Amid the ongoing controversy regarding the proposed IIM Bill, chairman of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) AM Naik has written a letter to the Ministry of Human Resource Development expressing grave concerns about the Bill.
"We had a series of discussions with the government and other stakeholders from 2012 till October 2014. We then came to a mutual understanding and a draft was finalised. Thereafter, the government remained virtually silent for about 10 months. We thought it was a regular delay. However, when we saw the proposed Bill 10 days ago, we were surprised. It was completely different," said Naik at a press conference in the city on Thursday. He added that they were trying to make it a consultative decision. "It appears that the minister has not seen the Bill yet and the person who has prepared the draft seems to have no clue of its implications," he said.
Talking about support from other IIMs, he said, "We do have support from a few IIMs. The rest are either being hesitant or are being financially assisted by the government. The prime minister wishes to have 25 world-class institutes. But this Bill contradicts that vision."
He added, "The new draft has significant negative impact and, if implemented, will be detrimental to management studies. Forget world-class institution, the institute will become just an operating centre. There seems to be some misunderstanding with regards to the drafting of the Bill."
Professor Ashish Nanda, director of IIMA, said they would be able to convince the government officials of their objections in case of a dialogue. "Government should over-see the processes from a distance. This Act goes opposite the government's vision," he said.
What the Bill proposes
Any change in curriculum, fees, course, remuneration, etc will need Centre's approval
Centre will determine director's powers
Centre will look into building maintenance
Board may lay down criteria to be followed by the Director but if they are unsatisfied they should recommend inquiry against him to the Centre
Pay variable pay to the director on basis of performance
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