‘Academic freedom’ and ‘institutional autonomy’ are terms frequently used in India these days. Is it because our higher education institutions do not enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, or, is it because those who are in power have realised that these are essential for achieving excellence in higher education? The answer to the first question is “yes” and to the second question could be “yes” or “no” depending on how we look at the recent policy decisions on higher education critically.
Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) granted greater autonomy to 62 higher education institutions, including five central and 21 state universities, in the country. According to the Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister, Prakash Javadekar, the institutions were chosen based on their record of maintaining high standards. The government’s decision has been welcomed by many academics and those who keenly observe the Indian higher education system but some sceptics have expressed their fear by stating that it is a step towards privatising higher education in the country, which may result in making higher education available only to the elite and not affordable to the vast majority of the people.
I have discussed the importance of autonomy (academic autonomy, teacher autonomy, and learner autonomy) in some of my articles published by this newspaper. I strongly believe that autonomy is the first step towards achieving academic excellence. My support to academic autonomy stems from my highly positive tertiary education experience in well-known autonomous institutions: St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchi, and the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL), now known as English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), one of the five central universities that were granted full autonomy.
It should be noted that the concept of granting autonomy to colleges is not new in India. Some colleges with good credentials were granted autonomy status in the 1980s. The Program of Action (1992), which is the revised version of the 1986 National Policy of Education, also suggested that many autonomous colleges should be established in the country.
Pros vs. cons
There are many advantages and some disadvantages of academic autonomy. It enables higher education institutions in the country to respond positively to the demands placed on them. Autonomous institutes have the freedom to design their own syllabus, to introduce new courses based on the needs of the students and society, to follow innovative examination systems, to announce results, to collaborate with foreign universities and the industry and to adopt the best practices followed in top-notch universities in the country and abroad.
A few years ago, while we were discussing the importance of autonomy in higher education, Professor MM Pant, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, said, “More than the independence of the judiciary we need independence of the academia.”
Very recently, I contacted Prof. Pant again to seek his views on Mr. Javadekar’s announcement on autonomy. Prof. Pant says, “Granting autonomy to higher education institutes is an important step in preparation for an uncertain future being shaped by exponential change, driven by artificial intelligence and allied technologies. Such institutions would serve all concerned by pursuing lifelong learning, rather than finite degrees. There would be several opportunities for innovative programmes and new pedagogical approaches that implement personalised learning.”
Will all autonomous higher education institutes use their freedom responsibly? Should they not be accountable to stakeholders? These questions arise because many deemed universities have misused the freedom given to them and have lowered the quality of higher education in the country.
In this context, it is good to recall the words of Molly Corbett Broad, a well-known educator and president, American Council on Education, who made the following statement at the Council of Europe in 2010: “.. academic freedom and institutional autonomy are not equivalent to entirely unfettered independence. The right of academic freedom carries with it responsibilities to pursue scholarship with the highest standards of professional practice and ethics. Institutional autonomy does not in any way abrogate the responsibility of colleges and universities to strive for the highest level of professional quality and to effectively serve key public purposes...”
Moving forward
Recently, Mr. Javadekar tweeted that “Quality, autonomy, research, and innovation are key pillars of our vision for improving higher education in India.” There is no disagreement. It is a welcome step to give full autonomy to some institutes but focusing on select top higher education institutes alone is not enough to make India a progressive nation.
There are hundreds of higher education institutions in our country which do not have quality, research, and innovation in their lexicon. Steps must be taken to help these institutes to improve the quality of teaching and research. In the years to come, many more institutes which have sound credentials and the potential to show high standards should be identified and granted autonomy.
An educational institution is really autonomous only when there is a healthy environment for teachers and learners to develop their autonomy. Teacher autonomy helps teachers become creative and critical thinkers and learner autonomy helps learners take responsibility for their learning, enables them to become good decision-makers and prepares them for life.
Academic institutions that enjoy greater autonomy have the responsibility to be accountable not only to the government but also to the stakeholders. Those who are at the helm of affairs should strive to maintain and achieve academic excellence. They should be professional in their approach, progressive in their thinking, bold in their decisions and ethical in their practice. They should not allow themselves to be influenced by external forces such as government officials and politicians. They should have the intellectual courage to defend autonomy whenever there is a threat to it.
The author is an academic, columnist and freelance writer. rayanal@yahoo.co.uk
