An ambitious push for values, ethics in higher education
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced Mulya Pravah 2.0, a revised version of the 2019 Mulya Pravah guideline.
- Objective: To instill human values and professional ethics in higher education institutions.
- It was triggered by a survey of human resource managers revealing prevalent unethical practices in various organizations.
- Practices include favouritism, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, inconsistency in discipline, lack of confidentiality etc..
Mulya Pravah 2.0
- Objectives
- Build value-based institutions by promoting respect for fundamental duties, constitutional values, and national bonding.
- Address issues of corruption, malpractices and violations of ethics in higher education.
- Mulya Pravah 2.0 underscores the need for transparency in administration, emphasizing decision-making guided by institutional and public interest.
- Aims to eliminate discriminatory privileges of officials and encourages the punishment of corrupt practices.
Expectations from Higher Education Institutions
- Ensure integrity, trusteeship, harmony, accountability, inclusiveness, commitment, respectfulness, belongingness, sustainability, constitutional values and global citizenship.
- They act in the best interest of the institution, creating a conducive culture and work environment.
- They must refrain from misappropriation of resources and refuse to accept items which may affect the impartial performance of duties.
Confidentiality and Right to Information
- The guideline stresses the importance of maintaining confidentiality, which may counter with the right to information as an instrument to ensure accountability.
- Suggests voluntary disclosure of critical information by higher education institutions to deter malpractices and boost public confidence.
Role of Teachers and Unions
- Teachers need to act as role models, demonstrating good conduct and setting high standards.
- Staff and student unions should support the administration in development activities and raise issues in a dignified manner.
Conclusion
- Concerns arise about the guideline's potential misuse to suppress dissent and undermine collective voices.
- Therefore, a more inclusive approach is needed, allowing stakeholders to actively participate in decision-making.