National Research Professorship scheme is launched by government of India in the year 1949.The National Research Professorship is an Indian award given by government of India to scholars who have made exceptional contribution in their fields. It is an honour for distinguished academics and scholar in recognition of their contribution to knowledge. This is one the most prestigious honour given to the candidate by government of India. A person with high achievement in respective knowledge field, who have attained the age of 65 years, outstanding contribution in their respective field and still capable of doing productive research are considered for appointment as a national research professorship. The age of a person for this scheme is 65 years and above respectively. The national research professor get tax free honorarium for Rs one lack per month and it is entitled to a life time pension after completion of five years period. The monthly pension is Rs 25.000 is given to the professor after completion of five years period. The Honorarium and pension will be exempted from Income Tax under Section 10(17A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The appointment for National Research Professors is made initially for a period of 5 years and can be extended by another term of 5 years
Benefits of National Research Professorship (NRP):
1. Benefit of monthly honorarium for serving National Research Professors is Rs. 75,000/-
2. Rate of monthly pension is Rs.25,000/-
3. Benefit of annual contingency grant is Rs.1 lakh
4. Benefit of Honorarium and pension will be exempted from Income Tax
Objective of National Research Professorship (NRP):
The main objective of this scheme is to honor distinguished academics and scholars in recognition of their contribution to knowledge
Recognizing Excellence:
Acknowledges extraordinary contributions to research and innovation.
Inspiring Future Generations:
Promotes a culture of research and academic pursuit among youth.
Knowledge Dissemination:
Facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise through continued research by senior scholars.
Encouraging Multi-disciplinary Work:
Provides a platform for scholars to explore interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Eligibility for National Research Professorship (NRP):
• A person who have attained 65 years of age
• A person must be attained high achievement
• A person who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields
• A person who is still capable of productive research, are considered for appointment as National Research Professors
Documents for National Research Professorship (NRP):
• Certification of residential proof
• Certificate of age
• Details of employment
• Professional recognition, awards, fellowships received
• Identity proof e.g. Aadhaar card
• Equivalent Degree certificate e.g. ME, PhD.
Achievements
1. Has recognized some of India’s most celebrated intellectuals, such as:
• Dr. C.V. Raman (Physics).
• Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (Philosophy).
• Amartya Sen (Economics).
2. Encouraged a sustained culture of academic and research excellence in India.
Challenges
• Limited Scope:
The scheme targets only senior scholars, leaving young and mid-career researchers out of its ambit.
• Low Financial Allocation:
Given the rising costs of research, the financial grants may be insufficient.
• Administrative Delays:
Delays in nominations and approvals have been reported in the past.
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