CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEME OF 'RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP' FOR PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO SCHEDULED CASTE STUDENTS TO PURSUE PROGRAMMES IN HIGHER EDUCATION SUCH AS M.Phil. AND Ph.D. (Effective from 01-04-2010)
I. Background
Government of India had launched a Central Sector scheme namely, Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship during the financial year 2005-06 to increase opportunities to Scheduled Castes for pursuing higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. The scheme has been revised with effect from 1.4.2010. The scheme caters the requirements of the Scheduled Caste students for pursuing research degree in universities, research institutions and scientific institutions. This will not only enable them to be eligible for employment to the posts of Lecturers lying vacant in various colleges and universities but will equip them to effectively take advantage of the growing opportunities at the national and international level in the context of the new economic order.
II. Scope of the scheme
The scheme caters total number of 2000 Fellowships (Junior Research Fellows) per year to Scheduled Caste students. The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is implemented by the UGC itself on the pattern of the scheme of UGC Fellowships being awarded to research students pursuing M. Phil. and Ph.D.
III. Implementing agency
UGC is the nodal agency for implementing the scheme. UGC notifies the scheme by releasing suitable advertisements in the Press.
IV. Eligibility
(i) Any student belonging to Scheduled Caste category who has been admitted to M.Phil./Ph.D. degree in a University or academic institution by completing the required formalities for admission at that University or academic institution is eligible for the award of Fellowship subject to provision of the scheme as per the advertisement of UGC.
(ii) After two years, if the progress in the research work of the awardee is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended for a further period of three years as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). The research work will be assessed by a three member committee set up by the University. The committee will consist of the Supervisor, Head of the Department and one outside expert in the subject. Junior Research Fellowship may be terminated in case the progress of the candidate is not found satisfactory by the committee. The Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) shall be sanctioned on year-to-year basis on the recommendation of the Supervisor of the candidate duly accepted/rejected by the Head of the Department and finally approved by the Vice Chancellor. The total period of award of JRF and SRF shall not exceed a period of 5 years. The fellowship is paid form date of registration of the students in Ph.D./M. Phil. course.
