IIMs exploring foreign pastures

Bangalore Institute first to amend MoA and Rules

With Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal sanctioning the setting up of foreign campuses earlier this month, a long cherished dream of the IIMs is finally being realised.

Sibal had announced that the IIMs can set up campuses once the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules governing the IIM Societies had been modified to enable them to open campuses abroad. While IIMs will have campuses abroad, the focus is on starting short-term executive programmes that are remuneratively attractive and requires little investment.

IIM Bangalore is first off the blocks with the institute having already successfully amended its MoA and Rules. The institute has already begun exploring the possibility of an Executive Education Centre in Muscat, Oman to conduct short term courses for executives.

Officials from IIMB have already visited Muscat, and are also looking at other countries to start these programs. IIMB is also exploring linkages with American Institutes such as the University of California Berkeley, University of Texas Austin, and Richard Ivey School of University of Western Ontario.

Awaiting nod

While IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) is awaiting a nod from MHRD to amend its MoA and rules, the Board of Governors has asked Director Samir K Barua to explore a collaboration with Addis Ababa University following the visit of a delegation led by Minister of State for Education Dr Adhana Halie.

Singapore’s Economic Development Board has also visited IIMA and assured that they would facilitate the setting up of a campus of IIMA in Singapore for offering MBA and executive education programmes.

Board of Governors Chairman Dr Vijaipat Singhania has asked IIMA Director Samir K Barua to pursue the matter vigorously. IIM Kozhikode has also begun to explore the setting up of a campus in other countries. At the Board of Governors (BoG) meeting held in October last year, Director Dr Debhasis Chatterjee wanted to offer Executive Education in other countries such as Singapore and Dubai. IIMB Founder Director N S Ramaswamy said that the IIMs’ plan to open campuses abroad was a good one as it would raise their profile across the world.”

Moreover, six million Indians living abroad will be able to benefit from these courses,” he added.