292 Extension Lecturers Face Job Uncertainty Over PhD Degrees

292 Extension Lecturers in Haryana Face Job Uncertainty Over PhD Degree Validity

In a major development, the Haryana Department of Higher Education (DHE) has issued show-cause notices to 292 extension lecturers working in government colleges across the state, questioning the authenticity of their PhD degrees earned from three private universities in Rajasthan. The lecturers have been asked to submit their responses within two days, failing which their services may be discontinued.

The notices also require the lecturers to clarify whether they meet the National Eligibility Test (NET) criteria or have any form of judicial protection. They have been instructed to provide valid supporting documents before the department takes a final decision.

The controversy arises after the University Grants Commission (UGC) barred the three Rajasthan-based private universities from enrolling PhD scholars for the next five years. This action has raised doubts about the credibility of the doctoral degrees awarded by these institutions.

At present, the affected extension lecturers receive a monthly salary of ₹57,700.

Sources indicate that the highest number of impacted lecturers are from Mahendragarh district (92), followed by Gurugram (27), Bhiwani (24), and Faridabad (21). Others are posted in districts such as Hisar, Rewari, Karnal, Ambala, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Jind, Yamunanagar, Sonepat, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Nuh, Palwal, Panchkula, and Kurukshetra.

The issuance of notices follows a recent interim order by the High Court, which addressed concerns regarding the questionable PhD qualifications.

A DHE official stated that the notices provide the lecturers an opportunity to present their case. If no reply is submitted within the specified period, it will be assumed that they have no defence, and appropriate action will be taken accordingly.

In its communication to college principals, the DHE highlighted that these lecturers were drawing salaries comparable to regular assistant and associate professors based on their PhD qualifications and claims of meeting UGC eligibility standards. The department has now initiated a detailed review to determine whether these degrees align with UGC norms.

Confirming the development, Dr Lokesh Balhara, Principal of Pt Neki Ram Sharma College, Rohtak, said that show-cause notices had been served to five extension lecturers as per the department’s directions.