New Delhi: Recently, the Education Ministry announced a significant increase in stipends for researchers, including those holding Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs), Senior Research Fellowships (SRFs), and Research Associates.
This decision has been welcomed as a relief for PhD students and scholars across the country. The announcement, made through the ministry’s official platform on X (formerly known as Twitter), comes after consistent rallying from the All-India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA). It reaffirms the government’s commitment to aiding research and development initiatives in India.
The revised fellowship stipend schedule is as follows:
1. JRF stipend increased from Rs 31,000 to Rs 37,000.
2. SRF stipend raised from Rs 35,000 to Rs 42,000.
3. Research Associate-I to receive Rs 58,000.
4. Research Associate-II to receive Rs 61,000.
5. Research Associate-III to receive Rs 67,000.
This decision to increase stipends represents a crucial step and will entail an additional government expenditure of approximately Rs 725 crore. These revised stipends will be valid from January 1. 2023.
The All-India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has expressed satisfaction with the decision. They have also highlighted the importance of providing adequate infrastructure and addressing various issues faced by scholars, emphasising the multifaceted nature of their demands.
The Ministry of Education’s commitment to supporting the academic community is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting a high-quality research ecosystem in India. The ministry’s official statement noted, “This will provide a significant boost to the research and development ecosystem and will facilitate researchers.”
