NFSC Fellowship Helps Maharashtra Scholar Complete PhD on Environmental Challenges

Convener News Desk

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New Delhi, October 19: With the right support and encouragement, scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds become empowered to pursue their research aspirations, strengthen their knowledge and skills, and work towards achieving their academic goals.

 

Financial assistance under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) helped Dr Shrikant Dilip Khandare, a scholar from Solapur, Maharashtra, complete his PhD after financial constraints threatened to disrupt his doctoral studies, according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

After qualifying the CSIR-UGC NET in June 2018, he continued to work towards his academic aspirations. However, financial uncertainty posed challenges to the continuation of his research and created concerns about completing his Ph.D.

Coming from a family whose circumstances were described as unstable, Dr Khandare faced uncertainty about sustaining his doctoral studies. Despite his determination to continue his research, financial constraints threatened his academic progress.

 He acknowledged that, without financial assistance, he might have had to discontinue his doctoral programme. Nevertheless, he remained committed to pursuing his research and achieving his academic goals.

Officials said Dr Khandare’s research aspirations are closely connected to addressing environmental challenges, particularly plastic waste and pollution. He aims to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions to tackle these issues. “His academic journey reflects the potential of research and higher education to support environmental sustainability and generate knowledge that can contribute to addressing pressing societal concerns”.

Financial assistance under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) became an important source of support in Dr Khandare’s academic journey. He began receiving assistance in October 2019, including fellowship support and House Rent Allowance (HRA), amounting to a total of ₹9.90 lakh.

“This assistance helped him continue his doctoral studies and devote greater attention to his academic work without the constant uncertainty of financing his education,” the ministry noted.

With the support received under the NFSC scheme and his sustained commitment to research, Dr Khandare successfully completed his Ph.D. The fellowship played a significant role in enabling him to continue his doctoral programme and achieve this important academic milestone. His experience highlights how timely financial assistance can help scholars overcome economic barriers and pursue advanced education.

Dr Shrikant Dilip Khandare’s achievement demonstrates the importance of fellowship assistance in strengthening access to higher education and research.

According to the ministry, Khandare subsequently completed his PhD with the support of the fellowship and his continued commitment to research.

His research interests include developing sustainable approaches to address plastic waste and pollution. The ministry said his experience illustrates the role financial assistance can play in helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue advanced education and research.

The NFSC scheme provides fellowship support to eligible Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher studies and

research. It aims to reduce financial barriers and enable beneficiaries to continue their academic work. The ministry said such assistance can help scholars remain focused on their studies, complete research programmes and pursue their academic and professional goals. (PIB)