18th January 2024 (11 Topics)

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The Erosion of Academic Freedom: A Critical Examination

Context:

The University Grants Commission's recent directive to display government propaganda on campuses is being seen as a part of a broader pattern restricting the autonomy of higher education institutions.

Government's Encroachment on Academic Independence:

- UGC’s Action: UGC's imposition of government logos and selfie points aligns with previous directives, undermining the academic institutes' freedom.

- Requirement of Action: Such moves, while aimed at creating awareness, risk transforming universities into instruments of political propaganda, diluting their primary mission of teaching and research.

-Issue of political Messages: The increasing tendency of governments to use universities for political messaging jeopardizes the core principles of academic freedom and unbiased inquiry.

Challenges to Dissent and Critical Thinking:

- Academic Freedom jeopardized: Incidents at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) demonstrate threats to academic freedom.

- Deepening Challenges: The resignation of scholars at Ashoka University following political pressure exemplifies the challenges to academic autonomy.

-Democracy Issues: Restrictions on dissent and critical thinking within academic settings undermine the essence of a democratic society, hindering open discussions vital for a functioning democracy.

Global Rankings and Erosion of Academic Freedom:

-Position in Index: India's position in global indices, particularly the V-Dem Institute's academic freedom index, indicates a decline in academic freedom.

- Global Position: India's academic freedom index, placed in the bottom 30% globally, reflects a score of 0.38, lower than India's historical rival, Pakistan.

- Issues: Intimidation and legal actions against scholars in India contribute to the declining global perception of academic freedom.

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