‘We won’t be fooled’: Research scholars demand status update on JRF, SRF fellowship hike

NEW DELHI: All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) in a letter to Rajesh S Gokhale, secretary Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, demanded for transparent implementation of fellowship hike. The department in June announced the fellowship stipend increase of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) and all three-levels of research associates.

Although the scholars were demanding a 60% hike, the DST on June 21, 2023 increased a hike in stipend for JRF by 19%, SRF by 20% and RA-1 and RA-2 stipends by 23% and 24% respectively. The research associates level-3 got a 16% hike in stipend.

“This increase was purportedly effective as of January 1, 2023. However, despite this announcement, we have yet to receive any official memorandum or concrete steps from either DST or other funding agencies regarding the implementation of the fellowship increase,” the association said.

Stating that the lack of clarity has caused frustration and confusion among the research scholar community, AIRSA demanded for transparency in the implementation of the fellowship hike.

“We believe that research scholars, who are integral to our nation's progress and innovation, deserve transparency and respect in this matter. It is our hope that this discrepancy and delay can be resolved swiftly and fairly,” it said.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), AIRSA said: “DST has been playing games with us, withholding the release of the memorandum to divert our attention from the 60% fellowship hike we deserve. But we won't be fooled! We demand transparency and justice for our hard work and innovative research. Let's unite, my fellow scholars, and continue our advocacy for a better future. We won't back down!”

AIRSA said, “The research community should not be treated as pawns in a game” and urged to provide a clear and official update on the status of the fellowship increase, along with a detailed plan for its implementation.

“The academic pursuits and financial stability of research scholars are at stake, and we believe it is the responsibility of organizations like DST to ensure that promises are upheld,” it added.