IIM boards ineffective managers, says panel

BANGALORE: In a startling revelation, a five-member committee appointed by HRD minister Kapil Sibal has found the boards of the IIMs to be ineffective managers of the elite B-schools . It now wants the registered societies of the institutes to function as ‘enlightened owners’ of IIMs.

Calling for dissolution of existing boards, the committee headed by RC Bhargava , chairman of IIM-Ranchi , has sought replacing them with smaller boards comprising 12-14 members. Currently, IIM-Bangalore board has 26 members.

‘‘ The practice of board members representing different interests should be given up. An attempt must be made to ensure that at least one-third of the board members are alumni, or if alumni are not available, persons who have studied at other IIMs,’’ the report, a copy of which is with TOI, states. Upset over low turnout at board meetings, the committee has suggested that absence from three consecutive meetings, without leave of absence, should result in automatic cessation of membership.

Stating that the management of IIMs has suffered because of divided responsibilities between government , boards, directors and the faculty, the committee has said it is the society of every IIM which should be the ‘enlightened owner’ .

‘‘ The members of the society should thus be persons who remain there for a long period of time and have motivation for working as trustees,’’ it said.