IIM Raipur Proposes Research on Natural Resources of Chhattisgarh

New Delhi: Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM-R) proposes courses and research centers in order to study the natural resources and energy management of Chhattisgarh. The IIM-R’s proposal intends to contribute to its home state’s development.

B.S. Sahay, IIM-R Director, has said that the state they are in is zero power-cut state. At least 44% of its geography is forest cover. This will be their focus, to be different and more worthwhile. He also added that Chhattisgarh will become a developed state within 10 years, and they will play their role in helping them achieve it.

Mr Sahay mentioned that the 10 IIMs are India’s elite business schools, and IIM-R became the youngest of the lot when it began operations last year. While IIM graduates form the cream of India’s business leaders, the institutes have been criticized for neglecting research.

That is where IIM-R wants to make a difference, said Sahay, who was earlier director of the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He added that they have to do research of contemporary relevance, which is beneficial for the growth of the economy.

Moreover, as per sources, IIM-R plans to introduce courses in energy management and forest management in the next academic year beginning July. The institute will also carry out case studies on power generation and coal, focusing on how to use the mineral for economic development.

As per sources, Chhattisgarh has 17% of India’s coal reserves as well as the potential to harness solar energy. The state plans to add 1,500MW of generation capacity by the end of 2012 with the help of two power projects being set up by Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Co. Ltd, taking total capacity to 3,500MW.

In addition, such an energy rich state is bound to attract energy-intensive industries. IIM-R said it wants to contribute to the process by drawing up case studies and preparing research papers that the government and the private sector would find useful. Mr Sahay also added that this will increase exposure for our students.