Academic Freedom in India’s Universities

Relevance: GS2 - Issues relating to development of Education

(Source: India Express, 10/05/2023)

Click here for Daily Current Affairs

Why in the news?

• Recent weeks have seen a heated debate on academic freedom in India’s universities.
• In this article we will look into the meaning of Academic Freedom; Scope of academic freedom; Legal framework of Education in India and the need of such academic freedom.

What is the meaning of Academic freedom?

• Academic freedom is the liberty of members of the academic community, individually or collectively, to pursue, develop and transmit knowledge and ideas, through research, teaching, study, discussion, documentation, production, creation and / or writing.
• According to Academic Freedom Index, majorly it includes
  • Freedom to research and teach
  • Freedom of academic exchange and dissemination
  • Institutional autonomy
  • Campus integrity
  • Freedom of academic and cultural expression

Why is academic freedom necessary?

• Academic freedom is important because it allows students, teachers, and researchers to study a variety of topics, share knowledge among them, and engage in debate without any fear of censorship or retaliation. It is important for promoting an intellectual culture. It helps the researchers to pursue the truth.
• It helps to think out of the box and create new innovative ideas.
• It helps students to discuss their opinion openly without any fear of to be judged or punished.
• It helps the management to make decisions which are favourable to them.
• It will lead to a practical based knowledge approach rather than a books centric approach.
• It helps to raise funds other than grants and aid, so that the institution can flourish well.

Legal framework for academic freedom in India

• Indian universities fall within the definition of 'the state' in Article 12 of the Constitution and, therefore; the entire chapter on the fundamental rights applies to them in any event.
• Under Article 19(1)(a), the Indian Constitution guarantees to all citizens “freedom of speech and expression,”
  • All types of academic literature, speeches given, digital lectures etc fall under ambit of article 19.
• Articles 14, 15, and 16 which provide for equality, prohibit discrimination and assure equality of opportunity in public employment.
  • It means all education institutions are equally protected under the law of the country; any one can take admission, participate in activities, conduct a speech in any university according to set rules but without discrimination.
• Promotion of academic freedom as a fundamental duty
  • Article 51(A)(h)to ‘develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform’
  • Article 51(A)(j)to ‘strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.’
• International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
  • India has signed and ratified the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
  • Articles 13 and 15 of the same are especially relevant to academic freedom in higher education.

Challenges to Academic Freedom in India

• Restrictions on and interventions in institutional autonomy
  • Different spheres of institutional autonomy face restrictions in terms of the selection of university leaders or vice-chancellors, selection of faculty, selection of students, framing of courses, and several other aspects of the university.
• Political Interference:
  • Most universities in the country are subjected to unsolicited interference from governments in both academic and non-academic issues. It is common knowledge by now that a majority of appointments, especially to top-ranking posts like that of vice-chancellors, pro vice-chancellors and registrars, have been highly politicised.
• Corrupt Practices:
  • Political appointments not only choke academic and creative freedom, but also lead to corrupt practices, including those in licensing and accreditation.
• Bureaucratisation of Universities:
  • At present, many educational institutions and regulatory bodies, both at the Central and State levels, are headed by bureaucrats.

(*Click this link to read prelims specific weekly current affairs articles)

FAQs

MCQs

Question: Consider the following statement relating to the medium of instruction in NEP 2020

1. The medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, will be the home language/mother tongue/local language
2. It is only for Public School.

Select Incorrect answer given code below

(a) I Only

(b) II Only

(c) None

(d) Both