PM’s research fellows scheme will convert brain drain to brain gain: HRD Minister

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Mr Prakash Javadekar has lauded the cabinet decision to implement ‘Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF)’ scheme in improving the quality of research by attracting the best talents across the country.

While addressing the media in the national capital, the Minister said that the scheme will go a long way in tapping the talent pool of the country for carrying out research indigenously in cutting-edge science and technology domains. He further added that the research under the Scheme will address our national priorities on the one hand and a shortage of quality faculty in the premier educational institutions of the country, on the other. This initiative of the government will convert brain drain to brain gain.

The Minister informed that around 1,000 best students who have completed (or are in the final year of) B. Tech or Integrated M.Tech or M.Sc. in Science and Technology streams from IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIITs under this scheme will be offered direct admission in PhD programme in the IITs/IISc. Those students will be offered a fellowship of Rs 70,000/- per month for the first two years, Rs 75, 000/- per month for the 3rd year, and Rs 80,000/- per month in the 4th and 5th years. Apart from this, a research grant of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to each of the Fellows for a period of 5 years to enable them to participate in international research conferences and present research papers. A maximum of 3,000 fellows would be selected in a three year period beginning 2018-19.

The Minister also informed about ‘Pareeksha pe Charcha,’ the Prime Minister’s interaction with students, which is scheduled to be held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 16th February, 2018. About 2000 school and college students including teachers and principals will be participating in the programme. Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi will advise students on beating exam stress and appearing for exams with a positive attitude.

The Minister said that Pareeksha pe Charcha is an event which relates to most of the households of the country as exam season is round the corner. He also said that during the interaction PM would reply to the queries of the students which they can upload directly. Around 10 students will get an opportunity to ask questions directly.