The Gujarat government has sent a list of 82 research topics to universities.
Research students in Gujarat will now have to focus on government projects, the state government has said. While the government says this is not mandatory, the move -- coming on the heels of the controversial higher education bill seen as curbing powers of vice-chancellors -- has sharpened the ongoing debate on academic freedom.
In a circular sent to universities, the government has listed 82 topics from which students will have to choose for their doctoral thesis. This list includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project, the Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan and Gujarat government's model schemes like Kanya Kelavani and Gunotsav.
The government's knowledge consortium, which came up with the idea, says it is important to have an independent evaluation of projects on which crores of rupees are spent. And the university vice-chancellors, it said, have seconded the plan before the step was taken.
"An independent analysis can give you an insight into a project and how to improve it,'' said Professor AU Patel, the Director of the Knowledge consortium.
Critics in education circles, however, say it is an infringement on academic freedom and they fear the government is planning to dictate research topics to students particularly on its flagship programmes.
"There are institutions like the Sardar Patel economic research academy which can analyse the works. Do you have to force research students to take up these subjects?" said educationist Dr Hemant Shah.
Research students say the intention may not be wrong, but the research work should be independent of any external influence.
"Maybe the government wants a fair analysis but listing out topics to students not right," said PHD student Hardik Chaudhary. The students also wonder how it would help science students, whom such topics will not benefit academically.