India facing 'a systematic threat' to its scientific and educational foundations: Scientists
G.S Mudur | 27 February 2024 | The Telegraph
India is currently facing “a systematic threat” to its scientific and educational foundations, a panel of scientists-citizens said on Monday, citing what they have described as institutional promotion of pseudoscience, declining funds, and changes in school curriculum and university education.
The promotion of pseudoscience over established scientific principles and evidence-based research alongside the institutional endorsement of unproven practices or remedies could mislead the public and erode trust in genuine scientific enterprise, the 12-member panel said in a statement.
Such actions could undermine public trust in science, people’s health and safety, and jeopardise the credibility of India’s scientific community, the panel said after a discussion during which its members expressed concern about recent trends in science and academic institutions.