Sibal reverses Arjun Singh: IIMs can set up campuses abroad

He said he had suggested that IIMs should join forces to set up these overseas campuses although the final decision rests with them — whether they want to do it alone or by joining hands. The IIMs will come back to the Minister with a proposal by January next year.

Sibal’s position is in contrast to that of his predecessor,Arjun Singh,who had in 2006 prevented the IIMs

to set up campuses abroad. IIM Bangalore had wanting to set up a Singapore campus in 2006,which was rejected by the HRD Ministry under Singh.

Sibal also said that the appointment of directors and board members of the IIMs will be done through an independent collegium from now on.

“The collegium will suggest names for appointment of the board members and the directors. The composition of the collegium will be from various spheres,from academia,industry etc,” Sibal said. He said that the number of members in each IIM’s board of governors will not be more than 13.  

Sibal said the directors of the seven IIMs have been asked to submit by January next year,a five-year vision document on expansion of their respective institutes “keeping in mind quality and inclusiveness.” 

Currently,the IIM board members are appointed by the  government on the recommendation of the boards. The IIMs will also adopt a plan on affirmative action,which they are finding it difficult to implement in faculty but they are open to the idea as and when “quality human resource” come their way,he said.