In a major decision taken by The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has left the students disheartened.
NIT Srinagar has cancelled this year’s PhD admissions and asked students to refund their fees, quoting lack of institute fellowships for full-time research scholars who do not have Junior Research Fellowships (JRF).
The Institute said that they do not have enough funds to provide the scholars with a fellowship. An order issued by the institute read, “This is the information of all concerned that Ph.D admission notice DT: June 30, 2021; issued vide no; NIT/ DAA/2021/262, DT: July 01, 2021, stands cancelled due to non-availability of institute fellowships. The aspiring candidates can initiate the refund of the application processing fee by sending a mail having all their details”.
One of the students said that they have prepared for months to assure admissions in this institute but institute has destroyed all their hopes.
A scholar said that the step goes against the purpose of the institute, which was established to assist poor students in obtaining higher education. He further asked that how the underprivileged students obtain higher education if these institutes refuse to assist them. He further added that this step will impact and force them to move to other states or drop out the idea of higher studies.
The lack of fellowships has not only obstructed new admissions but has also caused frequent delays in the release of fellowships for those already enrolled in the institutions. It is pertinent to mention that earlier, PhD students protested for the delay in the release of their fellowships, which had been pending since May.
Dean Academic Affairs Najeeb Ud Din said that they have no funds for the fellowships and are unable to pay fellowships to students and scholars who are enrolled in the institute. He further added that they will start admissions for Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and self-sponsored seats as it is a temporary decision, and general admissions will be taken once they receive funds.
