Education Ministry Boosts PhD Fellowship Stipends in Response to Scholar Demands

The Ministry of Education has heeded the calls of PhD students and scholars by announcing a significant increase in fellowship stipends, effective from January 1, 2023. The move comes after demands for a stipend hike were voiced by scholars since 2022. The Ministry’s decision, outlined in a statement on platform X, aims to promote innovation and research excellence.

Under the revised stipend structure, Junior Research Fellows (JRF) will now receive Rs 37,000 per month, up from the previous Rs 31,000, while Senior Research Fellows (SRF) will see a 20% increase, bringing their stipend to Rs 42,000. Additionally, Research Associates (RAs) will also benefit from higher stipends, with Research Associate I receiving Rs 58,000, Research Associate II at Rs 61,000, and Research Associate III at Rs 63,000.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has played a pivotal role in this increase, raising JRF stipends by 19% and SRF stipends by 20%. However, despite these adjustments, some PhD students are continuing their protests, demanding a 60% increase in stipends for JRF, SRF, and all three levels of Research Associates. While some scholars have welcomed the hike as a positive step, others have expressed disappointment on social media, arguing that the increase is insufficient given the demands of their research and the dedication required.

The government estimates that this enhancement in stipends will lead to an additional expenditure of approximately Rs. 725.00 crore and expects it to significantly boost the research and development ecosystem while providing much-needed support to scholars and researchers.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Times Now News