Silence on OBC students for JNU special fellowship sparks controversy

NEW DELHI: All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) demands the withdrawal of a circular from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) announcing special fellowships for PhD students. “The special fellowships exclude OBCs. The circular goes against the principles of social justice and equality,” AIOBCSA posted on its official X account.

The JNU announced a special fellowship programme for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students from scheduled caste (SC), scheduled tribe (ST), economically weaker sections (EWS), and physically challenged categories. The fellowship will offer Rs 12,000 per month for one year to students who have completed two years of their PhD programme or are nearing completion. It excludes students from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

AIOBCSA demands fellowship withdrawal

“This circular indicates that the “Other backward classes”#OBC category itself has been ignored while creating four "Special Fellowships" by Jawaharlal Nehru University for pursuing a PhD programme with a view to prepare them for taking up teaching and/or research as a career. The fellowship carries an amount of Rs. 12,000/-per month for One Year,” AIOBCSA posted on X.

Speaking about the fellowship, AIOBCSA further said, “If this exclusion of the OBC category is intentional, the Hon'ble Prime Minister @PMOIndia needs to address these illegal actions and take corrective measures. The Hon'ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn, who holds the position of JNU as a visitor, should sack the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the University for this serious act of discrimination.”

As per the circular, these fellowships are available to students who do not receive the University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) or any other similar fellowships. The purpose of these fellowships is to prepare these students, equipping them to successfully compete for teaching and research positions. The application deadline for the 2022-23 academic year is set for June 14, 2024.