IIM faculty go public with privatisation charge

Not convinced by government assurances, the IIM faculty have decided to take their concerns over a series of proposed reforms to the public. There are concerns the reforms would effectively lead to the privastisation of the IIMs.

Not convinced by government assurances, the IIM faculty have decided to take their concerns over a series of proposed reforms to the public. There are concerns the reforms would effectively lead to the privastisation of the IIMs.

HT Image

IIM-Calcutta on Monday placed on its official website, a detailed critique of the proposed reforms, 48 hours after HRD minister Kapil Sibal clarified that the changes were not aimed at privatisation.

But the IIM Calcutta move, sources in both the government and at the B-schools told HT, could further heat up the battle over the future roadmap for the IIMs. The teachers have in their ‘position paper’ also proposed alternative reforms. “It is extremely unusual for an IIM website to be carrying an open critique of proposed government reforms,” a source said.

An HRD ministry panel under Maruti Chairman RC Bhargava has recommended that industrial houses gain seats in the managing society of an IIM for five years in exchange for a donation of Rs20 crore. Individuals and alumni can also gain seats on the societies for donations worth Rs5 crore under the panel proposals.

But faculty are arguing that the Bhargava panel’s recommendation may place the reins of the IIMs in the hands of the private donors. “The proposed process of enlightened ownership would destroy the reputation built by IIMs over the last fifty years,” the faculty document argues.

Proposal not welcome

Proposal: Allow firms, individuals to pay donations and earn seats on IIM managing societies
Criticism: Could lead to increasing control of private donors
Proposal: Each faculty member teaches a minimum of 160 hrs
Criticism: Board members not competent to evaluate performance of academicians;
Proposal made without consultations with faculty.