IIMs Fees Issue Top Priority for New HRD Minister

IIIMs Fees Issue Top Priority for New HRD Minister

The New HRD Minister Arjun Singh, giving top priority to the IIMs Fee Cut issue, has told the IIMs to work out a uniform fee structure at the earliest possible. Arjun Singh has sent a clear message to the six IIMs that he wants to end this fee impasse quick and fast.

In a meeting on Monday, 31st May 2004, attended by representatives of the IIMs, he expressed his desire to wrap up the matter quickly, and instructed the directors to work out a formula in a consensual manner, and coordinate with HRD secretary S. C. Tripathi, so that a solution is reached at by June 25. While the directors have begun working on a formula, which they will later discuss at a joint meeting on 6th June, faculty of IIM-A met on Tuesday, 1st June 2004, to discuss the new developments. The IIM-A is heard to be working on the "graded fee structure" which would allow the student to pay according to his means.

At the same time, V. S. Pandey, the keyman of Murli Manohar Joshi, who was instrumental for the decision to cut fees in IIMs by 80%, has been thrown out, to be replaced by Sunil Kumar in the new HRD ministry.

As Joshi's ministry's representative, V. S. Pandey had attended all IIM board meetings on the fee cut issue and reportedly threatened the institutes' directors if they did not go with the ministry's decisions. He is also alleged to have signed the IIM fee cut order issued on February 5, leveled allegations on IIMs of administrative and financial irregularities, and refused to provide the undertaking promising autonomy to the B-schools in the Supreme Court.

He shared an excellent rapport with Joshi, but could not acquire the same affinity with Arjun Singh. His replacement, Sunil Kumar, on the other hand, had served as Arjun Singh's PS during his tenure as HRD Minister between 1991 and 1994.

After resolving the IIM impasse, Ajun Singh's next priority is to "detoxify" and "desaffronise" education system in the country.

As per the latest reports, the six IIM directors met on Sunday, 6th June, and discussed in detail aspects of the fee issue and concerns of ministry, the respective boards and the institutes. Based on the consensus, they have prepared a joint proposal, which will be presented to HRD secretary on 8th June. Though the details of the meeting have not been made public, sources reveal that IIMs wish to continue with the existing fee but are willing to give scholarships (full or partial) to needy students. Further, a uniform fee structure would not be logical; since the younger IIMs cannot be compared with the older established ones, so it is unlikely that a common fee for all IIMs would be considered. While the IIM directors would meet the HRD secretary in Delhi on 8th June, the proposals would be presented to the IIM boards for their approval later in the month.