An ambitious push for values, ethics in higher education

Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been issuing regulations, guidelines and directives at break neck speed that some of the important ones miss drawing the attention of the higher education community. One such guideline is Mulya Pravah 2.0, a modified version of Mulya Pravah, which was notified in 2019. 

Issues Associated with Higher Education System:

Unethical Conduct: Unethical behaviors like biased hiring, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, inconsistent disciplinary actions, breaches of confidentiality, compensation disparities, negligence in performance appraisals, and corrupt vendor dealings are prevalent.

Lack of Responsibility: Higher education institutions need to ensure corruption-free operations, particularly in areas like admissions, examinations, and hiring processes.

Biased Decision-Making: Decisions in higher education may exhibit biases and might not always align with the best interests of the institution or the public.

Discriminatory Privileges: Certain officials may enjoy unfair privileges that require elimination.

Culture of Silence: The role of teachers' associations within the education system remains unaddressed.

Transparency Concerns: There is a contradiction between emphasizing confidentiality and the need for information crucial for accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement: Concerns exist regarding the active participation and influence of staff and student unions in protecting their rights and interests versus their relationship with the administration.

How Mulya Pravah 2.0 Will Address Them:

Promotion of Values and Ethics: Mulya Pravah 2.0 aims to instill values in institutions by promoting fundamental duties, constitutional values, and a profound respect for the country, aiming to curb unethical practices.

Enhanced Accountability and Transparency: The guidelines stress the importance of transparency in administration and decision-making processes and advocate for unbiased decision-making.

Advocacy for Fair Practices: Discriminatory privileges are targeted for elimination, and emphasis is placed on punishing corrupt practices to foster fairness.

Encouragement of Free Thought and Integrity: Institutions are encouraged to allow individuals at all levels to think freely, ensuring integrity and trusteeship.

Information Disclosure Mandate: The guideline suggests that institutions should voluntarily disclose critical information and subject themselves to public scrutiny to deter malpractices.

Role Modeling by Teachers: Teachers are urged to act as role models in conduct, dress, speech, and behavior, setting standards for students to emulate.

Dignified Union Participation: Staff and student unions are expected to support administration in a dignified manner, raising issues constructively rather than adopting an adversarial approach.

Success of Mulya Pravah 2.0: The effectiveness of Mulya Pravah 2.0 hinges on its sincere implementation and the commitment of all stakeholders to adhere to its principles in both letter and spirit.

Mulya Pravah 2.0:

• Initiated as part of the Quality Mandate in 2019 by the UGC, Mulya Pravah's guidelines were revised to incorporate key recommendations from the National Education Policy, 2020 (NEP-2020).
• Mulya Pravah 2.0 now proposes the curriculum and pedagogy of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to cultivate deep respect towards Fundamental Duties, Constitutional Values, bonding with one's country, and awareness of roles and responsibilities in a changing world. Universal human values, including truth, righteous conduct, peace, love, non-violence, scientific temper, citizenship values, and life skills, are emphasized.