Educational freedom: it is the freedom of teachers to teach to inculcate knowledge that seems correct to them, freedom for students to have all the knowledge they need or want, and educational institutions and platforms, best online math tutor to pursue information wherever it may lead whatever it may cause, without unnecessary or unreasonable interference. Educational freedom provides us the opportunity to learn the subject as it is without any interference. Academic or educational freedom is the freedom to choose and aspire to things that the people believe in without the influence of other people. At least,
educational freedom includes the freedom to participate in the full range of activities involved in information production, which includes research-focused choices, to determine what should be taught in
in class, presenting research results to colleagues, and publishing research findings.
However, educational freedom has its limits. For example, in the United States, according to a comprehensive report known as the “1940 Statement on Academic Freedom and Tenure”, teachers should be careful to avoid controversial issues that are not related to the topic. When they speak or write in public or in between fewer crowds, feel free and be at the liberty to express their views and opinions without fear of institutional scrutiny or discipline to be done, but they should show restraint and show clearly that they are not speaking for them. Staying in education protects the freedom of learning by ensuring that teachers do not get fired only for reasons such as incapacity or excessive behavior from the educational community itself. Academic freedom is never limited and should never be limited.
Academic freedom provides everyone a sense of freedom and power over their education and policies. To study, to teach, to learn, and even to research the unlimited power and knowledge of acquiring every knowledge available is academic freedom. The unreasonable interference and the regulations by institutions or the laws abide the people from acquiring the knowledge and limit the resources. There was always a debate on the lack of academic freedom and restrictions in the education of people. The whole significance of academic freedom or educational freedom is that it is important because it allows students, teachers, and researchers to read a wide range of topics, share information, and engage in conversation without fear of reprisals or retaliation. It is important to promote a culture of wisdom. It enables researchers to pursue the truth whether it is in support of or against the norms, customs, and social norms.
Some of the key components of academic or educational freedom are:
Freedom of education in research and training.
Freedom of information dissemination.
Freedom to research and disseminate information and truth without restriction.
Independence of university institutions.
Freedom to read and write
Freedom to express the views
Freedom to have access to every literature available
Early views on academic freedom
But some people often want to know the history of educational freedom in India, which is that in India, the tradition of free speech and thought can be traced back to the Rig Veda, the Buddhist sermons, and the precepts of Ashoka. Public gatherings, transcriptions, manuscripts, and discussions at many universities like the University of Nalanda and Vikramshila in ancient India are examples of such educational freedom. This continued during the Mughal period and the reigns of Akbar and Dara Shikoh. The idea of educational freedom reached its climax in 1947 with the emphasis on freedom of speech and expression in the Indian Constitution.
Freedom of education and the Constitution of India
Indian Constitution, In the Introduction, recognizes India as a democracy which means that the people of India have the right to express their views on various issues that guarantee educational freedom in India.
Article 19 of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and speech thereby guaranteeing freedom of education in India.
The Basic Activities in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution states that it is one of the key functions of the state and citizens to “promote the rage of science, humanity and the spirit of inquiry and transformation ” (51-A, h) and to strive for excellence in all spheres of work and collective high levels of effort and success. “Both of these provisions of the Constitution promote freedom of education in India.
India has signed and ratified the International Conference on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Articles 13 and 15 of this Convention provide the basis for freedom of education in higher education.
Academic freedom challenges in India
Limitations and interventions on institutional governance- The various branches of institutional governance face limitations regarding the selection of university leaders or vice-chancellors, the selection of faculty, the selection of students, the curriculum, and a few other aspects of the university. Decreased tenure and corporate governance – There is a lack of permanent protection of skills and even practical skills are lost as authorities and administrators as they have to work at the discretion of the judiciary. Harassment of opposing students and skills- Those who oppose or have a negative view of the thinking process that is often harassed in various ways by society and institutions. Cases of fraud, dismissal, and seizure of bursaries are increasing day by day.
Lack of freedom of education and distribution exchange – It is difficult in India to exchange students and skills. Denial of visas for foreign students (especially students from China and Pakistan) is one such problem or those seeking visas must go through a difficult process.
Corruption and the dominance of officials in institutions of higher learning – It has been noted that corrupt practices and operational practices of those in power hinder the freedom of education in India at various levels.
But what are the Solutions for academic freedom?
- Restoration and strengthening of agreements regarding institutional independence is one of the steps that can ensure academic freedom in India.
- The protection of the tenure of those in charge of administration and the sharing of administrative duties.
Ensuring freedom to spread knowledge and truth among students and skills.
- Government must stop making conflicting ideas and opinions criminal and ensure the protection of those with conflicting views or those at risk.
- The government should allow visas for all education transactions, especially in neighboring countries.
- To spread awareness among students and faculty members about their right to freedom of expression within reasonable limits.
- Corruption in institutions of higher learning and administration must be reduced to the hands of those who know it well rather than to the hands of officials.
- Transparency in the nomination and appointment of various positions in higher education institutions can ensure their independence.
- Institutional freedom of education should be a factor in determining the level of higher education institutions.
- Transparency in the funding of higher education institutions can also promote academic freedom in India.
There are some latest government programs as well for the promotion as well as the benefit of academic freedom in India:
The Government of India in the New Education Policy (2020) promises to integrate intelligence and critical thinking, respect for diversity, a good student work environment and skills, and significant investment in the public education system as its pillars.
It also proposes to ensure appointment based on successful leadership and freedom from political or external interference in higher education institutions.
This Policy proposes to promote a culture of excellence in the country by visualizing the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The mission of the NRF will be to strengthen the research culture among universities by providing a reliable basis for funded research that is based on successful but equally reviewed research and provides for the promotion and recognition of outstanding research.
NEP 2020 also proposes to address the regulatory problems of the institutions of higher education that include education for all.
India is a diverse country and is filled with various people in the world. India needs to recognize and take a step forward to promote and specialize the students in academics and increase their knowledge and help them grow without any issues. The youth of the country will benefit the country in various ways and help in the development of the country. Academic freedom represents the growth, prosperity, and acknowledgment of responsibility.