“IIT Council” sets up panels for more autonomy

“IIT Council” sets up panels for more autonomy

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank chaired the 54th meeting of the Council of Institutes of Technology (IITs) to discuss the implementation of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

What is IIT Council?

The Council of Indian Institutes of Technology, or IIT Council, is the governing body responsible for all of the Indian Institutes of Technology. The IIT Council is headed by the Union Education Minister. It also includes the directors of all IITs and the chairman of each IIT’s Board of Governors.

What is the Purpose of IIT Council?

The purpose of the IIT Council is to ensure the proper functioning of the institutes, as well as the welfare and benefit of their students. It assists in overseeing funding sources for research, and guaranteeing that all graduates have access to employment opportunities.

Key Recommendations by IIT Council:

On the basis of the recommendation of the Chairman of Standing Committee for IIT Council, four Working Groups were constituted on issues related to NEP-2020:

• Group-1: Graded Autonomy, Empowered and accountable BoG and Director
• Group-2: Grooming distinguished academics for the directorship of IITs
• Group-3: Reform and restructuring of the Academic Senate
• Group-4: Innovative funding mechanisms

Reducing staff strength: It has recommended a reduction in staff strength of IITs, especially non-teaching manpower. It is due to the increasing digitization and outsourcing.

IIT R&D Fair: The council has suggested arranging an Online IIT Research and Development (R&D) fair. It will showcase the quality research work of IITs to the industry.

Mobility of Faculty: The IITs should develop an Institute Development Plan to improve the mobility of faculty between institution and industry.

One IIT – One Thrust Area approach: IITs were urged to adopt ‘One IIT – One Thrust Area’ approach based on local needs.