India's federal government has announced improved opportunities and funding for young scientists with the aim of boosting the scientific workforce. Science secretary Thirumalachari Ramasami said on 27 January that at least 7,000 PhD-qualified researchers will be needed to fill faculty positions at existing and new institutions by 2014. The number of postgraduate fellowships will be doubled and their value increased by 40%. Five-year grants for unrestricted PhD research will be available for graduates who pass an entrance exam. Currently, a junior research fellow studying for a PhD earns around 12,000 rupees a month (US$258).