTHI, acknowledged the demand and stated that further actions would be taken in consultation with the government. The decision to cancel the examination for the PhD scholarship is being viewed as a strategic move, and authorities are likely to tread cautiously as they navigate through the complexities of the situation.
