New Delhi, Apr 22 (IANS): In a bid to help research scholars amid the nationwide lockdown, the Human Resource Development Ministry has come up with an online platform Shodhganga for them to access information on theses and other study material.

The move comes as scholars pursuing higher studies like PhDs and MPhil etc have been hemmed in by lack of research facilities, guides and lectures due to the lockdown.

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank' said that the platform would enable researchers confined to their respective homes to access study material and theses in vernacular languages, Hindi and international languages.

As many as 2,69,734 Indian theses and 7,500 synopses have been provided for study and reference on the e-platform.

Pokhriyal tweeted: "Research fellows need lots of books and reading material to consult. This platform will provide them high-quality research works."

It is pertinent to mention here that lab facilities across various institutions are closed and PhD and MPhil scholars have to submit their theses and synopses in April and May.

Meanwhile, Delhi University Executive Council member VS Negi has written to the University Grants Commission and sought extension of six months for these research scholars to submit their theses and synopses and complete other formalities in view of the difficulties arising from the nationwide lockdown.