Faculty are responsible for politicization of academics

摘要

The letters published in Current Science by Rao and others show that teachers are alive to the declining respectability and credibility of the university system, but there should be no room for pessimism although we may not be able to correctly diagnose the ills and suggest remedial measures. Presently there is lot to be gained from them and little that the incumbents have to or can contribute to the universities, and such people are restless to rise to the above posts. Rao has enumerated several factors that have led to inferior appointments, and academic mismanagement and dishonesty in the universities, but he seems to have underplayed the role of faculty in all this affair. How do the politicians know about the vacancies for the faculty positions? Who informs them about national and international fellowships, research grants and other funds? It is the teachers who do so and invite interference from politicians and the government. The most important reason for ills in the university system is the fact that faculty gain favours out of turn and merit. Teachers are part of the system which has become corrupt. If the teachers decide to be fair to themselves and to others and accept no favours, the govermnent and the politicians will have to think twice before they intervene in any matter regarding the universities.