Double intake in PG diplomas, IIMs told

NEW DELHI: IIMs have been told to double their intake capacity and explore the possibility of increasing the number of doctoral students. This was decided at a meeting held by Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar with IIM directors in Shillong on Tuesday.

There was no discussion on doing away with reservation in faculty appointments though a passing mention was made that social equity principles enshrined in the Constitution be followed. After the meeting, Javadekar clarified that as far as reservations were concerned, it is the Constitution which provides for it and the government has no plans to make any changes.

He said IIMs have been asked to submit plans for expansion of their intake capacity. A senior official said, "Intake will be doubled to nearly 20,000 from over 9,000 at present in postgraduate diploma courses. IIM directors have assured the minister that they will soon give their proposal. However, no deadline has been set."

As for expansion of doctoral programme, Javadekar told IIM directors that it would help deal with problems of faculty crunch. He also said better avenues of fellowship will be offered to willing candidates. In line with the IIT Council decision to award PM's scholarship for PhD scholars, it could be extended to IIMs as well.

"However, a final decision in this regard will be taken with the Cabinet's approval," the minister said. It was also decided that IIMs will participate in a new initiative of the government to make 20 world class universities/institutes. Of these, half will be in the government sector and the rest in private sector.

IIMs will also actively participate in creating contents for 'Swayam', an information technology platform providing online courses on various subjects from class IX to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.