CSIR fellowship of around 300 PhD students terminated, says research scholars' association

NEW DELHI: The All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has claimed that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) fellowship of 200 to 300 PhD scholars have been terminated as they failed to submit annual progress reports to CSIR-Human Resource Development Group (HRDG). The association, in a letter, urged the CSIR director to address the issue affecting PhD scholars across the country.

The AIRSA said “As per the information we have received, around 200-300 Ph.D. scholars, currently holding CSIR fellowships and working in various research institutes and universities, are facing the abrupt termination of their fellowships. The primary reason for this termination is the delay in the submission of annual progress reports to CSIR-HRDG.”

Acknowledging the importance of adherence to reporting timelines, the AIRSA added that the step will have adverse effects on the academic and personal lives of scholars. “The termination of fellowships has placed these scholars in an extremely precarious position, causing financial strain and uncertainty about their academic pursuits,” the association added.

Delay due to various circumstances

The delay in annual progress report submissions often arise due to various unforeseen circumstances, including challenges faced during the research process, personal issues, or administrative bottlenecks, the association mentioned. “The punitive measure of terminating fellowships exacerbates the already stressful situations faced by these scholars, significantly impacting their mental health and overall well-being,” the AIRSA said.

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The letter also mentioned that the affected scholars have tried to engage with CSIR's higher authorities, including the CSIR-HRDG deputy general, under secretary, and others, through written communication and in-person. But there has been no positive response to their appeals for reconsideration of CSIR's stance on the automatic termination of fellowships due to delayed progress report submissions, it read.

Delay in fellowship payment

Requesting support on the issue, the AIRSA also brought the CSIR DG’s attention towards delay in fellowship distribution by various funding agencies. “Your intervention will not only alleviate the immediate concerns of these scholars but will also contribute to fostering an environment that recognizes and values the contributions of PhD scholars to the advancement of scientific research in our nation,” the letter read.