In a striking display of protest, two hundred research scholars at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar have resorted to a hunger strike, demanding the implementation of monthly stipends for postgraduate and doctoral students in agriculture and allied sciences. This protest has brought to light a long-standing policy gap that has left research scholars in Odisha without regular state-supported fellowships, unlike their counterparts in several other states.
The scholars, facing severe financial hardship, argue that their research involves fieldwork, travel, and extended periods away from campus, making it extremely difficult to continue without stipends. “Students and scholars of agricultural universities in other states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Assam are getting their stipends. Why are the students from Odisha deprived?” asked one of the protesting scholars.
At the heart of the issue is the absence of a state policy on stipends and the shrinking job opportunities for agriculture graduates. Bijay Mohapatra, dean of agriculture at OUAT, explained that the demand for institutional fellowships has gained urgency in recent months due to a decrease in job opportunities and an increase in the number of students opting for MSc and PhD programs. “Over the last four to five months, students formally submitted their representations. The university has duly considered their request and forwarded it to the state government. The matter is currently under active consideration, but it requires administrative approval at the government level,” he said.
Currently, OUAT provides a limited number of merit-based scholarships from its own resources. For MSc students, two scholars per department receive Rs 1,500 per month, while for PhD programs, one scholar per department receives Rs 2,000 per month. However, these amounts are modest and can only cover a fraction of students. Other scholars depend on external fellowships such as the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) through ICAR’s All India Competitive Examinations, National Talent Scholarships, or other merit-based schemes.
The financial burden on those without fellowships is significant, often borne by families or through personal means, making sustained research difficult. University authorities have appealed to students to return to classes and avoid disrupting academic activities, stating that the university has forwarded the students’ demand to the government and is pursuing the matter.
The protesting scholars have maintained that their hunger strike will remain peaceful, disciplined, and non-violent. “We respect the university. Our fight is not against the institution but for a policy that recognizes the realities of full-time agricultural research,” said a postgraduate student.
This protest highlights the urgent need for a state-level policy decision to address the financial hardships faced by research scholars in agriculture and allied sciences. The outcome of this protest could set a precedent for other states and universities, emphasizing the importance of supporting and valuing the contributions of research scholars in the field of agriculture.