NEW DELHI: The IIM Bill has been reworked by the Central Universities.
It is argued that the Visitor serves as an indirect way of exercising government control and influence over IIMs as the Visitor usually follows the advice of the Ministry in his decisions related to educational institutes. He is usually responsible for making top appointments at these places and also has the power to order an inquiry into an institute or its head̢s functioning.
While the HRD ministry under Smriti Irani had agreed on some of the suggestions of the PMO for allowing greater autonomy to IIMs, it persisted on retaining the Visitor̢s position.
But Javadekar changed this stance. The idea of an IIM Coordination panel following the lines of IIT council was also propagated. The IIT Council is chaired by the HRD Minister who exercises considerable influence over it.
However, the idea was vehemently opposed by the IIMs and the PMO also favoured the argument. Giving in to these demands, the HRD ministry has also consented that the panel will be headed by an eminent personality and the minister would not be a part of it.
While these two changes have been made to ensure greater autonomy of IIMs, the new version of the IIM Bill also has a provision, asking IIMs to follow government policies.
Tags: Iim Bill
Hrd Ministry
Hrd Reworks Iim Bill
Prakash Javadekar
Visitor In Iims
