Government increases scholarship for scientists by 50%

NEW DELHI: In what may motivate young scientists to continue their research work in India without being lured by greener pastures abroad, the government on Tuesday announced hike of over 50% in the fellowship amount received by various categories of research scientists.

The hike, which comes into force from this month itself, could help curb brain drain by boosting the research environment in the country.

Nearly one lakh science research scholars and associates, working in different institutions across the country, will be benefited from this move of the ministry of science and technology that comes just two days ahead of 'Diwali'.

Accordingly, the fellowship amount for research associate-III has been increased from Rs 24,000 to Rs 40,000, research associate-II from Rs 23,000 to Rs 38,000, research associate-I from Rs 22,000 to Rs 36,000, senior research fellow from Rs 18,000 to Rs 28,000 and junior research fellow from Rs16,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, respectively.

In addition, the house rent allowance (HRA) as well as the medical benefits will continue to be available to all the categories of research scholars as per the central government norms or the norms of host institutions whichever applicable.

Entitlement for travel by AC-2 tier or AC-3 tier depending upon the category of research fellow/research associate will also be available to the young scientists. Besides, maternity leave for women research scholars will also be available to all categories of research fellows.

The government also issued directions to the science & technology ministry to put in place a "web-based fellowship assessment and disbursement mechanism" so that delays in disbursement of fellowship amount could be avoided.

Announcing the decision, Union minister of state for science and technology Jitendra Singh said, "Each ministry and agency can now use the guidelines to make requisite changes over their specific fellowship programmes".

He also suggested that a hike in the fellowship amount should be undertaken periodically after due assessment and for this purpose the ministry would put in place a proper mechanism.

The decision will put an additional burden of about Rs 750 crore on the exchequer. Research scientists from premier institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science, IITs, JNU, CSIR institutes, NIT and AIIMS, have been demanding the hike for long.