Mahatma Gandhi University research scholars fail to get fellowships

KOTTAYAM: The UGC Junior Research Fellowship students of MG University are yet to receive the funds  though   the syndicate had earmarked the money in the last meeting.

The arrears of  two to three years are pending for most JRF students which has affected their research and academic activities.

“Since the research activity is a full-time job, we cannot go for any jobs. Hence if the fellowship amount is not given, it will be difficult for us to meet  our daily needs as well as conduct research work,” said a UGC JRF scholar of sociology.

The university grants Rs 6,000 as research fellowship while research students having (UGC) (JRF)  are eligible to get Rs 27, 500 and those having Senior Research Fellowship get Rs 30, 800.

There are 286 research scholars on the MG University campus and other campuses of the university who are receiving the UGC (JRF) funds. 

Among them 180 have not received any amount as fellowships so far. “Many of them have arrears of at least two years,” said  Mr Anwar, MGU  senate member. 

A total of 168 research scholars are getting the university fellowships. Dr Babu Sebastian, Vice-Chancellor, told DC that the UGC (JRF) could be given only after the University Grants Commission  reimburses  the money.