UGC fellowship for students with disabilities

To enable students with disabilities attain higher education, University Grants Commission will be providing Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship to them. Recently, Ranchi University received a letter about the scheme from UGC.

Chairman of College Development Council of RU P K Singh said, "RU received the letter regarding the scheme from UGC some days ago. This fellowship will help the students with disabilities to establish themselves in the field of research work. The scheme will be implemented from the academic year 2013-14." He added, "It will also give a chance to these students to become lecturers."

Any student with disability, who has passed post graduation and wants to continue education, can apply for this fellowship on UGC website. "Any student who has passed PG in any subject of arts, science and commerce and wants to pursue PhD or MPhil or those students with disability who have enrolled themselves for PhD or MPhil in 2012-13 can apply for this fellowship," said Singh.

The students will be selected for senior research fellowship on the basis of two years progress report. Singh said, "A three-member committee will be made to check the progress report of students. The committee will comprise the guide, head of the department and one external person. The senior fellowship will be granted only with the recommendation of this committee."

There will be reservation of 15% for the students with disabilities from scheduled castes and 7.5% of reservation for such students from scheduled tribes. Singh said, "Those who get junior research fellowship will be given Rs16,000 per month and after promotion to senior research fellow they will get Rs 18,000 per month."

Vice-chancellor of Ranchi University L N Bhagat said it is a good opportunity for those students with disabilities who are unable to pursue higher education for some or the other reason. "If the students will get fellowship they will be enthusiastic about going into research. Also, after completing their research they can get jobs as lecturers or readers according to their qualification and will be able to lead a good life."

Source : TOI , Ranchi ; 20th June 2013