“Keep Your Promise”:OUAT M.Sc. & Ph.D. Scholars Seek Implementation of Long-Pending Stipend Decision
Bhubaneswar, January 2026:The M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholars of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, have once again highlighted the long-pending issue of sanction of monthly stipend for postgraduate and doctoral students of Agriculture and Allied Sciences.The scholars stated that in the year 2023, during a meeting held at Krushi Bhawan, it was officially decided that M.Sc. students would be provided a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 and Ph.D. students ₹20,000. However, despite this decision, the stipend has not yet been implemented.
From August 2025 onwards, students along with the University administration have been continuously approaching various Government departments and authorities through proper institutional and democratic channels. Written representations were submitted and meetings were held at multiple levels, but no final order or written assurance was issued for several months.Due to the prolonged delay and severe financial hardship, the scholars were compelled to undertake a peaceful hunger strike from 22 December 2025. On 25 December 2025, the students met the Chief Minister of Odisha, in the presence of local MLA Shri Babu Singh and Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and submitted a detailed representation clearly mentioning that the stipend matter may kindly be resolved by 15 January 2026. Following the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s assurance, the students temporarily called off the hunger strike, placing full faith in the Government.The scholars pointed out that almost all State Agricultural Universities across India provide monthly stipends to their postgraduate and Ph.D. students to support their academic pursuits and research work.
In contrast, research scholars of OUAT continue to pursue full-time research without any assured monthly financial support, despite contributing directly to agricultural innovation and societal development.The students further highlighted that from tomorrow, “Krushi Odisha–2026” is set to commence, followed by the Krushi Odisha Samabeha–2026 from 22 January, a major conclave where crores of rupees are expected to be committed towards agriculture and allied sectors. While such large-scale investments are being announced, the scholars expressed concern that those who are actually engaged in ground-level agricultural research and knowledge generation remain without any monthly stipend or scholarship.
The students clarified that their demand is non-political, collective, and purely academic in nature, aimed at ensuring dignity, financial stability, and continuity in research. They emphasized that the absence of stipend directly affects research output, mental well-being, and the quality of higher agricultural education in the State.At the same time, the students reiterated that they continue to have full faith in the people’s Government and sincerely hope that a positive and impactful announcement may be made during Krushi Odisha–2026, so that the continuing M.Sc. and Ph.D. research scholars receive long-awaited relief and benefits at the earliest.
