IIM-A reiterates need for autonomy

The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has reiterated the need for preserving the autonomy of higher education institutions such as the IIMs.

This was conveyed by officials of the IIM-A, to an 18-member delegation of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, which was in the city to assess the needs and inadequacies of educational institutions.

The delegation comprising members of Parliament also met Gujarat University vice-chancellor A U Patel and other officials of educational institutions on Monday.

Chandrakala Pandey, co-ordinator of the delegation said that the delegation was here to take stock of the issues facing by the higher educational institutions and that a report will be submitted to Parliament.

"We discussed several issues at the IIM meeting, including cirriculum, vacancies, infrastructure and other things. I cannot disclose details as we will present a report to the Parliament," said Pandey.

In reply to a specific question whether autonomy of the institutions was discussed, Pandey said - "Yes, autonomy was one of the issue discussed and the IIM-A officials have stated their stand on the issue. They have told us their problems, including vacancies in the faculty."

Asked if the Shunglu Committee report (which was submitted to the Union HRD ministry a few days ago) was also discussed at the meeting, Pandey said that the Shunglu Committee report was not part of the delegation's activity.

A source at IIM-A said that the delegation was apprised about the initiatives that the institute has taken and what new initiatives are being planned for the future.

Asked about the vacancies, the source said - "We have opened several new centres in anticipation that the faculty strength will increase. However, those appointments will be made by the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad itself."