Subject: Petition to Increase Fellowship for Research Scholars

We, the undersigned representatives of prominent educational institutions

nationwide, are writing to bring your attention to an important issue that
profoundly affects the academic community.

Research scholars are the backbone of any academic institution, driving

innovation and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. Their
dedication and rigorous work lay the foundation for cutting-edge
discoveries and breakthroughs that extend beyond the boundaries of their
institutions. Their findings and research outputs have a far-reaching impact
on the scientific community, shaping the future of various fields and paving
the way for societal progress.

Research scholars are instrumental in addressing pressing challenges and

finding solutions to complex problems that affect people's lives. Investing in
research scholars and providing them with adequate financial support
fosters an environment that encourages excellence, innovation, and critical
thinking. This benefits the scholars and strengthens the country's overall
research ecosystem, attracting talented individuals and fostering a culture
of intellectual curiosity. We contribute to the country's economic growth by
generating new knowledge, driving technological advancements,
supporting entrepreneurship, developing new industries, job creation, and
attracting investments.

However, we are confronted with significant financial hardships that hinder

our ability to focus entirely on our research and fulfill our potential. The
current level of support only partially covers the rising living costs,
academic materials, research expenses, and other essential needs. This
financial strain compromises our ability to dedicate sufficient time and
energy to our research forcing us to seek additional sources of income,
detrimental to our academic progress.

Hence, revising and increasing the fellowship for research scholars is

necessary to alleviate these financial burdens. Furthermore, we would like
to draw your attention to the fact that the last increment in the fellowship for
Junior Research Fellows (JRF), Senior Research Fellows (SRF), and
Research Associates (RA) was done in 2019, after a gap of 5 years. Four
years have passed since the last increment, and the stagnant fellowship
amount demotivates research scholars to pursue further research. Scholars
are often the sole breadwinners of their families. The inadequate fellowship
also affects the research scholars' future social and professional prospects,
as financial stability is directly linked to their success especially after
COVID-19 due to limited opportunities and high living costs. The current
fellowship amounts for JRF, SRF, Research Associate-I, Research
Associate-II, and Research Associate-III need to be increased for the
current cost of living and thus need to be more sustainably adjusted to
inflation.

Over the past few years, Indian scholars have contributed groundbreaking
research, which can be quantified by the increasing number of patents filed
and improved citation indices. Patent filings have increased by 50% from
2014-15 to 2021-22, from 42,763 to 66,440. The number of granted patents
has also seen a significant rise, increasing fivefold during the same period,
from 5,978 to 30,074.

Additionally, the exponential growth of startups founded on indigenous

research originated in educational institutes is worth noting. The number of
startups has increased from 471 in 2016 to 72,993 in 2022, creating
700,000 jobs and raising $19.3 billion from venture capitalists. These
startups are projected to grow $180 billion in the fiscal year. Many startups
have achieved unicorn status, with the number skyrocketing to 107. Given
that the research ecosystem is flourishing and has significant economic
benefits, government support will help reach the zenith of Indian scientific
research.

Considering the points mentioned above, we, the representatives of

prominent academic institutions across India, request the fulfillment of the
following demands:

● Fellowship Hike: Increase of fellowship considering inflation rates

and the average cost of living.

S.No Role Current Demanded

Fellowship Fellowship

1 M.S INR 12,400/- INR 30,000/-

2 JRF INR 31,000/- INR

55,000/-

3 SRF INR 35,000/- INR

 60,000/-

4 RA-1 INR 47,000/- INR

80,000/-

5 RA-2 INR 49,000/- INR

83,000/-

6 RA-3 INR 54,000/- INR

91,000/-

● Automatic review and Increment Policy: As per the norms every

4 year fellowship should be increased without any agitation or
petition. Establish a mechanism for periodic review and adjustment
of the fellowship to align with the evolving cost of living and
academic demands

● Timely Disbursal of Fellowship: Ensuring scholars receive

fellowship on-time without delay

● Transparency across Stakeholders: Provide information

regarding the allocation of funds to research scholars, projects,
departments, institutions ensuring equitable and efficient
distribution of resources.
 ● Development of proper infrastructure and policies: Creating a
supportive environment with adequate facilities and resources.

The impact of research scholars goes beyond the academic sphere. They
contribute to policy formulation, provide expert advice to government
bodies and industry, and actively engage in knowledge transfer and
dissemination, ensuring that research findings are applied practically to
benefit society.

Research scholars also act as role models and mentors for the next
generation of aspiring researchers. Providing adequate financial support
inspires and motivates young minds to pursue research careers, ensuring a
sustainable talent pipeline for the country's scientific and technological
progress. So, It is essential to recognize the impact and contribution of
research scholars across India.

We kindly request that the Ministry of Education give prompt attention to

this matter and a favorable response to our petition.

Thank You

We eagerly await a positive and timely response.

Undersigned

All India Research Scholars Institute Representatives

Yogesh Pratap Singh

CHATHRI POSHADRI
Chairperson, Students’ Council
Research Affairs Secretary
IISc, Bangalore
IIT Madras

Hrishikesh Pramod Jadhav

Overall Coordinator,
Institute Research Scholar Companionship Emel V Kurian
Program (IRSCP),
IIT Bombay Research Scholar Representative
IIT Kharagpur

Vijaya Mishra
PhD Senator
IIT Kanpur Prangan Duarah
General Secretary, Students’
AcademicBoard
IIT Guwahati
 Shraddha Jha RITIK M. MEHTA
Research Scholars’ Representative, IIT
Research affairs secretary
Bhubaneswar
IIT Palakkad

Subash Chandra Behera,

Post Graduate Representative,

Chandra Prakash Singh
IIT GOA
Post Graduate Representative.

IIT Patna

Nithya Muraleedharan
Ajay Singh Rathore
PhD Advisor
PhD secretary
NIT Karnataka, Surathkal
NIT Trichy
 VISHNU LAL
DHANAVATH RAJA
Research Affairs Secretary

NIT Calicut PhD Secretary

NIT Warangal

Vignesh. S
Joint Secretary for M.Tech and PhD
scholars
NIT Puducherry