Indecision over IIM site in state continues

JAIPUR: Indecision continues over the location of the Indian Institute of Management in Rajasthan even though the HRD committee had given in-principal consent to set it up in Udaipur. The committee had submitted its report in October after visiting a few locations in Udaipur but the ministry has not finalised the location as yet.
"I am heading to New Delhi on Thursday and have sought appointment with HRD ministry officials to learn why things haven't progressed in matters concerning IIM, Udaipur," says Vipin Chandra Sharma, principal secretary, technical education, here.
Despite a central committee visiting Udaipur in October and submitting its report to the Centre on possible sites and measures to be taken, no significant step has been taken in the direction. "Things will be clear after I meet officials in New Delhi," is all that the principal secretary could say was when asked will there be any session for IIM, Udaipur this year or will an arrangement be made with other IIMs to start the process.
Giving the state an IIM, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee had reportedly said, "Teaching is expected to commence from academic year 2009-10 in four out of six new Indian Institutes of Management proposed in the Eleventh Plan in Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu." It seems the minister gave ground reality a miss while making the statement.
While IIM fails to find ground, technocrats after a makeshift arrangement of two years, are hopeful of managing the affairs of Indian Institute of Technology Rajasthan, in the state. "Things are on track for IIT, Rajasthan. We have identified 700 acres near the National Law University, and land acquisition has been ordered. Meantime, the IIT session will commence at the MBM, Engineering College in Jodhpur and permissions and requirements have been obtained," says Sharma.
His views are echoed by Arvind Roy, dean, faculty of engineering, MBM Engineering. Roy says, "Be positive. If all goes as planned we will see the session this year commencing at the MBM Enginerring College. Regarding infrastructure and support t the engineering college will provide, he is cautious, "We have drafted an MoU and waiting for the director IIT, Rajasthan to sign. Also, MBM, will only provide space for the functioning of IIT, Rajasthan and on its part has given all necessary clearances."
For commencing the session this year, additional construction will be required at MBM for which the maps have been cleared and some material procured---- but no work has started yet.
The pace at which work is happening at developing the premier institutes of management and technology indicates the state has a long way to go to catch up with Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh who hold this unique dual distinction of hosting both prestigious institutes.