Targeting research , Pg6

Key Highlights:

• An FIR was filed against a researcher associated with Lokniti, a programme of the CSDS, concerning erroneous data posted on X.
• The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) issued a show cause notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), raising concerns about funding arrangements.
• These actions have been criticised as an erosion of academic freedoms in India.
• India's ranking has fallen to the bottom 20% among 179 nations in the 2024 Academic Freedom Index.

Detailed Insights:

• The erroneous data concerned reductions in the electoral roll in some constituencies in Maharashtra, which was later deleted by Lokniti co-director Sanjay Kumar.
• The BJP governments in Maharashtra and at the Centre have been accused of using this mistake to attack the institution, despite the post having no connection to allegations about inflated electoral roll numbers.
• Another premier institution, the Centre for Policy Research, faced tax surveys that resulted in the cancellation of its foreign funding licence and tax-exempt status, indicating a pattern of targeting independent research voices.
• CSDS-Lokniti has contributed to the study of Indian politics through its National Election Studies and comprehensive data archive.
• The government has also undermined its own statistical apparatus, including the delayed Census and suppressed statistical surveys.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Academic Freedom: The belief that scholars should be free to research and teach ideas that may be controversial without fear of dismissal.
• Empirical Research: Research using observation and experimentation.
• Good Governance: Processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal.