Research Scholars Allege Anomalies In UGC Fellowship Lists, Demand Revision

Research scholars belonging to the OBC community and those coming under minority category are up in arms against the latest fellowship lists released by the UGC.

The scholars have alleged that both the lists repeat the names of the applicants, thus depriving the candidates of availing the scholarship benefits. As per news reports, they have demanded a revised list addressing the discrepancies.

While one list comprises the names of eligible OBC candidates (National Fellowship for OBCs (NFOBC), the other one consist of names of minority candidates (Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF). UGC, which is the nodal agency for distribution of the scholarship amount, has prepared both the lists.

News reports said there are more than 50 names figuring in both the lists.

“Was it a deliberate attempt on the part of the UGC to bring such overlaps since such candidates can claim only one of the fellowships and so UGC can save funds?,” a research scholar from Jawaharlal Nehru University was quoted as saying.

Earlier this month, UGC had notified an increase in the fellowship amount for SC, OBC and minority candidates. The amount for the categories has been increased from Rs 25,000 per month to Rs 31,000 per month for first two years of JRF and from Rs. 28,000 per month to Rs. 35,000 per month for the remaining period of the tenure (SRF).

Referring to the revised OBC list for 2018-19, some research scholars alleged that the list has done injustice to other disciplines. They said that out of 1000 slots, 320 slots have been allotted to agriculture candidates, undermining other disciplines.