‘Last democratic step’: Why 200 OUAT Bhubaneswar research scholars are on hunger strike

Two hundred research scholars of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, have launched a hunger strike demanding implementation of monthly stipends for postgraduate and doctoral students in agriculture and allied sciences. The protest has renewed attention to a long-standing policy gap that has left research scholars in Odisha without regular state-supported fellowships, unlike their counterparts in several other states.

According to the protesting students, despite repeated representations to university authorities and the state government over the last five-six months, no written assurance or final decision has been communicated. While verbal assurances were given, the absence of a formal policy decision has pushed scholars to what they describe as a “last democratic step”.

“Most of us are facing severe financial hardship. Our research involves fieldwork, travel, and staying outside the campus for extended periods. Without stipends, it has become extremely difficult to continue our work,” said one protesting scholar.

“Students and scholars of agricultural universities in other states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam are getting their stipends. Why are the students from Odisha deprived?” asked another

Policy, shrinking agriculture jobs

At the heart of the problem is the absence of state policy on stipends and shrinking job opportunities for agriculture graduates.

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"In some other states, there are clear provisions for supporting research scholars. I don't know which other state agricultural university is functioning without fellowship. This is a policy decision and it is now under consideration at the government level,” explained Bijay Mohapatra, dean of agriculture, OUAT Bhubaneswar.

Mohapatra clarified that the issue has gained urgency only in recent months. “Over the last four to five months, students formally submitted their representations. The university has duly considered their request and forwarded it to the state government. The matter is currently under active consideration, but it requires administrative approval at the government level.”

He also pointed out that in earlier years, the demand for institutional fellowships was limited due to fewer research seats and better employment opportunities for postgraduates.

“Earlier, the number of PhD seats was much lower, and many students preferred joining banks, PSUs, ICAR institutes, or the Agricultural Research Service. With fewer job opportunities now, more students are opting to continue with MSc and PhD programmes, which has brought the fellowship issue into sharp focus.”

The Agricultural Research Service is also under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); PSUs are public sector undertakings.

Limited support from OUAT Bhubaneswar

OUAT currently provides a small number of merit-based scholarships from its own resources. For MSc students, two scholars per department receive Rs 1,500 per month, while for PhD programmes, one scholar per department receives Rs 2,000 per month. At present, 33 MSc students across 16 departments and 14 PhD students across 14 departments are receiving university-funded support.

“These amounts are modest and can only cover a fraction of students,” Mohapatra said. “Other scholars depend on external fellowships such as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) through ICAR’s All India Competitive Examinations , National Talent Scholarships, or other merit-based schemes. However, not all students qualify for these.”

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For those without fellowships, the financial burden is borne either by families or through personal means, making sustained research difficult, said another scholar.

Bhubaneswar agriculture university asks for restraint

University authorities have appealed to students to return to classes and avoid disrupting academic activities. “The university has forwarded the students’ demand to the government and is pursuing the matter. Arbitration and discussions are ongoing,” said SK Panda, professor and dean of students’ welfare.

Panda reiterated that while OUAT provides limited merit scholarships, the larger demand for regular stipends can only be addressed through a state-level policy decision.

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Meanwhile, the protesting scholars have maintained that their hunger strike will remain peaceful, disciplined, and non-violent. “We respect the university. Our fight is not against the institution but for a policy that recognises the realities of full-time agricultural research,” a postgraduate student said.

Established in 1962, OUAT Bhubaneswar is one of the oldest state agricultural universities in India, preceded only by the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology which was set up in 1960.