Centre may offer greater autonomy to 3 more IIMs

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) who have long sought greater freedom from the government are close to attaining that goal. The human resource development ministry on Thursday is expected to amend memorandum of associations ( MoA) to three IIMS - Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Lucknow. The amended MoAs will result in drastic changes to their governing structure, reflecting greater autonomy.

ET had in its edition dated January 18 reported that IIM Kozhikode had received the amended MoA. The boards of governors of the IIMs will have to formally ratify the amended MoA.

The changes in the governance structure are in keeping with recommendations of RC Bhargava Committee. The committee was of the view that the divided responsibility for governance between the government, board, and directors inhibited the IIMs from developing effective strategies to meet the challenges that B-schools are faced with.

"Till now, the IIMs had to approach the ministry for approval or notifying changes in the board members and so on, with these changes, governance of the institutes will become smoother. The IIMs will have greater autonomy now but that comes with greater responsibility," a senior official said.

A lean Board of Governors comprising 15 members, as against the current size of 24-26 members, will now be responsible for the IIM's governance. Instead of the government selecting board members, the board will make appointments in the event of vacancies. The government nominees will be ex-officio members, reducing the need for notification in the event the officer is transferred.