In one of the biggest hikes in fellowship amounts of scientific research scholars, the NDA government has announced a hike of at least 50 per cent, which would benefit around 1 lakh scholars.
The move, which will result in an additional burden of Rs 750 crore on the exchequer, will come into effect from this month.
The hike would benefit researchers in institutions, like Indian Institute of Science, IITs, CSIR and NIT, which have repeatedly complained about lack of funding and payment delays.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh announced the hike.
"Had this decision not been taken, a lot of research scholars would have left government … and our scientific talent leaving us is something which we don't want at all," said Singh.
Singh said over the past few months, he came across a lot of research scholars protesting on the issue and demanding a hike.
"I assured them that I myself being from the scientific fraternity, I could well understand that a hike was richly deserved by research scholars and associates, who devote their time and energy to the growth of science. The last revision was done in 2010 …we have also decided to regularly revise their pay scales," Singh said.
At present, over Rs 1,660 crore are spent on fellowships.
Raising the retirement age of scientists to 62 years is another step towards fully utilising scientific talent, but a mechanism for it is yet to be finalised, he said. "A decision will be taken soon," Singh added.
The fellowship amount for research associate-III has been hiked 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 Rs 16,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.
House rent allowance, medical benefits, railway travel entitlement and maternity leave for women will also be available to the research fellows.
At present, the hike is applicable only to science research scholars, but it is likely to be extended to research scholars in other departments as well.
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