'Affecting Mental Health’: AIRSA demands higher JRF, SRF fellowships, timely disbursement

The All-India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has urged the government to revise the fellowship amounts for Junior Research Fellows (JRF), Senior Research Fellows (SRF), Research Associates (RA), and Postdoctoral Fellows across the country. It has also flagged irregular and untimely disbursement of fellowships and requested strengthening of the research infrastructure for PhD scholars.

Highlighting the contributions of research scholars and young scientists in India’s scientific advancement, innovation, healthcare, biotechnology, engineering, AIRSA stated that despite their continuous efforts, a large section of the research community continues to face serious financial and infrastructural challenges nationwide.

“Delays in fellowship disbursement are causing severe financial stress among research scholars, directly affecting their academic productivity, mental well-being, and research continuity,” it said.

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'Colleges not equipped with modern lab, research materials'

Moreover, it also emphasised that several colleges across the country are still facing limitations to modern laboratory facilities, advanced instrumentation, hostel facilities, research materials, computational infrastructure, and interdisciplinary research support systems.

The association reiterated its demand for fellowship revision in line with the 8th Central Pay Commission recommendations and the expected revision of salaries and allowances for Central Government employees.

The scholars’ group has listed their demand in a letter to the government. The list includes revision of fellowship amounts for JRF, SRF, RA, postdoctoral fellows, project staff in accordance with inflation and present living standards.

In addition, it has also asked for opportunities and scientific resources for scholars from regions and institutions. “Improvement of hostel, laboratory, healthcare, and mental health support facilities for research scholars.Promotion of interdisciplinary and translational research ecosystems strengthen India's global scientific competitiveness,” it said.