Srinagar: PhD scholars at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar staged a protest on Monday against the delay in the release of their fellowships for the past three months and demanded the appointment of a permanent director.
Protesting scholars gathered near the gate of NIT Srinagar, carrying placards with “Release our Fellowships” written on them.
The protesting scholars while speaking to media as per news agency JKNS that the delay in receiving fellowships has caused severe financial hardships. “We have been waiting for our fellowships for three months. It has become extremely difficult to manage daily expenses,” one student said.
They pointed out that non-local students are suffering the most, as they stay in rented accommodations. “Some students have even been forced to vacate their rented rooms due to non-payment of rent. Landlords are unwilling to wait any longer,” another student said, adding that “the NIT administration is not serious about anything.”
The scholars also raised concerns over the absence of a permanent director at NIT Srinagar. They said that the institute has been functioning under an acting director for a long time, and the lack of permanent leadership is affecting important decisions and functioning.
The students appealed to the Ministry of Education and other concerned authorities to intervene, release their pending fellowships immediately, and appoint a permanent director to resolve administrative challenges. (JKNS)
