The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has extended solidarity to research scholars of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) who have launched a hunger strike demanding the release of their pending fellowships and stipends.
In a statement, DESAM termed the scholars’ demand genuine, legitimate and academically justified, stating that research scholars require adequate financial support to pursue their academic work and meet expenses related to fieldwork, data collection, travel, books, equipment and documentation.
DESAM said fellowship should not be treated as a favour or charity, but as essential academic support that enables research scholars to continue their work with dignity and without financial hardship. It also called for financial assistance towards research contingencies, publication expenses, seminars, conferences and other essential academic activities.
Expressing concern over the delay in disbursement of fellowships, DESAM urged the authorities to release all pending payments immediately and establish a regular, transparent and sustainable mechanism for timely disbursement in the future.
The student body further urged the Government of Manipur and DM University authorities to formulate proper provisions covering fellowship, research contingency, publication and other essential academic expenses.
DESAM also appealed to the authorities to hold meaningful dialogue with the protesting scholars and resolve their demands at the earliest, stating that the academic future and well-being of research scholars should not be compromised due to a lack of timely financial support.
