The Politicization of Indian Higher Education: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis

The landscape of Indian higher education has long been influenced by political dynamics. Since colonial times, politicians have established colleges and universities not only to promote education but also to enhance their political careers and build support. Both state and central government authorities have strategically located new post-secondary institutions in areas that offer political advantages, addressing various socio-cultural demands. This trend is evident in the politically motivated naming and renaming of universities. Furthermore, academic appointments and promotions have sometimes been influenced by factors beyond the individuals’ merits. In many undergraduate colleges, the norms of academic freedom have not always been strictly observed, causing teachers to be cautious about their teachings and publications.

Despite these issues, Indian higher education, particularly in universities, has largely followed international norms of academic freedom. Professors generally enjoyed the freedom to teach, conduct research, and publish without fear of reprisal. While universities have faced bureaucracy and occasional political interference in faculty recruitment, they have maintained relative autonomy in promoting existing faculty.

A Fundamental Political Shift

Recently, Indian higher education has experienced a significant shift towards increased politicization, posing serious threats to academic institutions, the academic profession, and intellectual life. This trend reflects broader “illiberal” movements in society, and India is not alone in this development. The international community, including India’s potential academic partners, is starting to notice this decline, which could impact India’s ambitions to reach the top tiers of global higher education.

Examples of Political Interference

Rahul Gandhi’s comments on politically appointed vice chancellors, which sparked significant criticism, highlight a growing concern. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) authorities nationwide have been replacing university vice chancellors with politically compliant appointees, many lacking higher education experience. These appointees are reshaping universities by aligning them with political ideologies, marking an unprecedented level of direct political interference in post-independence India. In response, non-BJP governments in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Punjab are trying to remove centrally-appointed State Governors from their roles as chancellors of state universities to regain control over vice-chancellor appointments.

The Erosion of Academic Freedom

Academic freedom in India is increasingly under threat. Self-censorship among academics, especially in the social sciences and humanities, has become common. Senior academics often hesitate to publish work that might attract negative attention from state authorities or pro-BJP media. Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s resignation from Ashoka University in 2021 highlighted this issue. In his resignation letter, Mehta noted that his writings supporting constitutional values of freedom and equal respect for all citizens posed risks to the university. These pressures affect top academic institutions, indicating a widespread problem in Indian higher education. Professor Sameena Dalwai of O.P. Jindal Global University recently faced an online smear campaign and a police complaint orchestrated by right-wing groups, exemplifying the hostile environment for independent academic voices.

Students are also caught up in campus politicization. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) suspended a PhD student over alleged “anti-national activities,” a decision the Progressive Students Forum attributed to his participation in a protest against central government policies. Traditional campus politics continue, but right-wing organizations like the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad are increasingly active even in traditionally leftist universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University. Alarmingly, students now report professors for content they disagree with, leading to disciplinary actions against faculty members.

Implications for Indian Higher Education

The politicization of Indian higher education poses severe risks to the sector and civic life in general. An independent and free academic environment is crucial for any society, enabling the academic profession to conduct unfettered research and publish findings without fear of reprisal. This is particularly important for the social sciences and humanities, which often provide critical analyses of societal issues. In India, many top intellectuals and analysts are based in universities, making academic freedom and autonomy essential.

As India aims to build world-class universities and engage with leading global institutions, preserving academic freedom is a prerequisite. Without it, the country risks undermining its intellectual and academic foundations, which are vital for its growth and development in the global academic community.