New Delhi: Ambedkar University, Delhi, also referred to as AUD, has agreed to award research stipends to its research scholars, i.e. M Phil and PhD students. This innovative programme of paid scholarships will be made effective from the current financial year. This is a first time endeavor on this University’s part. By offering such scholarships, AUD is trying bring equivalence between the central and state Universities.
While speaking to the press, Shyam B Menon, Vice-Chancellor, AUD, quoted that since its inception, the University has idealized central Universities and has tried to bring changes in many areas, such as research grants, and professional development of faculty. He went on to explain that, despite all efforts, the varsity authorities realized that research programmes without stipends was one of the reasons, because of which the university was not getting best of research scholars. Particularly, in case of young women, who have to negotiate with their families to pursue higher studies, the paid scholarships would surely be beneficial, he further added.
As per sources, the student stipends for the M Phil programme in development practice shall be supported by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, for a period of four years. However, for non-professional research programmes, the stipend will be given as per the UGC norms for central universities. Strength of over 70 students from different schools (of the University), will be benefited from this new change.
Menon went on to inform that, for subjects like psychotherapy, there were not many positive responses from funding organisations for student stipends. However, the University believed that opportunities should also be given to students, who want to pursue such socially relevant programmes. Therefore, it (University) will follow the norms of research stipend followed by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIHMANS), he affirmed.
According to the University sources, students of M Phil programme in professional areas will be paid a stipend of Rs 12000 per month, whereas, for those who are pursuing research degrees (M Phil) in non-professional areas like History, Hindi, etc, would be paid Rs 5000 a month. Besides, all scholars pursuing PhD would be paid Rs 8000 per month, as per the UGC norms in central universities.
VC further informed the press that the University is searching for more sustainable sources of funding, in order to stabilize funding for University’s MPhil development practice programme, once the four-year grant from the Tata Trust, ends. He concluded, by revealing that the University is trying to get a good amount of grant from the Ministry of Rural Development, which will be employed under the Centre of Rural Development Practice at AUD.
