Non-functional CSIR fellowship portals leave PhD scholars in dire straits

Sunil Naidu, a PhD scholar facing physical challenges at Rayalaseema University, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, found significant relief when the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) eased guidelines on March 1. This revision allowed research fellows and associates whose assessment periods spanned from March 1, 2020, to February 29, 2024, to submit pending documents.

Earlier this year, Naidu was one of 300 PhD scholars nationwide whose CSIR fellowships were terminated for failing to submit annual progress reports to the CSIR-Human Resource Development Group (HRDG). The March 1 relaxation provided an opportunity for affected individuals to submit required documents, seek upgrades, extensions, or continuations by August 31.

Despite this, many scholars are currently unable to access the CSIR portal to submit their research work, leading to delays in fellowship disbursement. Even those who sent documents via registered post were subsequently instructed to use the portal, only to find access issues.

"After the CSIR relaxed guidelines on March 1, I felt relieved, thinking the worst was behind me. As the sole support for my mother, a laborer, I'm under immense mental strain due to financial debts," expressed Naidu, constrained to stay at home due to his circumstances.

The All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has been actively pressing the CSIR to resolve these issues affecting PhD researchers nationwide.