UGC to probe Hyd VC plagiarism

UGC to probe Hyd VC plagiarism, but stern steps unlikely

NEW DELHI: The HRD ministry and UGC have taken note of allegations of plagiarism against Appa Rao Podile, vice-chancellor of Central University of Hyderabad.

Sources said the ministry has sought the views of UGC before asking Podile to explain the allegation. There is a likelihood of UGC sending its own team to investigate the allegation of plagiarism as was done in a similar case against Chandra Krishnamurthy, VC, Pondicherry University, last year. Even the VC's comments on the allegations might be sought.

But sources in UGC said, "In India it is highly unlikely that anyone gets punished for plagiarism. It is rampant across universities. He will apologise, withdraw his articles and move on."

Sources said, "UGC will be asked to examine if plagiarism is covered by any of its regulations, especially the one of 2010 about maintaining minimum standards." Ironically, none of the UGC regulations talk of plagiarism. UGC has an explanation for this. "Each university has its own set of regulations and statutes. How can UGC have one-size-fits-all regulation for universities? We want certain standards to be maintained," an official said.