The Research scholars from educational institutes across the country, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) across the nation are in much stress regarding their monthly stipend. As the expenses are increasing, the students are demanding a hike for their necessary day to day expenditure. Reportedly, the candidates have raised the concern way back and even have sent several letters to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Department of State/ Central Government (DST). For not receiving any response, the researchers from across the country would conduct a peaceful protest outside the MHRD officer on December 21.  HC Says Address Proof Not Necessary For School Admissions in Delhi. 

As of now, the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) candidates receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 and the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) receives Rs. 28,000. The students are demanding a hike—for JRF, Rs. 50,000 and for SRF, they seek Rs. 56,000 as reported by The Indian Express. They also require timely distribution of funds and inclusion of PhD research personnel in the list of categories considered under the pay commission revision which ensures DA and annual salary revision along with ad-hoc reminders every four years.

A research scholar from IIT Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Mayank was quoted in the same report as saying, “We have sent several letters to MHRD, PMO and DST by post, email and even sent faxes to their respective offices. But we have not received any reply. We are forced to hold a nation-wide protest. From IIT-BHU alone 50 representatives have agreed to reach the MHRD office as of now, and student representatives from other institutions have also agreed to join. Rest of the students will observe protest in their respective campuses on December 21.” Schedule, Dates of Important Exams Including JEE & GATE for UG & PG Admissions. 

The students have also raised concerns over the ‘high stipend’ of Rs. 75,000 given to the PMRF students which created a divide. Many students have claimed the move to be “highly biased.” The chairperson of IISc student council, Vivek Sharma explained, “We understand that there is a selection criterion for PhD students under PMRF which allows them to explain the relevance of their research. But we are not even given that chance. The MHRD should hold national-level interview sessions for all PhD students and whoever has most socially relevant topic with social impact and has clarity of research path should also be considered ‘cutting-edge’.”

Many researchers from across the nation are slated to join the peaceful protests on December 21. And those who cannot come, will conduct the same on that very day at their respective institute campuses. IIT Bombay students have reportedly planned to stage a silent protest before December 20.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2018 10:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).