Vol. 1, Issue 13, Part B (2015)

Abstract
India does not have a central repository in which theses are stored from various PhDs across different disciplines. This has led to various kinds of problems from lack of visibility for Indian research to duplication, repetition and even plagiarism in some cases. Most countries have created an online central database where universities as well as researchers post their theses and dissertations. With the proliferation of the Web, this has become a global showcase of research capabilities of each country. Theses and dissertations are known to be the rich and unique source of information, often the only source of research work that does not find its way into various publication channels. The UGC vide its Notification (Minimum Standards & Procedure for Award of. Phil. / Ph.D Degree, Regulation, 2009) dated 1st June 2009 provides for submission of electronic version of theses and dissertation by the researchers in universities in Shodhganga maintained by the INFLIBNET Centre. Universities that sign MoU with the INFLIBNET Centre and mandate submission of electronic version of their theses and dissertation to Shodhganga may get financial assistance from the UGC for digitizing their back-files of theses. Besides, UGC may also provide financial assistance to the INFLIBNET Centre for subscription to software tools that detect plagiarized portion of theses and dissertations. In time to come, ETDs would become more commonplace, grant-giving agencies and accreditation bodies like AICTE, UGC and NAAC would make judgments regarding innovative universities by taking note of their initiatives such as ETDs and IRs. This article aim to explain the purpose and approach of Shodhganga. It is also aim to explain the process and responsibility of every level to submit the ETD.