“Despite 2023 Decision, 2025 Proposal and CM’s Assurance, OUAT Research Scholars’ Stipend Issue Remains Unresolved”

Bhubaneswar, April 2026: The M.Sc. and Ph.D. research scholars of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, have once again raised concerns over the long-pending issue of monthly stipend for postgraduate and doctoral students of Agriculture and Allied Sciences.
The scholars stated that in 2023, during a meeting held at Krushi Bhawan under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, it was decided that M.Sc. students would be provided a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 and Ph.D. students ₹20,000. However, despite this clear decision, the stipend has not yet been implemented.
Further, OUAT authorities had formally taken up the matter with the Government in 2025. A proposal for provision of stipend was submitted vide Letter No. 15490 dated 21.08.2025, followed by a memorandum forwarded vide Letter No. 22332 dated 22.12.2025. Despite these official communications and procedural progress, no final decision has been announced so far.
The scholars informed that due to prolonged delay, they were compelled to undertake a peaceful hunger strike starting from 22 December 2025. On 25 December 2025, they met the Hon’ble Chief Minister, who assured them of a positive resolution. Based on this assurance, the students temporarily called off their protest, placing their faith in the Government.
Since then, the scholars have reportedly met the Hon’ble Chief Minister multiple times (approximately six times). They have also approached the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, senior officials, local MLA, and other authorities. According to the students, all concerned authorities have acknowledged the demand as genuine, yet no final implementation has taken place.
The scholars pointed out that most State Agricultural Universities across India already provide monthly stipends to their M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, which supports their academic and research work. In contrast, OUAT research scholars continue to pursue full-time research without any structured financial support.
At present, the students are engaged in simultaneous field experiments, laboratory research, and thesis preparation, which are crucial phases of their academic journey. The absence of financial assistance is causing hardship and affecting research continuity.
The scholars emphasized that their research directly contributes to farmer welfare, agricultural innovation, and rural development in Odisha. Supporting such research, they stated, is an investment in the State’s agricultural future.
They further clarified that their demand is purely academic, and expressed hope that the Government will take an early and positive decision to resolve the issue.