Two hundred research scholars at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, have launched a hunger strike. They demand the immediate implementation of monthly stipends for postgraduate and doctoral students in agriculture and allied sciences. This protest highlights a significant policy gap in Odisha, leaving research scholars without regular state-supported fellowships.
Scholars Report Financial Hardship
Students reported no written assurance from university authorities or the state government over the past five to six months. Verbal assurances were given, but a formal policy decision remains absent. Scholars describe their hunger strike as a “last democratic step.”
“Most of us face severe financial hardship,” one protesting scholar stated. “Our research involves fieldwork, travel, and extended stays outside campus. Without stipends, continuing our work is extremely difficult.”
Another student questioned the disparity. “Agricultural university students in states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Assam receive stipends. Odisha students are deprived.”
Policy Gap and Job Market Shifts
The core issue is the absence of a state policy on stipends, coupled with shrinking job opportunities for agriculture graduates. Bijay Mohapatra, Dean of Agriculture at OUAT Bhubaneswar, confirmed the policy gap. “Other state agricultural universities function with fellowships. This is a policy decision under government consideration,” Mohapatra said.
Mohapatra noted the urgency has increased recently. “Students formally submitted requests over the last four to five months. The university forwarded these to the state government. The matter needs administrative approval.”
Earlier, fewer PhD seats existed, and postgraduates found employment in banks, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes. With reduced job prospects, more students now pursue MSc and PhD programs, bringing the fellowship issue into focus.
Limited University Support
OUAT offers limited merit-based scholarships from its own resources. Two MSc scholars per department receive Rs 1,500 per month. One PhD scholar per department receives Rs 2,000 per month. Currently, 33 MSc students across 16 departments and 14 PhD students across 14 departments receive this support.
“These amounts are modest and cover a fraction of students,” Mohapatra explained. Other scholars depend on external fellowships, such as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from ICAR’s competitive examinations. Not all students qualify for these.
Scholars without fellowships bear the financial burden themselves or through family support. This makes sustained research difficult, another scholar reported.
University Appeals for Restraint
University authorities appealed to students to end the strike and return to classes. “The university forwarded student demands to the government and is pursuing the matter. Discussions are ongoing,” said SK Panda, Professor and Dean of Students’ Welfare.
Panda reiterated that OUAT provides limited scholarships. He stated the larger demand for regular stipends requires a state-level policy decision. Protesting scholars maintain their hunger strike will remain peaceful and non-violent. “Our fight is for a policy recognizing full-time agricultural research. It is not against the institution,” a postgraduate student affirmed.
About OUAT Bhubaneswar
Established in 1962 , OUAT Bhubaneswar is one of India’s oldest state agricultural universities. Only the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, founded in 1960, predates it.