Congress MP Sashi Tharoor on Thursday urged the Union government to increase the stipend amount for non-NET research scholars. He made the demand while speaking in Lok Sabha.
Non-NET PhD research fellows get a stipend of Rs. 8,000 a month, which has remained the same since 2006. Research scholars from universities across the country have been raising the issue for years.
“Normally, revisions to the fellowship amount take place every 4 years. Since 2006, even after the passing of four consecutive cycles, no revision has taken place yet”, he said.
The research scholars are also facing difficulties due to insufficient resources at their institutions, inadequate support from the supervisors, and the absence of grievance redressal committees.
“Inflation has led to the price hike of essentials required in daily life. Scholars facing difficulty in meeting the needs lose their commitment to carry out an effective and productive research,” he added.
He urged the Education Minister and the University Grants Commission(UGC) to allow a significant hike in the stipend amount for Non-NET PhD research fellows and resolve the crisis.
