Udaipur:
What so far appeared to be a fight between IIM-Ahmedabad and the Union HRD Ministry, now seems to be an internal feud among the faculty members.
At a board meeting held in Udaipur, far away from the IIM campus to avoid media attention, the 10-member Committee for Future Direction (CFD), that has six faculty members, tabled its list of proposals in line with the ministry.
In its recommendations, the committee said internal governance need to be redesigned to cut down faculty involvement.
It also suggested that the institute be developed like a university, and also teach law and humanities.
It came as a rude shock for the faculty demanding pay hike and more autonomy because if that happens the government will have greater say in the affairs of the institute and salaries of the faculty members.
IIM board members remained silent on was discussed in the meeting, but sources say the board has decided not to take the protest route like the IITs. Instead, they plan to strike a deal with the HRD Ministry, something that won't go down well with the faculty.
"It is very shocking that the CFD is trying to get IIM a university status. This will lead to compromise of autonomy and losing control on the governance of the institute," said Dr Bakul Dholakia, former director, IIM-A.
It looks like IIMs have finally bowed down to the mounting pressure coming from the HRD Ministry, even as on Friday the IIM-A boards has decided not to antagonise governments on the issue of faculty salary hike and various other demands related to autonomy. This happens inspite of stiff opposition of the faculty council.