Fellowship Hike on Top Priority, says DST; Researchers demand immediate raise

As per AIRSA, the Government of India has traditionally revised the research scholar fellowships every four years as per previous norms and guidelines. 

The Department of Science and Technology has assured protesting scholars that their demand is the top priority of the government and that a solution will be provided soon. Research scholars from various higher education institutions, including IITs and NITs are protesting demanding an increase in fellowship.

Assuring protesting researchers, the DST has stated that the issue of fellowship hike is the top priority and other departments are already working on it. “We appeal to students to have patience. The issue will be resolved soon,” it said in a tweet.

The All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has also written letters to the Department of Science and Technology, Secretary, Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar regarding revision in fellowship for Research Scholars such as URF, SRF, RA, PDF, Young Scientists, etc. with Annual Increment.

Reacting to DST assurance, one of the research scholars, Karan Dogra says: “If this issue is the top priority of other responsible authorities then fellowship should hike with at least 50% of present fellowship. We have been patient for the past 5 months now, don't delay it further.”

As per AIRSA, the Government of India has traditionally revised the research scholar fellowships every four years as per previous norms and guidelines. It states: “However, Indian researchers are currently facing challenges due to inflation and increasing living costs on an annual basis, which impacts their ability to focus on research and development efforts. Research scholars are the backbone of scientific growth in our country.”

The scholars are demanding, automatic review of the fellowship every four years as per previous norms, without any agitation, to ensure that research scholars receive appropriate compensation in line with the changing economic landscape.

Provide Financial Security

Another scholar, Chevulamaddi Harish said: “We won't accept low hike. discuss with the Scholars' forum for good infrastructure and the welfare of Scholars. demanding for JRF Rs 55,000 and SRF Rs 65,000 above and HRA, contingency should be improved with regular otherwise our fight still remains same.”

The scholars are also demanding the disbursement of a regular fellowship from the funding agency to provide financial stability to research scholars and enable them to focus on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

They are also demanding the development of proper infrastructure and policies for research in India, which includes creating a supportive environment with adequate resources, facilities, and opportunities for research scholars to excel in their work.

The researchers are requesting the provision of medical facilities for researchers in every institute to safeguard their health and well-being, as healthy researchers are better able to contribute to the scientific community.

“We believe that revising the fellowships of research scholars with immediate effect would be a crucial step toward supporting their research efforts and promoting scientific growth in India. We kindly request your prompt response and support in addressing this matter,” states the AIRSA letter.

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