Irregular disbursement of research funds in India : A serious issue haunting the future scientists

The economic growth of a nation is intricately tied to various factors, and one of the pivotal elements among them is research. Whether it occurs within industries or academic institutions, research plays a critical role. As a current scholar at a distinguished research institute and an Institute of Excellence (IoE) in India, I can personally agree to the unrelenting dedication displayed by the research scholars on campus who invest their days and nights in rigorous academic exploration. This scenario, in reality, is mirrored across nations worldwide. Countless sleepless nights and days filled with seemingly stagnant research outcomes plague us to an alarming extent, that no-one cares, including the supervisors.

Compounding these challenges are the distressing red flags arising from the irregular disbursement of research funds and stipends. Even the slightest delay in organizing extension seminars of the scholars can lead to prolonged withholding of stipends for months, thereby inflicting severe mental distress upon us, adding another trauma to the already weary and depressed lives of scholars.

The foundational pillars for establishing a cutting-edge research laboratory and recruiting accomplished PhD candidates are individual salaries and research grants. Both the institute and the nation's dedicated funding boards must invariably prioritize the understanding that only by investing in high-caliber research can a country progress toward a more prosperous and elevated future. It is imperative that the funding quandary be expeditiously addressed, and if feasible, private enterprises or industries should be incentivized to contribute to laboratory research within educational institutions.

Equally significant is the timely disbursement of stipends to scholars, a matter that should be treated with utmost consideration. Ensuring that each and every PhD student across the nation receives their stipends punctually is paramount. Instances exist where scholars allocate a portion of their stipends to support their families. Amidst the prevailing chaos, if stipend payments are abruptly suspended, it has the potential to seriously jeopardize their mental well-being.

In the end, I would like to conclude with the fact that due to the above mentioned major scenarios, many students are leaving the country on a yearly basis, a trend that is progressively intensifying year after year. This exodus poses a crucial question that ought to resonate with those occupying high-ranking positions and overseeing the country's research landscape. If the existing system is as robust as it is portrayed, the perplexing question arises: why are individuals opting to depart from it in significant numbers?