a) According to the Minister the students at IITs and IIMs are world class and not the faculty. However, IIMs and IITs have nearly 25 % (my estimate) faculty who are from IIT/IIM background. At least they are world class, even by his standards. Further, rest are from top schools of US and India. All of them have high academic credentials. It is perhaps the culture, work priorities, ecosystem that does not allow them to publish as much as they would have liked.
b) According my latest study, country is facing leadership crisis. Education sector also suffers from the same. The true motivational leaders that could enthuse faculty for excellent research and other academic work could be counted on fingers in the country. This needs to be addressed, if we want many world-class institutions in India.
c) Suddenly we find that Government has completely withdrawn from the governance of IIMs and IITs. It is too risky as the checks and balances are getting adversely affected. It is essential that Government plays an active role in the governance of these places. Let us appreciate that these Institutions have reached to current level of excellence owing to active support of Government.
d) It is time that a review committee of international repute is assigned the task of studying IITs and IIMs and suggest measures. Committees of current and previous leaders of these Institutions would not be appropriate for this role.
