Avinash Azad
JAMMU, Aug 20: It may sound strange but it is true that Prof Avtar Singh Jasrotia, associate professor in Department of Geology, University of Jammu, has guided only two PhD and 1 M Phil scholar in his career so far. Notwithstanding of his dismal performance on this front, he continues to hold the post of HoD, Remote Sensing since May 2012.
In an RTI reply, under number PIO/JU/14/11133-35 dated May 6, 2014, the JU authorities admitted that Prof Jasrotia had guided only three scholars so far. "As per the available record, two students namely Rajesh Kumar and Ajay Kumar have been awarded PhD Degrees under the supervision of Prof A S Jasrotia till date", the RTI reply read, adding that one student has been awarded M Phil under Prof Jasrotia's supervision.
"Sunil Singh has been awarded M Phil degree, while two other students have applied for registration of their Ph D course under his supervision", the reply added. Prof Jasrotia was nominated to act as course coordinator of M.Sc Remote Sensing in addition to his duties under the overall administrative supervision of Head of the Department of Geology from November 15, 2007 of Remote Sensing, the reply maintained.
Ironically, despite his poor performance in his parent department, Prof Jasrotia was awarded with "promotion", when in May 2, 2012 he was nominated as Head of Department Remote Sensing and GIS. He joined as lecturer on June 3, 1996 in department of Geology of University of Jammu. He was promoted as Professor under Career Advancement Scheme.
Sources informed that keeping the norms aside, Prof Jasrotia has supervised only two PhD scholars in his career so far but according to UGC norms a professor has to supervise eight scholars at a time.
"Prof Jasrotia is encouraging politics over research and triggering controversies between students and authorities", alleged a faculty member, adding that apart from his own department, he was also lobbying in Remote Sensing, since he is heading the department. "Though Prof Jasrotia has made all efforts to adjust his favourite candidates in Remote Sensing, he could not succeed", they said. |
