IIM-B Trying to Loosen the Govt Control

Bangalore: Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) has proposed crucial amendments to its Memorandum of Association and Rules (MoA) which in turn would considerably loosen government control over the B-school. As per sources, several clauses in the MoA could be deleted and many appended to authorize the IIM-B Society, allow it to set up campuses abroad, remove caste-based reservation on decision-making bodies and cut down presence of government nominees on the Board of Governors.

According to the proposed amendments, the Centre will retain no powers to take over the administration. Also, it will not be able to take over the assets of IIM-B if it is not satisfied with the institute's functioning. The existing power of the Centre to order an enquiry into the affairs of the IIM-B Society and ensure compliance of its orders will be withdrawn. Moreover, the B-school proposes to delete a vital clause asking the Board of Governors to perform such additional functions and to carry out duties as many from time to time be assigned to it by the central and the state government.

Also the sources said that nearly after a period of six years being asked by the HRD ministry to amend its MoA, the institute is finally ready with changes that will allow the institute to establish educational or other institutions in partnership or otherwise in any part of the world...” Also, IIM-B's plan to set up a campus in Singapore was turned down by the HRD ministry on grounds that the existing MoA which did not permit it to offer classes on foreign shores. If the amendments are accepted, IIM-B will no longer require the Centre's approval to acquire and hold property.

In addition, the slew of amendments aims at drastically cutting down the size and presence of government nominees on key decision-making bodies like the general body (Society) and the Board of Governors. The 27-member Society will be reduced to 17 and the Board will have 13 instead of the existing 28 members.