Assam Govt Announces ₹25,000 Monthly Aid for Research Scholars
Divyang scholars to receive enhanced support of ₹40,000; scheme to launch on February 11
GG News Bureau
Guwahati | 21th Jan: In a major push to strengthen higher education and research, the Assam government has announced a monthly financial assistance scheme for research scholars across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the initiative aims to ease financial pressures on scholars and help build a stronger academic and innovation ecosystem in Assam.
Under the ‘Atal Vichal Agragami Assam’ scheme, eligible research scholars will receive ₹25,000 per month, while Divyang (persons with disabilities) research scholars will be given an enhanced assistance of ₹40,000 per month. The scheme is scheduled to be formally launched on February 11, 2026.
Announcing the decision on social media platform X, Chief Minister Sarma described the initiative as a milestone for the state’s research community. “It’s a good time to be a research scholar in Assam,” he said, adding that the scheme is designed to empower young talent, encourage quality research, and promote innovation across disciplines.
Officials said the programme reflects the government’s broader vision of transforming Assam into a knowledge-driven economy by investing in human capital and strengthening research infrastructure. The financial support is expected to benefit a large number of scholars enrolled in universities and higher educational institutions across the state.
According to the government, the scheme aims to reduce the financial constraints often faced by research scholars, allowing them to focus more effectively on academic work, innovation, and scholarly excellence. The special provision for Divyang scholars highlights the state’s inclusive approach towards higher education and research.
Education Department officials noted that the monthly assistance would help scholars meet essential academic expenses, including research materials, fieldwork, data collection, and basic living costs—areas that often pose significant challenges during doctoral and post-doctoral research.
The initiative is part of a wider strategy by the Assam government to strengthen the education and skill development landscape, in line with national priorities on research, innovation, and self-reliance. Over the past few years, the state has rolled out several programmes aimed at improving higher education standards and boosting industry-academia collaboration.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by academic circles, with scholars calling it a timely and meaningful step that could improve research output and attract young researchers to Assam’s institutions.
With its launch slated for February 11, the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme is expected to play a key role in fostering a vibrant research culture and positioning Assam as an emerging hub for learning, innovation, and intellectual growth in the region.
