Daily Editorial Analysis
Editorial Analysis based on “The hyper politicization of Indian higher education ” which was published in The Hindu.
Introduction:
- Higher education in India has a rich history, with institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila dating back to ancient times.
- Post-independence, significant efforts were made to expand and democratize access to higher education.
- India boasts a diverse higher education system with over 1,000 universities and 42,000 colleges, including prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
- The system comprises public universities funded by the central and state governments, as well as a growing number of private universities.
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to revamp the higher education landscape, emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, research, and vocational training.
- Policies and initiatives focus on improving quality, governance, and international collaboration.
However political influence on higher education in India is concerning and it is on rise every year.
Political Influence in Indian Higher Education
- Historical Political Influence:
- Politicians often established colleges and universities to advance their careers and gain support.
- New post-secondary institutions were sometimes placed in politically advantageous locations by state and central government authorities.
- Establishment of institutions catered to electorate demands based on socio-cultural factors.
- Naming and Renaming:
- Naming and renaming of universities, particularly by State governments, were often influenced by political considerations.
- Academic Appointments and Promotions:
- Appointments and promotions were sometimes made based on factors other than the quality of the academic staff.
- Instances of political influence in the appointment of professors, vice-chancellors, and principals.
- Academic Freedom Concerns:
- Norms of academic freedom were not always adhered to, particularly in undergraduate colleges.
- Teachers exercised caution in what they taught or wrote due to potential political repercussions.
Positive Aspects of Indian Higher Education
- Adherence to International Norms:
- Indian higher education, especially in universities, generally adhered to international norms of academic freedom.
- Freedom in Teaching and Research:
- Professors were generally free to teach without fear of discipline or dismissal for their views.
- Faculty had the freedom to conduct research and publish their work.
- Academics were able to speak and write in public forums and the media without significant restriction.
- Relative Autonomy:
- Despite occasional political interference in faculty recruitment, universities enjoyed relative autonomy in promoting existing faculty.
- Bureaucratic challenges existed, but universities maintained a degree of independence in academic matters.
Key Initiatives for Higher Education in India
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
- Aims to overhaul the education system with a focus on multidisciplinary and holistic education.
- Introduces a flexible curriculum structure with multiple entry and exit points.
- Emphasises research and innovation, establishing a National Research Foundation.
- Institutions of Eminence (IoE) Initiative:
- Designates select institutions as IoEs to enhance their global competitiveness.
- Provides financial support and greater autonomy to these institutions to foster world-class education and research.
- Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA):
- A centrally sponsored scheme aimed at improving the overall quality of state higher educational institutions.
- Focuses on funding infrastructure development, faculty recruitment, and quality enhancement.
- Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN):
- Aims to bring international faculty to Indian institutions for short-term teaching and research collaborations.
- Enhances global exposure and expertise in various academic fields.
- Study in India Program:
- Seeks to increase the number of international students in Indian higher education institutions.
- Offers scholarships and streamlined admission processes to attract foreign students.
- SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds):
- An online platform providing free courses from top institutions in India.
- Aims to make quality education accessible to all, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
- National Digital Library of India (NDLI):
- A digital repository providing access to a vast collection of academic resources.
- Supports learning and research by offering free access to books, journals, articles, and other educational materials.
- IMPRINT (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology):
- A national initiative to address major engineering and technology challenges.
- Focuses on research in areas critical to national development and economic growth.
- Unnat Bharat Abhiyan:
- Connects higher education institutions with rural communities for sustainable development.
- Encourages institutions to contribute to local problems through innovative solutions and research.
- National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF):
- Ranks higher education institutions based on various parameters such as teaching, research, and outreach.
- Promotes competition and accountability among institutions to improve quality.
Steps for reducing political interference:
- Strengthening Institutional Autonomy:
- Implement clear guidelines and mechanisms to ensure universities and colleges operate independently of political pressures.
- Empower academic bodies and governing councils with the authority to make decisions based on academic merit and institutional goals.
- Transparent Appointments and Promotions:
- Establish transparent processes for faculty appointments, promotions, and administrative appointments based on qualifications, experience, and expertise.
- Form independent committees comprising experts from diverse backgrounds to oversee recruitment and promotion procedures.
- Merit-Based Funding and Resource Allocation:
- Allocate funding and resources to institutions based on performance indicators, research output, and quality of education rather than political considerations.
- Encourage competitive grants and funding opportunities for research and innovation projects to foster academic excellence.
- Educating Stakeholders:
- Conduct awareness programs and workshops for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders on the importance of academic freedom, integrity, and impartiality.
- Promote a culture of academic ethics and professional conduct among all stakeholders, emphasizing the value of fair and unbiased decision-making.
- Engaging with Civil Society and Media:
- Encourage civil society organizations, student bodies, and media outlets to advocate for academic freedom, transparency, and accountability in higher education.
- Facilitate open dialogues, debates, and forums to discuss issues related to political interference and its impact on academic institutions.
- Enforcing Regulatory Frameworks:
- Strengthen regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to monitor and enforce compliance with academic standards and ethical practices.
- Ensure strict enforcement of laws and regulations governing higher education to prevent undue political influence and malpractices.
By implementing these measures, India can foster a conducive environment for academic excellence, innovation, and intellectual freedom, free from undue political pressures. This will ultimately contribute to the holistic development of students and the advancement of knowledge and research in the country.
Status of Higher Education in India:
https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/aishe#:~:text=Overall%20Enrollment%20Increase%3A%20Total%20enrollment,2.07%20crore%20in%202021%2D22
