UGC Increases Fellowship, HRA For Junior, Senior Researchers; IIT Scholars Say Not Enough

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had revised fellowship amounts for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) in Humanities, Science and Social Science, effective from 1 January 2019, the Times of India reports.

Post-hike, JRFs would receive a monthly stipend of Rs 31,000, compared to their current stipend of Rs 25,000 per month. SRFs would receive Rs 35,000 per month, compared to the current stipend of Rs 28,000. The revision of the fellowship has received a mixed response from both scholars and academicians.

Priyankar Chand, a research scholar from IIT-Bombay said that while the revised hikes come as a relief, but seem like a drop in the ocean considering the amount research fellows pay per semester in fees.

Shantanu Roy, associate dean from IIT Delhi, believes that the stipends are fair considering they are tax-free. Further, any such scholars stay on campus due to long working hours and also receive subsidised accommodation in hostels, he adds.

The UGC has also revised the House Rent Allowance (HRA) at eight per cent, 16 per cent and 24 per cent as per the government of India norms depending on the city the researchers are working in.