HRD’s bid for consensus on draft IIM Bill

The human resource development ministry plans to introduce the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bill in the winter session of Parliament, as it hopes a consensus could be reached on the legislation before it is introduced.

The ministry held a consultative meeting with IIM directors here, chaired by the secretary.

A senior official, on condition of anonymity, said, “This was a step forward in resolving certain issues. We listened to the directors and they have listened to us. We found some solution to the problems. It was very fruitful meeting, which will be followed by deliberations in near future. We may meet again after three weeks to take stock of the recommendations. We expect that in the near future, some consensus will be reached on the issues.”

However, he refused to give details of the proceedings. “It’s too early to comment on the proceedings, as it will take time. We hope to resolve the issues and will try to table it in the winter session,” he added. Earlier, ministry officials had organised a consultative meeting with the institutes to resolve their issues pertaining to autonomy. IIMs, especially the older ones, wanted to retain their autonomy, threatened by the draft Bill.

The ministry appears to be having a rethink on certain contentious clauses. One of these is Section 35, which empowers the Union government to “make rules for carrying out the provisions of this (IIM) Act”. The other is subsection (1) of Section 36 that states the “IIM Board may, with the approval of the central government, by notification, make regulations not inconsistent with this Act and the rules made there under to carry out the provisions of this Act”.

IIMs, especially the older ones, wanted to retain their autonomy, which has been threatened by the draft Bill