Researchers protest, demand an increment in their fellowship

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 25 2014 | 8:44 PM IST
Over 600 researchers from premier institutions across national capital today staged a day-long protest outside the Department of Science and Technology (DST) demanding an increment in their fellowship.
Ph D students from AIIMS, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi University, IIT Delhi and National Institute of Immunology (NII) among others complained about a discouraging research environment in the country and demanded that their stipend should be increased keeping in view the rising inflation.
Protests were recently held in Bangalore and Chandigarh over the same issue.
"We want the government to consider our proposal and increase our stipends and fellowships, after all research is the backbone of any country. Inflation has gone up considerably and our hikes should be 75 per cent more," said Raman Baliyan, a researcher from AIIMS.
"We want an annual increase in fellowship. The last stipend hike was in 2010," said another researcher.
The researchers met the Secretary of the DST and submitted a memorandum.
The Secretary apparently also discussed the issue with Union Health Ministry officials.
In the evening, the researchers called off their protest after getting an assurance from authorities that their demands would be looked into.
The value of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Fellowship at present is Rs 16,000 while that of Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)is Rs 18,000.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 25 2014 | 8:44 PM IST

Next Story