In a recent development, the Union government has tightened its grip on the autonomy of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), unveiling new restrictions through a notification on November 10. These stringent norms encompass the appointment and removal processes for IIM chairpersons, along with the provision for initiating inquiries into the board of governors’ functioning at any juncture. Furthermore, eligibility criteria for the position of IIM director have been revised, now requiring applicants to hold first-class bachelor’s and master’s degrees, coupled with a PhD from reputable institutes.
This move follows the disconcerting amendments proposed in August to the IIM Autonomy Bill of 2017, which significantly curtailed the operational and appointment independence enjoyed by the 12 IIMs. The amendments introduced a substantial presence of the Visitor – the President of India – granting the Visitor the authority to appoint the IIM director, chairperson, and even the board of governors.
The new regulations revert to a pre-2017 scenario where the Visitor wields the power to appoint the IIM director, chairperson, and board of governors. Additionally, the Visitor is empowered to remove the director if their performance is deemed inadequate or if their conduct deviates from the Visitor’s directives.
While the concern primarily revolves around the potential misuse of punitive actions against office-bearers by the alumni, faculty, and recruiter communities, the broader apprehension centers on the impact such measures could have on the atmosphere of free thought within these esteemed academic institutions. There is a palpable fear that punitive actions, under the new provisions, may stifle independent thinking within these centers of academic excellence.
It is worth noting that the crux of IIM operations, particularly the student admission process, faculty appointments, and pedagogy, remains critical to sustaining the excellence of these institutions. A senior faculty member with decades-long association with an IIM asserts that if these fundamental processes remain insulated from external interference, the institutions’ hallmark excellence will endure.
This latest development raises questions about the delicate balance between central oversight and institutional autonomy, sparking concerns among stakeholders about the potential repercussions on the cherished spirit of intellectual freedom within the IIMs.
