'Assault on scholarly freedom, cowardly act': Congress after Centre cancels CPR's FCRA license

Centre cancels CPR's FCRA license: The Congress party strongly condemned the BJP government's decision to cancel the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), terming it as yet another "act of cowardice."

The Fear of Intellectual Integrity

In a surprising move, the government's action against CPR, a renowned think tank, has raised questions about its commitment to intellectual freedom. CPR, a distinguished research institution with a five-decade legacy, has been known for its scholarly excellence and independence of thought. The BJP government's decision to revoke its FCRA license is viewed as a repressive measure intended to stifle the institution's funding and curtail its autonomy.

Insecurity Over Academic Independence

Critics argue that the cancellation of CPR's FCRA license reflected the government's insecurity and intolerance towards institutions that uphold academic independence. The move, seen as vindictive, is being denounced as a petty act by a government that, paradoxically, aspires to global recognition. The Congress party highlighted the irony of a government seeking international acknowledgment while resorting to repressive measures against scholarly institutions.

The Impact on India's Academic Tradition

The Congress expressed concern that the cancellation of CPR's license would not only affect the institution itself but would also send a chilling message to scholars and research institutions across the country. The rich tradition of scholarship and rigorous thinking in India is being deemed at risk, as the government's action may deter scholars and institutions from expressing dissenting opinions or engaging in critical research.

Building Global Reputation Through Respect

The Congress argued that genuine global recognition for India requires a commitment to institutions, freedom of expression, and a scientific temper of tolerance. According to the grand old party, the government's obsession with grand displays on the global stage, such as G-20 summits and photo-ops with world leaders, is criticized as insufficient for earning international respect. Instead, fostering an environment that respects scholarly integrity and encourages diverse perspectives is deemed crucial for India's global standing.

Congress Condemns Timidity in the Face of Scholarly Critique

In a scathing remark, the Congress party expressed disappointment that the mighty government of India appears timid and insecure in the face of scholarly critique. The cancellation of CPR's FCRA license is being termed as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices and restrict the pursuit of knowledge, reflecting poorly on the government's commitment to democratic values and academic freedom.