IIMs to double PG diploma seats, says HRD minister Prakash Javadekar

Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar held a meeting with IIM directors in Shillong and it was decided that IIMs will double their intake capacity and also increase the number of doctoral students.

No discussions were done on doing away the reservation in faculty appointments, although a passing mention was made that social equity principles enshrined in the Constitution be followed. Jayadekar however clarified that reservations are something that the Constitution provides and the government has no plans to make any changes.

"Intake will be doubled to nearly 20,000 from over 9,000 at present in postgraduate diploma courses. IIM directors have assured the minister that they will soon give their proposal. However, no deadline has been set." A senior official told ET.

Javadekar told IIM Directors that the expansion of doctoral programme would help in resolving the issue of faculty crunch. He also said that better avenues of fellowship will be given to willing candidates.

"However, a final decision in this regard will be taken with the Cabinet's approval," the minister added.

It was also decided in the meeting that IIMs will be a part of a new initiative of the government to make 20 world class universities/institutes. Of these, half will be in the government sector and the rest in private sector.
(image:indiatimes)