The Crisis of Academic Freedom in Indian Higher Education
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity & Governance (Fundamental Rights - Article 19, Key Institutions like UGC), Education.
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Role of civil society.
GS Paper 1: Salient features of Indian Society.
Essay: Topics related to education, freedom of expression, dissent in a democracy.
Key Highlights from the News
Main Argument: Academic freedom is essential for the functioning of universities and the growth of knowledge. However, the article argues that this freedom is facing a serious threat in India.
Role of Universities: Questioning existing knowledge, fostering critical thinking, acting as "conscience-keepers" of society, and evaluating government actions are primary functions of universities.
Reality in India:
Curricula and reading materials are controlled externally.
Research different from the mainstream, especially in social sciences, is discouraged.
Research funding is controlled directly or indirectly by the central government.
Discussions and debates critical of the government are suppressed on campuses.
Disciplinary actions are taken against students and teachers for social media posts.
Suggestions for Solutions:
Grant universities full autonomy (administrative, financial, and academic).
However, accountability should be ensured along with autonomy. This should not be through direct government control, but through mechanisms like ranking and better governance structures.
The article demands that universities be freed from the chains of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Ultimate Loss: The ultimate loss due to lack of academic freedom occurs to the country's economy, society, and political system.
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