Autonomy at Higher Education Level

Citation: Rayees Ahmad Ganie (2019). Autonomy at Higher Education Level. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (IJAMSR ) ISSN:2581-4281, 2 (1), January, 2019, # Art.1117, pp 47-51 International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (IJAMSR) ISSN:2581-4281 Volume 2, Issue 1, January, 2019 IJAMSR 2 (1) www.ijamsr.com CrossRef: https://doi.org/10.31426/ijamsr.2019.2.1.1117 IJAMSR 2(1) www.ijamsr.com January 2019 48 International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (IJAMSR) ISSN:2581-4281 In the middle of the 19 century, when three universities got established one each in Calcutta, Bombay & Madras they got an autonomous status at that time. The Govt. of India then got an example to establish more & more autonomous institutions in the country. So the Academic autonomy is a topic to be discussed in today’s situations so as the quality of Higher Education may get enhanced. What does autonomy basically mean? Autonomy basically means to give free hand to the people who are responsible for the execution of the job itself. Autonomy is expected to provide good results when put through by an accountability for the academic well being of an institution. When the autonomy is executed by the sense of responsibility, sincerity, it will inevitably lead to the excellence in academics, governance & financial matters of the institution. If the same doesn’t happen it means that the autonomy has led to the desecration. Ulterior Motive & Animus of Academic Autonomy Mostly Academic autonomy of an institution is put on the basis of past experiences that the institution can undertake the work itself as trusted by the society that supports that particular institute only when it has its own freedom of choice and action. This never meant that they are not accountable before the public, but are reviewed and their activities are surveyed by others. The important area of an autonomous institution is to choose the students and staff. Although emoluments, other conditions require the Govt’s approval, but the selection and appointment of staff is wholly at the discretion of the institute. UGC directions are implemented by the Govt. & subsequently adopted by the institute. When we speak in broad terms Autonomy of an institution is the ability of to take all decisions regarding functioning of the institution but within the laws of the country. It has been seem that the autonomous institution fails in & fails out regarding financial matters. Here we can say that the institution may be labelled as fully autonomous in all its academic related matters. Academic Autonomy in Educational Institutions Academic autonomy here refers to the status given to the colleges by the UGC for the development & upliftment in academics. Need for Autonomy To Enable the colleges to award degrees on behalf of the University by providing academic freedom to function better with credibility.