Prakash Ambedkar joins protests for revival of stalled research fellowships

“Research requires huge funds, and students...are unable to afford this expenditure. The discoveries made through research make people’s life easier. Therefore, the government should invest heavily in research...the government's plan is to destroy the public education system,” read the note.

By: Express News Service

Pune | Updated: September 17, 2025 07:50 PM IST

2 min read

The groups included Research Students Coordination Action Committee, Students' Federation of India (SFI), and University Student Struggle Action Committee. (Special Arrangement)

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar on Wednesday joined student groups protesting for the revival of stalled research fellowship offered by SARTHI, BARTI, and MAHAJYOTI. The fellowships meant for MPhil and PhD students were last advertised in 2022/2023.

Speaking to reporters at the protest, Ambedkar said, “I support the three reasons the students are protesting for: advertisements for registrations for the research fellowships should be released. Scholarship money that should be given to the selected fellows has not been disbursed, the government should release them on time every month. A ‘common code of conduct’ should be present for all three fellowships.”

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Research Fellowship (BANRF), Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj National Research Fellowship (CSMNRF), and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research Fellowship (MJPRF) offered by the three organisations were last advertised in 2022/2023, and have been stalled since then.

Responding to questions about whether a situation similar to Nepal or Bangladesh could emerge in India, Ambedkar said, “The ruling politician is completely afraid. I advised the students that while these politicians are afraid we should take advantage of the situation. And if you want to do that then a peaceful protest in front of the Mantralay should be started. They have been protesting in Pune for three days and the police have not even taken notice, this is the situation…In two months if the politicians don’t improve then I do see (that a situation like Nepal or Bangladesh could emerge).”

Student groups Research Students Coordination Action Committee, Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and University Student Struggle Action Committee have been protesting at Goodluck Chowk on Fergusson College Road since the past three days for the revival of these fellowships.

Sunil Ware, Director General of BARTI, told The Indian Express on Monday, “This issue is on the level of the government. As soon as the decision is made on their level, we will immediately begin the process.”

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