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Journalism of Courage
The HRD Ministry has withdrawn two circulars issued in former minister Murli Manohar Joshi8217;s time, paving the way for collaboration between institutions of higher learning here and abroad without interference by any ministry. The withdrawal, it seems, is to facilitate the dialogue the IITs are having with Singapore and IIM-Ahmedabad has entered into with Egypt. Already, these institutions have decided not to carry their brand name abroad and set up full-fledged shops. Instead, they plan to enter into joint collaboration in a limited manner.
The withdrawal of the two circulars of January 2003 and May 2003 will definitely allow universities a lot of leeway to negotiate deals with foreign universities. Today, the Singapore delegation visited the HRD Ministry and informed officials of the nature of collaboration they wanted with the IITs. The earlier circulars which made it necessary to seek permission from the ministry or from state governments in the case of state universities had been clamped down by bureaucrats in Joshi8217;s ministry.
Asked if the lifting of the restrictions on foreign collaboration would help IIT8217;s deal with Singapore, Higher Education Secretary B.S. Baswan said: 8216;8216;These are all steps to ensure that the higher education institutions enjoy adequate autonomy. Besides, this restrictive circular had been referred to us by many aggrieved academics. And this is in line with the National Common Minimum Programme.8217;8217;
But others suggest that this is probably the first of the many steps the Union Government would have to take before allowing Indian institutions of higher learning and universities to take on an international role in the open market scenario. The General Agreement in Trade and Services is likely to come into effect next year whereby Indians can set up shop abroad and also provide openings for foreign universities to do business here.
