By opening a branch in Singapore, IIM Bangalore will not only get financial aid but also the exposure at international level for Indian institutions. It can also cater to the needs of the wards of 9% population of Singaporeans which are Indians. The BITS, Pilani, Rajasthan is one such example which has opened its campus in Knowledge Village, Dubai apart from one in Goa.
Our institutions despite being research and education oriented are pressurized to think about the political, bureaucratic obligations. If any institute is financially independent, it should be given a chance to have tie-ups with other world class institutions and offshore study campuses for their research activities. They should be given full autonomy.
On the other side these institutions are unable to fulfill the internal demand-supply chain. Only 1% of the CAT aspirants get through IIMs. The need of the hour is to either increase the intake of seats or increase the number of IIMs or say to open an IIM in each state. (As in the case of National Law School, Bangalore, after the need was felt such seven law schools were opened in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Raipur, Gandhinagar and Kochi. One more at Lucknow is under consideration.)
By,
Ashwini Kumar Singh
Director – DREDS (District Rural Education Development Society)
Gopalganj, Bihar.
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/26/stories/2006012600441000.htm)
(http://www.patnadaily.com/readerswrite/2006/jan/ashwini_singh.html)