Archive · 24 May 2025
Indian Research Scholars Facing Stipend Delays
Imagine you're a student scientist, and the money you need to pay for your research isn't coming on time.
That's what's happening to many research scholars in India.
They're supposed to get money called stipends to help them with their studies, but the government department in charge of the money is taking a long time to send it.
Some students haven't been paid for over a year!
This makes it hard for them to pay for things like rent and food.
The delay is caused by new rules about how the money is sent, making the process slower.
The good news is that the government says they will fix the problem, and the students should get their money on time starting from June 2025.
Research scholars across Indian universities are facing significant delays in receiving their stipends.
Delays range from eight to 13 months, causing financial and mental stress for the scholars.
The primary grievance stems from the DST's slow fund disbursement process.
Procedural changes, including new banking and accounting requirements, have exacerbated the problem.
DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar stated that the issue has been addressed, and future payments will be on time.
- Who
- Research scholars in India
- What
- Experiencing delays in receiving research stipends from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- When
- Delays range from eight to 13 months, with the issue reportedly intensifying since September 2022.
- Where
- Across various Central and State universities and scientific disciplines in India.
- Why
- Due to procedural changes in fund disbursement, including new banking requirements and accounting procedures.
- Affected Scholars
- Research scholars across various disciplines and universities in India
- Delay Range
- 8 to 13 months
- Primary Complaint
- Delay in stipend disbursal
- Agency Involved
- Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Root Causes
- Changes in fund disbursement processes and banking requirements.
- Reported Remedy
- DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar stated all scholars will get their money on time from June 2025.