CM’s Research Fellowship and Bharathi Awards Empower Tamil Nadu Youth

Under the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme, 69 male and female students receive appointments, and two individuals are honored with the Bharathi Young Scientist Award along with Rs. 1 lakh incentive each, presided over by the Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Dr. K. Ponmudi.

The Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme and the Bharathi Young Scientist Award Program aim to provide opportunities and recognition to students. Under these initiatives, government and aided colleges, as well as Ph.D. scholars from state universities, benefit. A distribution event was held today (11.12.2024) at the Government Arts College, Salem, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Dr. K. Ponmudi.

During the program, the Minister shared the following:
The Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Dravidian model government envisions education and healthcare as the two pillars of development. Under his leadership, various schemes have been implemented to ensure education reaches every student, regardless of social, economic, or political constraints.

One such initiative, the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme, was launched on 30.08.2022 at Anna University. Its primary goal is to enhance the research capabilities of Tamil Nadu students and promote innovation within the state.

Initially, the scheme aimed to select 120 students via the Teacher Recruitment Board (TRB) based on eligibility. However, following the Chief Minister’s instructions, the number was increased to 180. The scheme now includes Ph.D. scholars from government colleges, aided institutions, and state universities, offering monthly incentives of Rs. 25,000 for three years. Additionally, Master’s students pursuing research receive Rs. 10,000 annually for arts and humanities subjects and Rs. 12,000 for science subjects.

The Chief Minister officially launched this scheme on 22.08.2024 at the Secretariat. Today, 25 students received the monthly incentive of Rs. 25,000, and 44 students were granted the operational sanction orders. Eligible candidates, following Tamil Nadu’s reservation policy, will continue to receive benefits under the Chief Minister’s guidance.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister has also advocated for an increase in the income ceiling for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to Rs. 8 lakh, benefiting Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and other Backward Classes students pursuing undergraduate degrees.

Under the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ (I am the First) program, training centers have been established to prepare students for competitive exams, and classes are being conducted actively.

In line with honoring Tamil Nadu’s history, freedom fighters, and Tamil scholars, the government has continued establishing memorials and monuments to preserve their legacies. For instance, Bharathiyar’s residence in Kashi has been renovated and converted into a memorial at a cost of Rs. 18 lakh.

Additionally, September 11 has been declared “Bharathi Day” to commemorate the poet’s contributions. As part of the centenary celebrations, the government will distribute Bharathiyar’s selected poems and writings as books to over 37 lakh students in government and aided schools. Furthermore, a Bharathi Poetry Competition will be held annually across the state for school and college students, and the Bharathi Young Scientist Award, including Rs. 1 lakh each, will be presented to one male and one female student.

For the academic year 2024-2025, students A. Vigneshwar and S. Thiraja were honored with the “Bharathi Young Scientist Award,” along with Rs. 1 lakh each.

The event was attended by Additional Secretary of Higher Education Dr. K. Gopal, IAS, and Principal Secretary of Government Arts College, Salem, Dr. E. Sundaravalli, IAS.

Issued by:
Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9