Hyderabad: Plagiarism in research papers submitted by educational universities is going to be dealt with firmly.
The new guidelines framed by the University Grants Commission state that similarities of less than 10 per cent are acceptable but if it is between 40 and 60 per cent the student will be asked to withdraw the script and not allowed to publish for two years. If more than 60 per cent the student will not be allowed to publish for three years.
The need to sensitise students, guides and colleges is important as plagiarism is academic dishonesty and unethical. Dr S Rajya Laxmi, senior professor, explained, “Plagiarism is not a crime in India as in the many Western countries. But it is intellectual theft. Done deliberately or accidentally it is presenting someone else’s work as one’s own. This has become a major concern in academic circles and needs to be stopped.”
Plagiarism has been around for centuries but detection is faster now due to the internet. Hence information which is copied from another source or journal can be easily identified. This then has repercussions in the academia for the institute, college and also the student.
Prof D.K. Lal Das said the guideline states that students and teachers who plagiarise will lose their registration. There is an opinion that there must be graded punishment for plagiarism.
Both teachers and students need to be sensitised so that they are aware and do not indulge in these practices. A list of journals has been put up where publications are accepted.
Experts said that students who undertake thesis work must read different accredited journals which will give them insight into quality research.
