Austrian Scholar's PhD Incomplete After 12 Years At SPPU

An Austrian research scholar, Alexander Reisenbichler, enrolled in the Anthropology Department at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in 2014, is still awaiting completion of his PhD after 12 years. The scholar's research focuses on social mobility among Goa's migrant Catholic community.

Reisenbichler has alleged that a lack of cooperation from his PhD guide and former Head of the Department delayed his doctoral programme. He claimed he received conflicting guidance regarding mandatory online documentation from 2021 onwards, preventing him from completing the required formalities.

He also said he sought help from several authorities, including the Austrian Embassy, and recently highlighted his case on social media by tagging the University Grants Commission (UGC). However, his PhD guide, Dr John Gaikwad, rejected the allegations and maintained that he had fully supported the scholar throughout the process.

According to Gaikwad, the delay was primarily caused by administrative issues within the university. He said an application seeking an extension of Reisenbichler's PhD registration was submitted in December 2021, but no action was taken. During follow-up, he was allegedly informed that the scholar's file could not be traced.

Gaikwad further stated that when he approached the university again in February 2024, officials informed him that the scholar had already crossed the maximum permissible registration period and was therefore no longer eligible for an extension. He also said Reisenbichler had left India before completing the mandatory PhD coursework and missed an external examination scheduled in 2017.

A special examination was later conducted in 2019, and the required course completion certificate was eventually issued in December 2023 after the scholar approached the Vice-Chancellor. Former Head of the Anthropology Department, Dr Anjali Kurane, also denied the allegations and said the department had consistently supported the scholar.

She added that a request seeking an extension of his registration was submitted in March 2024 and that the scholar should now complete the remaining academic requirements before submitting his thesis. However, Reisenbichler claimed that an associate who contacted the university's PhD section was informed that no such extension request had been received.

Current Head of the Anthropology Department, Assistant Professor Shantanu Ozarkar, said the university had already granted extensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the scholar's stay abroad. He added that there were irregularities in the scholar's academic communication with the department and that several formalities, including documentation through the PhD tracking portal, were pending.

The dispute between Reisenbichler and SPPU has raised concerns about the university's handling of PhD programmes and the support provided to international students. The case highlights the need for clearer communication and more efficient administrative processes to ensure that students can complete their degrees without unnecessary delays.

The incident also underscores the importance of universities being responsive to the needs of their students, particularly those from abroad who may face unique challenges in navigating the academic system. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how SPPU will address Reisenbichler's concerns and ensure that he can finally complete his PhD.

In conclusion, the delay in Reisenbichler's PhD completion has significant implications for the academic community, highlighting the need for improved administrative processes and better support for international students. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and timely resolution of disputes to ensure that students can achieve their academic goals without unnecessary obstacles.