IIMC to be upgraded into global media university

There is some good news for students who will graduate from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) at Delhi henceforth. The Planning Commission's approval to upgrade it to an 'International Media University' will see an allocation of Rs 44 crore to the institute to create world-class facilities in media education, training and research.

While delivering the institute's convocation address, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said, "I am very happy to announce that we have decided to upgrade the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) as an international media university.

The Planning Commission has already approved the proposal and my ministry is working to make this institute a world class media education, training and research university, by an Act of Parliament. This will fulfil the growing demand of the media industry to provide more trained and qualified professionals."

 

With the 'International Media University' status, the institute will be able to confer degrees instead of the diplomas it currently offers to its students, which would be at par with those from the best media schools in the world. It is planning to focus on international linkages and collaborations for academics, faculty and research.

The IIMC is learnt to have appointed a consultant to prepare a Terms of Reference (TOR) under which it will work on upgrade initiatives for the institute.

"With the international status, we will upgrade our existing facilities to the highest standards. We plan to launch global quality programmes and induct high quality faculty members. A task force will submit its recommendations after which we will work on our roadmap ahead," Stuti Kacker, director, IIMC, told Business Standard.

The institute has close to 200 students at its campus and is set to ramp up the number each year. Accepted recommendations of the task force on upgrading the institute to international status will be implemented by the end of the 11th Five Year Plan.

IIMC offers post graduate diploma courses in English and Hindi journalism, Radio and TV journalism, advertising & public relations, and a diploma course in development journalism.