Page 112 - Academic and Research Book_WEB

programme to iron out glitches related to proforma, accreditation of credentials, countering unethical
and commercial publications. The programme remains dynamic with the quarterly scrutiny and re-
evaluation of the journal list. It is very reassuring that mechanisms for giving an even playing field
to journals in Indian languages, and the Indian Knowledge Systems are being worked out. While this
spirited and pro-active nature of the list is appreciable, it often creates difficulties for academicians
who may have submitted papers to a journal that is subsequently removed. Workshops on Research
Ethics and Integrity need to more participatory and open, for the course correction to be truly
effective. Stakeholders across academia, especially librarians require to be well trained in the cross
talk between the platforms or formats for print, digital, Information and Computer Technology (ICT),
Open Access, and other relevant areas.

NEP 2020

The deep commitment to ethics is endorsed by the fact that it underpins the fabric of the landmark
reforms in the education sector, enshrined in the National Education Policy of 2020 (NEP 2020.) The
very fact that NEP 2020 was finalized taking into consideration the 2.25 lakh suggestions received
after the draft was placed in the public domain is the hallmark of a truly ethical and democratic
beginning. The Union Minister for Human Resource Development termed it as one of the largest
consultations and discussion processes of its kind in the country. Founded on the basic tenets of
access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability, NEP 2020 flags all the basic criteria required
for creating a vibrant knowledge society, that India can be proud to reclaim; through a holistic,
flexible, multidisciplinary approach that will shape the potential human in each citizen of India in the
fast-paced 21st century world (NEP, 2020).
9
The policy statement touches ground on the importance of ethics at least 16 times, creating the
mechanisms for internalizing the difference between, “What we have a right to do and what is the
right thing to do” — a deep commitment to the ethical way forward. Thus, it states, “Education must
build character, enable learners to be ethical, rational, compassionate, and caring, while at the same
time prepare them for gainful, fulfilling employment” (ibid.: 3) The policy reiterates that learning
outcomes require major reforms; they must introduce the highest quality, equity, and integrity into the
education system and inculcate social, ethical, and emotional abilities from childhood. It is extremely
reassuring to note that, “Instilling knowledge of India and its varied social, cultural, and technological
needs, its inimitable artistic, language, and knowledge traditions, and its strong ethics in India’s young
people” is a core tenant (ibid.: 4).
The principles of this policy, in its road map for developing good human beings and citizens,
underscores the importance of ethical moorings and values:

• Ethics, and human and constitutional values are part of the fundamental principles on which
the entire education system and individual institutions of India will be based (ibid.: 5).
• Socio-emotional-ethical development has been deemed central to the foundation of learning
that begin with early childhood care and education (ibid.: 7).
• Under the section on curricular integration of essential subjects, skills, and capacities ethical
and moral reasoning; and early inculcation of the importance of, “Doing what’s right”, helping
the young to formulate a position/argument about an ethical issue from multiple perspectives,
and use ethical practices in all work (ibid.: 15, 17).

• While detailing India’s higher education system, NEP 2020 distinctly carves out the vital
importance of the ethical development of character in equipping students for holistic and

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND RESEARCH QUALITY | 101