Politicisation of Indian higher education

Source: The post Indian higher education has become deeply politicized has been created, based on the article “The hyperpoliticisation of Indian higher education” published in “The Hindu” on 18th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses how Indian higher education has become deeply politicized. Politicians influence college and university locations, naming, and appointments. Despite some adherence to academic freedom, political interference is growing, threatening the autonomy and quality of institutions. Politicisation of Indian higher education

For detailed information on Freedom in Indian Universities read Article 1, Article 2

How has politics influenced Indian higher education?

Politicians have long influenced Indian higher education by es colleges and universities to boost their careers and gain political support.

Institutions were often established in politically advantageous locations to cater to the socio-cultural demands of the electorate.

State governments frequently renamed universities for political reasons.

Academic appointments and promotions sometimes favored political connections over qualifications.

In Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Punjab, non-BJP states are trying to remove centrally-appointed Governors as chancellors of State universities.

What are the impacts of politics influencing Indian higher education?

1. Increasing politicization in universities undermines academic freedom and autonomy.
2. Political appointments of vice chancellors often result in less qualified individuals reshaping universities with politically aligned faculty.
3. This trend is visible in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Punjab, where attempts are being made to remove centrally-appointed State Governors as chancellors.
4. Self-censorship among academics is rising, with scholars fearing repercussions for controversial work. Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s resignation from Ashoka University exemplifies this.
5. Respected journals face restrictions, as seen with Professor Sameena Dalwai facing an online smear campaign.
6. Students are also affected, such as a Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) PhD student suspended for protesting central government policies.
7. These impacts threaten the quality of education and intellectual freedom, potentially harming India’s global academic partnerships.

Question for practice:

Examine how politics influences Indian higher education and its impacts on academic freedom and institutional autonomy.