Fading Role of Universities in Society, Challenges, Suggestive Measures

Context: Government regulations are perceived to limit academic inquiry and free expression, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic values and institutional independence in Indian universities.

Role Of Universities in India

• Centres for Knowledge: Indian universities have been pivotal in generating, critiquing, and disseminating knowledge, thus driving social transformation.
• Economic and Social Advancement: These institutions provide avenues for individuals to grow personally and professionally, significantly boosting both economic and societal progress.
• Intellectual Revolutions and Economic Development: Globally, universities have undergone three major intellectual shifts, with the latest emphasising their role in spurring economic development and fostering innovation.
• Evolution to Knowledge Advancers: From merely reproducing existing knowledge, universities have evolved into key players in the advancement of a knowledge-based society, offering education, research, and community-oriented services.
• Agents of Social Change and Development: They are crucial in societal change and development, producing skilled professionals and research outputs that align with societal goals.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to Join

Challenges to Academic Freedom and Autonomy in Indian Universities

• Government Imposed Directives: The University Grants Commission (UGC)’s directive for universities and colleges to display the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao logo and create selfie points featuring the Prime Minister is seen as an intrusion into academic independence.
• Restriction on Scholarly Debates: Incidents like the cancellation of a discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), indicate a clampdown on free academic discourse.
• Suppression of Student Protests: Attempts to deter student activism, exemplified by Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) initial decision to fine students for campus protests.
• Pressure Leading to Academic Resignations: The resignation of scholars from Ashoka University following the publication of a sensitive political paper, highlighting the impact on academic independence.
• Politicisation of Academic Appointments: The increasing trend of political considerations influencing the appointment of university leaders, undermining the merit-based selection process.
• Erosion of Institutional Autonomy: The growing control and influence of government bodies like the UGC over universities, diminishing their autonomy and independent functioning.
• Declining Academic Freedom Index: India’s academic freedom index, as reported by the V-Dem Institute, is alarmingly low at 38 out of 1, not only falling below Pakistan’s score of 0.43 but also mirroring the level of restrictions last seen during the Emergency period in the 1970s.
• Lack of Explicit Mention of Academic Freedom: Unlike New Zealand, the Indian constitution does not explicitly mention academic freedom; instead, it is encompassed within the broader right to free speech.
• Right to Free Speech with Restrictions: The right to free speech, guaranteed by the Indian constitution, is subject to reasonable limits based on sovereignty, national integrity, security, public order, and morality.
• Hindrance by Sedition Law: The freedom of speech in academic contexts is often impeded by the application of sedition law, specifically Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code.
• Misuse of Legal Provisions: Clauses like Section 295A, which deals with hurting religious sentiments, are frequently misused. Additionally, defamation lawsuits are increasingly being used as a means of harassing scholars, artists, and academic professionals.

Suggestive Measures

• Incorporation of Academic Freedom in Faculty Contracts: Faculty agreements should include provisions safeguarding academic freedom to ensure faculty members are not penalised for their scholarly views or research.
• Global Recognition of Academic Freedom: International academic bodies should factor in ‘Academic Freedom’ as a key metric when assessing and ranking universities globally.
• Adopting Proven International Standards: Emulating the framework of countries like New Zealand, which has clear definitions and protections for academic freedom in its Education Act, could be advantageous.
• Collaborative Efforts for Reform: Engagement and collaboration among political entities, academic staff, and student organisations are crucial for enhancing and safeguarding academic autonomy and freedom.
• Establishing Comprehensive Protection Measures: Universities should develop and implement extensive safeguards to prevent limitations on academic freedom and freedom of expression.

Sharing is caring!