SU students support Occupy UGC Movement

Support demand to restore, expand and increase Non NET Fellowships for M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars

On 02 November, 2015 a peaceful mass protest rally was organized by the students of Sikkim University from 5th Mile Rap Jyor Caveri Girls Hostel, Sikkim University to Administration Block, Sikkim University 6th Mile to show solidarity towards the “Occupy UGC Movement”. Around 300 students pursuing different courses of study in Sikkim University participated with placards and slogans against the recent decision of UGC, and expressed their views in front of the Administrative Block, Sikkim University in support of the Non NET Fellowships and against privatization of education.
A press release states that the Non NET Fellowships serve as a crucial support for pursuance of the research studies. Hence, scope of these scholarships should be expanded which must include all the M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars of the Central and State Universities under the purview of UGC.
The release also states that the present stipend provided to the Non NET M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars of ₹5,000 and ₹8,000 per month respectively should be hiked. A Memorandum in this regard was submitted to University Grant Commission (UGC) Chairman through the Registrar, Sikkim University.
Future action in this respect includes a signature campaign in Sikkim University, All India University shut down and discussion among students and faculties on the topic “Non-Net fellowship and Higher Education in India”.